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It was finally over. With the mighty Durandal in hand and his steed below him, Eliwood had slain the mighty Fire Dragon. The beast in question was summoned to the Dragon’s Gate by the now-dead Nergal, the vile sorcerer responsible for numerous atrocities across Elibe. Eliwood had grown tremendously over the course of his long journey, but he was not alone. The Lycian prince was supported by his three closest friends and allies: the strong but reckless Hector of Ostia, the kind but fierce Lyndis of the Lorca, and the army’s quiet but skilled tactician…Robin.The sun was finally beginning to rise as the exhausted heroes exited the Dragon’s Gate, practically leaning on each other for support all the while.“Haah… We… We did it, you guys,” Hector panted, hands on his knees. “We did it.”“Yes,” Eliwood agreed with a tired but relieved smile. “We certainly did. Elibe, and perhaps the world at large, is now free of Nergal’s evil. The gods smile upon us all today...”“L-Lord Eliwood!” a familiar soft voice cried out from behind the young leader. He didn’t even have to turn around to recognize it as Ninian’s, but he did so anyway out of shock and was met with the half-manakete dancer practically throwing herself into his arms. “Ninian!” he exclaimed with a look of surprise as he held her close. “... So you’ve decided to stay here after all? Are you sure about this?”Smiling, she nodded before staring deeply into his eyes. “I am, yes… I’ll always miss Nils, but I know that he’ll be safe in our world now... Thank you, Eliwood. You have saved me numerous times, in more ways than one, and… and you have my heart as well.” “Ninian,” Eliwood uttered with a wholesome smile. “That’s…”“Blehhh!”The couple turned to their larger companion, Hector, who was leaning over and retching as if he had ingested the foulest of poisons. Robin, meanwhile, patted him on the back consolingly.“Hector!” Lyn yelled.Hector gagged and wiped his mouth with his wrist as his two closest friends shot him a dirty look. Ninian merely blinked in confusion. “Look at these two. It’s all... sappy and gross! You’ll never find me falling head over heels for anyone like that. Not now, not ever!”“It’s a good thing Farina isn’t here to hear you say such things, you know,” Lyn retorted, smirking. “Perhaps you’ll have to pay her a visit in Ilia once we get back to the mainland.”“I already paid her twenty-thousand gold pieces, now you want me to pay her more?!”“Oh, Hector, you’re simply hopeless!”Eliwood and Ninian continued to hold each other close as the two bickered, and Robin merely stepped back to enjoy the view of the sun rising on the Dread Isle. It had been only about two years since Lyndis had found him alone and unconscious on the plains of Sacae, and he only become really acquainted with Eliwood and Hector over the past year. Robin would never forget the look on Lyndis’s face when the three of them arrived to help her during the invasion of Caelin. How brilliantly her eyes shone amidst all the chaos...And yet, in spite of all of this… in spite of all the time they had spent together and all of their achievements, the young tactician couldn’t help but feel out of place next to his three companions. They were all skilled warriors in their own right, and yet the tactician could barely hold a sword.“What about you, Robin?” Lyn inquired, snapping him out of his thoughts. “What do you plan to do now?”“Ah… um,” the tactician stammered, wringing his hands nervously. He had never really been much of a talker to begin with and now she was springing this onto him?! “I… haven’t really decided yet, truth be told…”“Is that so? Well, you’re more than welcome to come back to Caelin with me. You can even be our official tactician!”Hector snorted boorishly. “Sounds more like a marriage proposal to me.”“Hector!”Hearing his words made both Lyn and Robin’s faces redden considerably. Eliwood and Ninian silently turned their attention towards their trio of friends with bemused expressions.Lyn, her mouth agape, was at a loss for words. She knew that Hector could be a brazen oaf from time to time (more often than not, really), but not once had he ever brought something like this to the table. The nerve of him! It was true that she and Robin had grown incredibly close in such a relatively short amount of time, and it was also true that she had stolen glances at him when she thought no one was looking, but...Oh, dear Elimine. Robin, predictably, didn’t quite know how to respond either. He had always looked up to Lyndis as someone who was strong-willed yet kindhearted, and he’d be lying to himself if he said that he didn’t find her beautiful. Even so, he had never quite considered their relationship to be that intense. “I… um… th-that is to say,” Robin stumbled over his words, his ears blazing with embarrassment. “Well, I - “Lyn held out a hand in his direction as she scowled at a smug Hector. “You don’t have to waste your breath on the likes of him, Robin. It’s fine.”Eliwood sighed, face in his hand. “We defeated Nergal not thirty minutes ago and you two are already at each other’s throats again… You might as well save the bickering for the voyage back home. I have no doubt Fargus will be more than willing to hear about this…”---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upon reaching the mainland, everything quickly began to fall apart. Hector’s older brother, Uther, had recently died of the same illness responsible for taking their parents away. As a result, Hector and his subordinates were forced to return to Ostia as quickly as possible. Eliwood and the others offered their sincerest condolences and offered to go with him, but Marcus was quick to point out that Lycia still needed its future marquess to return home as well.And so, with a heavy heart, Eliwood and Ninian said goodbye to both Lyndis and Robin for the time being as the army splintered off. Many recruits went their separate ways until only Lyndis’s Legion remained. Wil and Florina bade farewell and returned home to their families as Kent and Sain escorted Lyn and Robin home to Caelin. The odd pair, still loyal to Lyn and Caelin, resumed their post outside the castle.“Poor Hector,” Lyn mused softly, poking her half-eaten dinner with a fork. “I didn’t really know Uther, but this can’t be easy on him…”Robin, who was sitting across the table from her, wore a similarly saddened expression. “I know… the guy’s not even past his nineteenth year and he’s already lost all of his family members. It seems like death’s stalked all of us at some point or another. First you, then Eliwood… and now him.”Lyn eyed the tactician somberly, taking in the empathetic look in his deep brown eyes. “... What about your family, Robin?”“Huh?” he blurted, looking back at her. “What do you mean?”The Sacaen swallowed the lump in her throat before pressing on. “Are they… you know…” “Dead? I can’t say,” Robin admitted with a heavy sigh. “My earliest memory in this world is waking up to the sight of you in your home… I don’t know if I even have a family, truthfully.”Lyn gasped, a hand over her mouth. Robin never spoke much and spoke even less about himself, but this revelation still came as a shock to her regardless. “Goodness… I’m so sorry, Robin.”“From where I’m sitting, you three have it much worse. I can’t remember having any loved ones, but if I were to lose someone like you, I…”“Robin!” Lyn uttered with wide eyes. The tactician blushed fiercely, trying to hide his face in his luscious green robe. “A-ah, no! What I meant to say was…”Lyn giggled quietly and shook her head with a smile. “It’s fine. Still… I’m sorry about your memory.”“Lyndis, I - “ Robin was interrupted by the sound of one of Castle Caelin’s maids bursting through the door and into the dining hall. “L-Lady Lyndis! Lord Hausen is most ill!”“Oh, no,” Lyn moaned in horror, rising from her seat. “Where is he?!” “He’s in his chamber as we speak,” she explained, motioning for both of them to come with her. “He had a violent coughing fit not too long ago and collapsed. He has requested your presence at once!”Without another word, the pair rushed out of the dining hall after the maid as the three of them made their way to the highest floor of the castle. The lord’s chamber was a fair sprint away, and Lyn nearly knocked over several servants in her plight to reach her grandfather. “Grandfather!” Lyn cried, kicking open the door to his room and nearly hitting the nearby doctor in the process. Rushing over to his bedside, she asked, “Are you alright?!”The old man coughed and turned his head so that his face no longer rested on the pillow. Robin entered the room quietly and could see that Lord Hausen was pale and gaunt, now more than ever. His once daily garden walks with Lyn had seemed to improve his health before the invasion of Caelin, but now his breathing was ragged and his chest heaved with every breath he took. Robin could only turn his head away somberly as his friend pleaded with Hausen to keep living. The apothecary, meanwhile, exited the room to give them some privacy.“Grandfather… please… it feels like we’ve only just met,” Lyn mumbled tearfully. “... Who did this to you? I’ll find them! I’ll find them and… and…”“Lyndis… you are a strong girl, just as your mother was,” Hausen told her with a gentle smile before coughing. “Urk… you… you are Madelyn’s girl. Madelyn and Hassar… they smile upon you, as do I…”Lyn kneeled by her grandfather’s side, grabbing his withered hand and pressing it to her face. “No… not now… please… not when we’re finally free…!”Hausen lifted his hand from Lyn and stroked her cheek gently before turning his attention to Robin. “... You there, boy. You were the one who… koff... reunited us to begin with, yes?”“A-ah… well, I wasn’t alone, sir,” Robin admitted sheepishly, looking him in the eye. “The knights of Caelin did far more for her than I ever could…”“Heh… how humble of you... Thank you, son. You and Lyndis have endured much strife… I know that you’ll take care of each other long after I am gone,” Hausen asserted with conviction, even through his illness. “Yes, I… I can die... knowing that you’re both in good hands…”Closing his eyes, Lord Hausen drew his final breath and smiled gracefully as he finally let his spirit rest. “No… Grandfather,” Lyn pleaded uselessly, clutching his cold hand with both of hers. “This can’t be happening...”The apothecary reentered the room with a grim expression. “I’m sorry, Lady Lyndis. By the time I had arrived to administer the medicine, his organs had already suffered irreversible damage. Lord Hausen’s lain was so severe that he refused my treatment altogether. His final wish was to see you one last time…”“Lundgren,” Robin snarled under his breath, fists clenched as he looked away from the dead marquess and his grieving granddaughter. The tactician instantly pieces together that all of the poison Hausen’s brother forced him to drink, coupled with his old age, ultimately doomed him. “Damn him…!”“Robin,” Lyn sniffed, wiping her eyes with her arm. “Lyn… I’m so sorry,” the tactician voiced mournfully, kneeling down and embracing the girl. “I… I don’t know what to say…”The Sacaen woman sighed. “Don’t. Just… stay with me. Please...”“... Always.” The pair sat by Hausen’s bed for what felt like ages. Lyn, tired as she was, couldn’t will herself to move. Too much had happened in such a short period of time. Too many people had died during the war against Nergal as is, but now this? She had gotten wind of her grandfather’s worsening condition via messenger, but she never expected him to pass away this early. With the death of her grandfather, Lyn had lost the one family member she had left in this world. Even with Robin’s arms wrapped around her tightly, she still felt utterly and completely alone. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The funeral service was held just a few days later and, per the deceased Lord Hausen’s request, was a small and private affair. Though citizens all over Caelin received word of his death and mourned appropriately, only a few select individuals outside of the castle’s staff were permitted to attend the service. “This is all our fault,” Sain moped as he and the others stood by the grave, the skies darkening. “Had we arrived back in Caelin earlier, Lord Hausen wouldn’t have taken in so much poison…!”“... I’m sorry, my liege,” Kent apologized, bowing at Hausen’s tombstone. “I have failed you. You trusted me with your life… and I failed you.”Lyn shook her head fiercely. “Stop that, you two. If not for your efforts, I would have never gotten the chance to meet him before he died. That has to count for something, right?” “I suppose…”“Sniff… y-yeah…”Robin stood under a nearby tree, observing his friends give their final words to Hausen from afar. One by one, each of the attendees walked up to the grave and spoke to it, occasionally adorning it with the flowers Hausen had adored so much in life. The young tactician wanted to say something, anything, to express his deepest condolences, but he just couldn’t bring himself to open his mouth. Feeling utterly disgusted with himself, Robin glumly gazed at his friends say goodbye to the former marquess until only Eliwood, Hector, and Lyn remained by the grave.“Damn it all,” the rising Marquess of Ostia swore, glaring down at his feet. “If only we ran into you sooner… I’m sorry, Lyn.”“It’s not your fault,” she reassured him, patting his shoulder. “Thank you for coming, Hector. I know that this was probably the last place you wanted to be right now, so this really means a lot to me…”“Hey, if Uther had wanted a funeral, I know you would have done the same for me,” Hector replied back with a sad yet comforting smile. Eliwood said nothing, but stood between his friends with a gentle hand on each of their shoulders. Robin couldn’t help but grin; the three of them had such chemistry both on and off the battlefield. Being comparatively mute by comparison, he couldn’t help but feel a little bit jealous of their relationship…“No,” he scolded himself quietly as he shook the thought out of his mind. “Now’s not the time to be selfish, Robin… She needs you right now.”Despite his words, he couldn’t help but feel like he was lying to himself. When had Lyndis ever really needed him? If anything, it felt like the other way around for Robin. She nursed him back to health, he practically hid behind her every battle like a coward, and it always seemed like she could handle any and every scenario without his “help”. Forcing those thoughts deeper inside of him, Robin approached the other three with a sad smile. “Hello, everyone.”Everyone smiled at him in return and began to talk about the circumstances regarding the fate of Caelin. In a normal scenario, the firstborn son of the marquess would take the throne. As Lyn was literally the only living blood-relative of Lord Hausen, however, the task of leadership would naturally fall to her. Of course, Lyn was hardly one for politics, let alone full-blown leadership of what basically amounted to a small country. To say nothing of the absolute heresy of a half-Sacaen woman becoming the marquess (or rather, marchioness) of Caelin. Lyn had always been proud of her heritage, but she knew that more than a few people would disapprove of her having any role in Caelin politics.“... Fine by me. I could never live such a stuffy life anyway,” she claimed, folding her arms defiantly. “Even so, Caelin still needs a leader…”Hector raised an eyebrow. “So… what, then? You’re just gonna pack up and leave?”“What choice do I have? I’m not a leader. I never have been,” Lyn protested, shaking her head wistfully. “I couldn’t even lead my own tribe; how can I be expected to lead a people who I have little in common with as is? My own people wouldn’t even listen to me, Hector!”“... Well, when you put it that way - ““Hector!” Eliwood admonished. “You know that’s not what I meant!” he protested in return. “I’m just saying that Lyn’s probably right about not exactly being fit to rule a nation. Hell, I’m not fit to rule a nation. The difference between us and her is that we were raised for this kinda thing. It only makes sense that Lyn wouldn’t be comfortable with leading the place permanently.”Lyn and Robin both looked at the warrior in surprise. “... What? What’d I say?”“That was surprisingly insightful of you, Hector,” Lyn stated with a slight chuckle. “I’d feel bad about leaving everyone behind, but… I just don’t belong here. Not as a leader, nor as a citizen. The plains are my home.”Eliwood and Hector silently exchanged glances before nodding. The latter claimed, “Well, if you’re sure about this, I’ll see what I can do about bringing Caelin under Ostian protection. I can’t imagine the council would be too disappointed about the extra opportunities, but I’ll crush anyone who tries to harm Caelin or its people.”“Hector,” Lyn cooed with a bright smile. “... Thank you.”“Ha. Don’t mention it…”By nightfall, Eliwood and Hector had departed back to Lycia and Ostia respectively as Lyn began packing up her belongings in her chamber. Hector said that he personally would make sure troops would arrive no later than tomorrow night, and hopefully Lyn could leave the castle swiftly after saying goodbye to everyone.“Look at all these fancy garments,” Robin said from her door frame, admiring a fancy red silk robe sitting on a dresser. “You sure you don’t want to take that with you, Lyn?”“It’s not really my style. You’re free to keep it, though,” she teased as she continued packing. Turning to the tactician, she inquired, “Have you started packing yet?”“Hmm?”“You know, for the trip,” Lyn clarified. “It’s a long walk back to Sacae, you know. We’re lucky that Castle Caelin had a few horses to spare!”“Ah… uh… truthfully, I hadn’t really considered going with you,” Robin answered bluntly. Seeing her shocked face, he backpedaled. “A-argh, no! That’s not… it’s not that I don’t want to be with you, it’s just…”“So… you do want to be with me?”“Yes! I mean, no! I mean…”“Ahaha! It’s okay, Robin,” Lyn relented, giggling a bit. “I just assumed that you would be coming back with me, but it’s really no problem if you prefer the comfort of Caelin.”Robin recomposed himself before turning to face her again. “Now you know that’s not true. It’s a nice life, to be sure, but there’s a certain beauty to Sacae all the same…”“At least we can agree on that,” Lyn said with a blissful grin. “... So you’re coming with me, then?”“I’d love to, but… is it really appropriate?” “What? What are you talking about?”“Isn’t it frowned upon for an unmarried man and woman to live together in Sacae? I’ll admit, I don’t know nearly as much about Lorcan customs specifically, but…”Lyn closed her eyes for a moment and reflected on his words before responding. “... Yes, I suppose it would be rather frowned upon by the other tribes. Even so, I am the last of the Lorca. Their traditions shall always live on in me, but I must be free to live my own life as well. And right now, Robin… there’s no one I’d rather have by my side.”Robin froze up, looking at the girl before him in surprise. Did she really mean that…?“Lyndis, I…”“No need for the formalities, Robin. Lyn will do,” she told him as she finished packing her belongings in a sack. “We’ve known each other for quite some time now; you’ve more than earned that right.”“Uh, okay… Lyn, I just want you to know that - “The tentative tactician was interrupted by the harsh crack of thunder just outside Lyn’s bedroom window. The scare caused both of them to jump before the gentle pitter-patter of rain descended onto the roof, making them relax.Lyn let out a chuckle of relief before sitting on her bed, patting the spot next to her for Robin. “You know, Robin, we used to have storms like this in Sacae all the time.”Robin hesitated for a moment before obliging her nonverbal request. “You’re japing! But… how did you manage? I can’t imagine your tents nor your clothes would offer much protection against the rain.”“And what’s wrong with my clothes, exactly?”“That’s not what I - ““Kidding,” she reassured with a cheeky grin. The strategist sighed, head dropping in exasperation. “I hate it when you do that, you know.”“Oh, I’m well aware,” Lyn said, laughing as she ruffled Robin’s hair a bit. “But seriously, go pack up your belongings! It’s getting late, and I was hoping to take one last stroll around Caelin tomorrow before we finally head out.”Robin stood up from the bed and began walking towards the door. Throwing up his hands, he joked, “As you wish, Lady Lyndis.”“Oh, get out!” Lyn shot back, laughing.The love struck strategist left the room and waltzed down the castle halls, humming a tune to himself. It was as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Living out on the plains with Lyn would be a new and indubitably nerve wracking experience, but it excited him all the same.Robin nearly passed a large mirror on one of the walls before stopping to look at himself. Same messy brown hair, same green cloak, same baggy eyes… On any other night, he might have concluded that he looked unappealing at best.Now, though… now he was feeling emboldened. Emboldened enough to confess his feelings, even.“Well, aren’t you a handsome devil?” he cooed at his reflection before laughing. “Heh…”“So I’ve been told,” came the response.Robin blinked twice in dull surprise. “... Huh? That’s odd… for a moment, it almost sounded like my reflection replied to me… I must be more tired than I thought.”It came as quite a shock to the strategist when his reflection shifted altogether. A black and purple cloak replaced the green robe and brown hair turned to white. Perhaps most unnerving were the red eyes glaring at him from the mirror.“What in the name of the gods…?!” Robin exclaimed as he hastily jumped back. As he did so, he felt a cold hand grip his wrist tightly, another arm wrapping around his form. Robin turned his head to see that his supposed reflection was culprit. “Gah!”“Be still, you fool,” the evil-looking Robin demanded. “If you behave, the process shouldn’t take much longer than - ““N-n-no!” Robin refused, struggling to free himself from his grip. “Lyn, Kent, Sain, anybody! H-help!”“Enough!”The evil Robin relinquished his grasp on the frightened strategist only to backhand him, sending him to the floor. While he was down, Robin then felt two frigid hands surround his throat as those red eyes pierced into his soul. It felt like his very mind was being taken from him, and that was all he had.“Ngh… I’m sorry, Lyn,” he barely managed to wheeze out, a tear rolling down his face. “I should have… told you sooner…”“Do not grieve,” his assailant muttered, glaring down at Robin. “With this, you and I shall be whole again, and we shall fulfill our destiny.”“Hey!”The doppelgänger was broken out of his spell by a shrill yet powerful voice. He cursed silently as the mental link between him and Robin was broken, a painful shockwave ringing through his brain. Robin meanwhile laid unconscious, his hair having turned white as snow from the mental assault.Lyn couldn’t believe her eyes. He looked just like Robin, and yet… he was not. “Do you mind? I’m kind of in the middle of something here.”“Who on Mother Earth are you?” she demanded, brandishing her Mani Katti in her hand. “A leftover remnant of Nergal’s?”The clone shook his head. “You misunderstand, girl. This boy here, Robin… He has something of mine. Namely, his very existence. I’m simply taking back what’s rightfully mine.”“What kind of nonsense is that?! Robin’s not some object for you to possess! He’s a human being, and he’s my friend!” Lyn shouted.The Sacaen rushed forward and slashed multiple times at the clone, but her sword merely bounced off of him each time. “What the…?”“Dragonskin, baby. Never fails.”Lyn had no time to react as a dark blast of magic shoved her to the floor. The doppelgänger sighed and snapped his fingers, and a swirling portal was opened within seconds. Lifting Robin, he said, “I’m disappointed, but not surprised. I should have known that such a weak heart would need more time to cook. At least now I can send him back to his proper home and wait it out.”Lyn could only watch in shock and horror as her unconscious friend was flung into the portal, disappearing. The evil clone dusted himself off before stepping into it himself, and the Sacaen fighter leapt to her feet and sprinted towards the vortex out of desperation.‘I cannot… I will not let Robin down!’ she thought as she leapt forward. ‘Even if this means putting myself in more danger than ever before… I’ll persevere, no matter the odds!’The portal closed just after Lyn passed through it, and the castle guards finally arrived to a strange sight. Though a commotion was heard, nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary save for a cracked mirror…“... Lady Lyndis?” Kent called down the hall.“Robin?” Sain asked, looking around cautiously. “... Are either of you there?”
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The first sensation Lyn could recall was the feeling of a thick blanket over her resting form. It was soft to the touch and just as warm, and the Sacaean smiled to herself with closed eyes as she snuggled into the sheets."... Wait a minute," she uttered, eyes shooting open. "This isn't my cot!"Shooting upright, she threw the blanket off of her. Lyn was still wearing all of her clothes from the previous day, but she still scrutinized the room suspiciously. Nothing seemed particularly out of the ordinary; beige walls, wooden flooring, both the Mani Katti and Sol Katti resting together on a nearby table…"Aha," she whispered to herself, hopping out of bed and rushing over to her weapons. The Mani Katti's blade shone a brilliant silver, and its beauty was rivaled only by the ornate red hilt of the Sol Katti. Lyn sheathed both weapons on her person with a satisfied sigh. "Well, at least I still have you two. But… just where am I?""U-um," a tiny voice squeaked from behind her. Lyn instinctively drew her blade and pointed it towards the source defensively. The swordswoman blinked in surprise upon seeing a pink-haired girl in a decidedly revealing white outfit. The girl let out a shriek, purple eyes large with fear. "Eek! P-Please don't!""Oh!" Lyn gasped, withdrawing her weapon immediately before bowing her head in shame. "I'm so sorry! You gave me quite the scare, you know…"The other girl wrung her hands together nervously as she looked away in embarrassment. "I… I'm sorry…""Don't worry about it. I just want to know a couple of things, though… Where am I and how did I get here?""I… I was making the rounds just outside of town when I noticed that you were passed out in the snow…"Lyn's eyes widened upon hearing this. "... Snow?"In an instant, she rushed over to the nearest window and threw open the blinds. Lyn momentarily regretted the decision as a flash of white blinded her vision. Upon regaining her bearings, however, she noticed that there was indeed snow as far as the eye could see. It was as if she had landed in Ilia of all places…"Y-yes," the pink-haired girl mumbled shyly, getting Lyn's attention. "I couldn't just leave you out there to freeze to death, s-so I brought you back to my home… I hope you don't mind…"The Sacaean grinned, eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Not at all, friend. Thank you."She extended her hand towards her savior. "I'm Lyn. And you are?"The pink-haired girl briefly flinched upon being offered her hand, but slowly reached over and shook it with a trembling hand of her own. "Um… I'm Olivia. I work as a d-dancer here in West Ferox."Lyn's face contorted in confusion. The name didn't sound anything at all like a location in Elibe. At least not that she could recall, anyway. "... West Ferox?""That's right," Olivia answered with a kind smile. "Together with East Ferox, we make up the country of Regna Ferox.""... Right.""Hee hee… I take it you're new here?""You could say that," Lyn answered with a chuckle. She wasn't any closer to finding Robin, but it was a start. "In any case, it was a pleasure to meet you, Olivia. You will always have my thanks for saving me. That being said, I'm afraid I have to go now... There's someone I'm after.""Oh! O-of course," Olivia said, nodding. "You probably have family to return home to, right?"Lyn winced slightly, but maintained her composure. "Er… not exactly…"Olivia's hands flew to her mouth immediately as the mortification rose to her face. "Oh… oh my goodness! I'm so sorry! I had no idea…"The Sacaean shook her head, smiling politely. "It's fine. No harm done."Olivia's face seemed to sink slightly for a moment before she turned her head away shyly. "W-Well, okay... If I may, though… How do you plan on traveling in this weather? Your dress is beautiful, but it's not exactly fit for the weather…"Lyn looked at Olivia from top to bottom and back again before giving her an expression of confusion. "But… you're wearing less than I am…""Ah… so I am," the dancer yielded, coughing as her blush returned. She walked over to a nearby dresser and said, "Still… you should take something to protect you from the cold!"Lyn would have argued against it, but it was true that Sacaeans weren't exactly used to handling snowy weather as is. Not helping was the fact that she had left all of her other clothes back at home…Olivia came back with a brown cloak, brown snow boots, and what looked like a thin black bodysuit. "H-here you go… the suit goes under your d-dress, and I'm sure you can figure out the rest…""Thank you, Olivia," Lyn said, bowing her head in respect and gratitude before accepting the articles of clothing. "I'll put these to good use. Won't you be cold, though?""D-don't worry about me! I have plenty of coats lying around," the dancer affirmed. Turning and walking out of the room, she uttered, "I'll give you some privacy…"Within a couple of minutes, Lyn had gotten dressed for the day. She greatly appreciated Olivia's generosity; snug as the bodysuit might have been, it was certain to keep both her arms and legs warm as well as the rest of her."Are you sure you're not hungry or thirsty?" Olivia asked Lyn as the latter walked out of the bedroom."Not at the moment, no. I appreciate your hospitality though!""Well, okay… You said you were looking for someone, right? Maybe you can find some help in the Feroxi marketplace," the dancer suggested. "It's really not too far from here. Just make a right when you leave here and keep walking down the hill.""Thank you, Olivia. I won't forget how much you've helped me," Lyn claimed, opening the door. "I hope our paths cross again someday, that I may return the favor.""It was n-nothing, really," Olivia bashfully stammered, looking down at her feet with a smile. "Good luck out there, Lyn…"The howling, icy wind bit at Lyn's face as she carefully made her way down the snowy hill. Each step she took made a satisfying crunch as the Sacaean swordswoman continued to walk down the path."H-how did Florina and her sisters enjoy this weather?" she asked herself, her teeth chattering. Lyn would have to remember to thank Olivia again a thousand times over for loaning her such practical clothing.Lyn's frosty march continued for a few more minutes before she finally made her way past a rusted metal gate, entering the marketplace. The wind had died down a bit as many voices became more and more audible. Grinning triumphantly, Lyn silently thanked Mother Earth and Father Sky for blessing her with landing so close to civilization."Oranges! Get yer oranges here!" a merchant advertised, attracting some townspeople. "Fresh from Valm!""We got meat 'ere! Come and get some Feroxi cold cuts here!""Anybody wanna buy some cabbages?" a red-haired merchant questioned no one in particular. Turning to Lyn with a wily grin, she said, "I'm sure you do, Miss!""Ah… me?""But of course! Such a lovely green-haired vixen such as yourself must adore vegetables, am I right?"Lyn blushed, examining the cabbage stand more closely. "W-Well, I certainly don't think I'm quite that lovely - ""Nonsense! I'm sure you could have all the men here in Ferox wrapped around your finger! Heck, maybe even some of the women as well!""Anna, stop," a gruff voice chided. Lyn whirled around to see a tall man in a dark cloak standing a fair distance behind her. "Shameless flattery will get you nowhere."The merchant paused, blinking, before suddenly taking on a smirk. Winking, she flirted, "Well hello again, handsome. Back for more of my delicious cabbages?""... Perhaps," he replied nonchalantly, reaching into his cloak and procuring a modest pouch of gold from it.The hooded man came over and was about to put the gold on the stall when he noticed that he was now standing rather close to Lyn. The Sacaean gazed up at him in confusion and met his eye, and the cowled man froze up on the spot."Er… are you quite alright, sir?" she inquired concernedly. Not getting a response, Lyn waved her hand in front of his face. This caused the man to flinch violently, taking a few steps back."Gah! Back, woman!""What? I didn't even touch you!" she protested, taken aback by his rudeness. Just who was this man, anyway?Anna sighed and gave Lyn an apologetic look. "Terribly sorry about that, Greenie. My friend here is a bit of an oddball when it comes to the ladies.""Is he now? A female friend of mine seems to have almost the exact same problem…""E-Enough!" the man blurted, setting the gold down on the stall and skulking away with some cabbages in his hands."Hey!" Lyn shouted."Ah, it's fine. Honestly, he probably could have taken a little more with how much gold he left me," Anna admitted before sighing dreamily. "Isn't he dashing?""...""A-Ah! Anyway, did you need something?"Lyn raised an eyebrow before answering in great detail. "I was just wondering if you could help me locate my friend, Robin. He's roughly my height, somewhat frail, wears a green cloak, and usually doesn't talk much."The red-haired veggie peddler gave a noise of contemplation, finger resting on her chin. "Mmm… That's quite specific. I dunno if I can help ya out there…""Please," Lyn begged. "He's very important to me. If it's coin you need, I'm sure I can oblige - "Her eyes widened in shock as she remembered that she didn't even have any money on her, much less the currency of this land in particular."Let me guess, you left it in your other pants?" Anna joked, earning a sharp glare in response. "Kidding, kidding! Sheesh, tough crowd… In all honesty, I've never even met your friend before."Lyn's face fell as her heart sank. "Oh…""Now hold your horses!" the merchant girl shouted. "What I do know is that there's a big coliseum that was built right on the border of East and West Ferox. Warriors from all across the globe gather there frequently to test their mettle and being home the gold! Mmm… gold…""A coliseum, you say?" Lyn questioned, perking up slightly. "... I see. And how would I go about getting there?""Like I said, it's on the border. Your best bet would be to hitch a ride in a carriage," Anna suggested with a shrug."But… I don't have any money…""That's okay!" Anna chirped with a grin. "My boyfriend can take you there for free! His name is Jake. Just tell him Anna sent you and he'll understand.""Really? He would help me just like that?""Sure! He's kind of a sweetheart that way," she said, giggling. "You're just lucky that I'm not the driver, otherwise I would have said no.""I… see," Lyn mused quietly, nodding. With a smile, she added, "Thank you so much, Anna. Truly.""Not at all! Once you leave the marketplace, he shouldn't be too far away. I'd go with you myself, but a gal's gotta make money somehow…"Both of the girls laughed for a moment before Lyn spoke up again. "... You know, you remind me of this girl from my own world named Anna…""I mean, it is a pretty common name," said the merchant."Well, I suppose, but… she also has red hair in a ponytail…""Sweetie, you have green hair. I'm pretty sure it's not that strange to meet two people with red hair in your lifetime.""Come to think of it, she has a boyfriend named Jake too!" Lyn exclaimed with big eyes."Enough already!" Anna shouted peevishly, getting curious looks from some other shopkeepers and customers in the process. "Ah… ahem. What I meant to say was that you probably have a busy day ahead of you, right? And time waits for no one, my girl! For all you know, Robin might be on his way out of the kingdom by now.""Gods, you're right!" Lyn exclaimed, turning towards the exit of the marketplace she hadn't visited yet. "I must get going now. Thanks again, Anna!""You're welcome!" she called back, leaning forward onto her stand. "Sheesh… the nerve of that girl, talking my ear off like that. I should start charging by the second, I should!"A nearby customer snarked, "I don't suppose you've ever purchased any self-awareness in your lifetime?""Huh? What's that?""I rest my case..."It took a little while to locate Jake's wagon, but Lyn finally reached it and, true to Anna's word, was offered a ride to the coliseum free of charge. The arena stood imposingly as the lone swordswoman walked forward, and she felt herself tense up slightly with each step.Walking past the grand doors and into the main hall, Lyn could see that Anna wasn't joking when she said that many a warrior gathered here. Knights, mages, mercenaries… all brought here for fame and fortune, no doubt.Lyn pushed aside any uncertainty and waltzed up to a group of men. Clearing her throat, she questioned, "Excuse me, but have any of you seen a tactician around here lately?""Oi! Get a load of this one, lads," one of them jeered, his eyes traveling lecherously. "Ain't she a pretty one? Gahaha!""Eyes up, sir," Lyn snarled. "Anyway, he's really important to me, so I was just wondering if - ""Ooh, she's got a little boyfriend, doesn't she?" an archer taunted. "How precious."The swordswoman's face flared up in both anger and humiliation. She hadn't been here for five minutes and she was already being disrespected in such a way! "Why are you being so rude to me?! I don't even know any of you!""Look," a merc said as he grabbed her arm roughly, "I don't know who you think you are, but - "He couldn't even finish his sentence before Lyn's forehead made contact with his face. The man relinquished his grip as his hand flew to his broken nose."Who do you think you are?!" Lyn challenged, getting into a defensive position with her hand on the Mani Katti's hilt.Several of the once-laughing competitors glared at her and grabbed their weapons, clearly unamused."Lady, you have no idea who you're messin' with here!" the bleeding mercenary said as he ran off in a huff, his allies moving closer to Lyn threateningly.Lyn smirked as she drew her blade. "From where I'm standing, I could say the same to you!""Hey! We don't have to take this from you! Get her, lads!"Lyn was no stranger to combat, and she knew all too well that her greatest strengths lied in her agility and evasion tactics. The swordswoman dodged an incoming sword swing with ease before retaliating with a few quick slashes of her own, knocking her assailant to the ground."Dodge this!" an angered fighter cried as he lunged forward with an axe in hand."With pleasure!"Lyn merely sidestepped the attack before slicing into his side multiple times. The wounded fighter crumpled to the floor, clutching his bloody side in agony."Damnit! She's too fast!"The archer from before chuckled darkly as he drew his bow. "Is that right? Well, let's see if you can dodge this!""What the hell is going on in here?!" a booming voice demanded, causing everyone to jump."Eep!"The startled archer let his arrow fly a little too early, and Lyn leapt out of the way just in time. She turned her head to see a tall dark man with an eyepatch standing far behind her. "Look out!"The man didn't even flinch as he caught the arrow mid-flight between his index finger and his thumb, snapping it in two with ease. The previously-aggressive mercenaries crumbled before the imposing one-eyed man, as did Lyn herself."Th-That's not how physics work," the archer stammered."QUIET!" he shouted. "Who's to blame for starting this bloodbath, huh?"Everyone unceremoniously pointed at Lyn."I… I can explain!" she blurted, feebly trying to shake some of the blood off of her blade. "I was only acting in self-defense! I had no intention of…"The tall man approached her slowly, and Lyn saw her entire life flash before her eyes. She would be lucky if she was merely imprisoned and not flat out executed for her actions. An ever growing sense of dread formed in the pit of her stomach as the man finally came to a stop mere inches from her."You did, did you?" he asked gruffly, scrutinizing her with a stern eye. "Well, in that case…"'This is it,' Lyn thought to herself. 'I'm sorry, everyone… I've failed you.'"... It looks like I've got a new potential champion in the making!" the large man boomed, laughing heartily. "Welcome aboard, lass!"The swordswoman's jaw dropped. She had just wounded several of the would-be contestants here, and he was happy about it?!"You're alright," he said, patting her shoulder somewhat roughly. "What's your name, young one?""I… I'm Lyn…""Lyn, eh? Glad to meet ya! I'm Khan Basilio of West Ferox," he greeted with a grin. Turning to everyone else, he ordered, "Alright, back to work everyone! The tournament is tomorrow, and I still need to figure out who I'm betting my leadership on! All able-bodied fighters are to report to the training wing in about thirty minutes! And for Feroxi's sake, get this blood mopped up!"As everyone returned to their duties and the wounded mercenaries were taken to the infirmary, Basilio turned back to the smaller woman. "Heh. I saw those licks from your blade, girl. Good stuff. You might even be on par with last year's champion!"Lyn recomposed herself and pridefully stood up straight. "Thank you, Khan Basilio. I have honed my skill with the blade for years now, but I still have much to learn."Basilio nodded, folding his arms with a smirk. "Skilled and humble. Flavia could definitely learn a thing or two from you, lass!""Who?""She's the Khan of East Ferox. Every couple of years or so, our two kingdoms go toe-to-toe in this here arena," he explained. "The team that wins decides who's gonna be the Supreme Khan of both Feroxes until the next tournament."Lyn nodded slowly with pursed lips. "... I see. Well, it's definitely more interesting than Caelinian politics…"The West Khan let out a boisterous laugh. "Big time! Does this mean that I can expect to see you on my team come tomorrow morning?""Excuse me?""That's why you're here, isn't it? To take part in Feroxi's biggest tournament yet and bring home the glory?""N-no!" Lyn refused, shaking her head frantically. "I mean no offense, Khan Basilio, but I'm actually just here to look for someone.""Ah… damn," he replied, scratching his chin casually. "Well, that's a shame. From the snippets I saw, you could have the makings of a real champion. Still though, I think you should at least stick around for a little while to observe the tournament proper. Who knows? Maybe your friend will turn up there too!""Ha… perhaps," she agreed quietly, smiling. "Would I also be allowed to witness your team practice? Perhaps I could pick up a couple of tricks for myself."Basilio smirked before turning away from her. "Well, alright. Just follow me and hopefully those chuckleheads will have already beaten us there. And hey, the offer's still there if you want it.""Thank you, Khan Basilio.""Don't mention it!"As the Lorcan girl followed the large but amicable man out of the lobby and through the halls, she felt a surge of excitement well up in her. Though Lyn still needed to find Robin, this could be an excellent opportunity to observe many different fighting styles and adapt her own accordingly. And then, when she encountered Robin, she'd be able to keep him safe even more efficiently."Just you wait, Robin," she whispered to herself with conviction. "I'll find you yet."Once Lyn entered the training room, she was taken aback by both its size and the number of fighters sprawled about on the floor."What the hell?!" Basilio yelled, nearly tripping over an unconscious soldier. "What's going on here?"The West Khan's eyes flew to the center of the room and he calmed down in an instant. "Oh. That explains it."Lyn followed his gaze and saw two swordsmen dueling in the center of the room. One of them was dark-haired and wielded a katana not totally unlike her own blades, and the other was a blue-haired gentleman in a butterfly mask. His sword seemed much more intricate in design than his opponent's, and the two clashed frequently."Ngh… hah!""Hiyah!"The dark-haired swordsman parried a slash before retaliating with one of his own, nicking his opponent in the side. With a grunt of pain, the blue-haired man dashed backwards before leaping into the air and performing an impressive somersault slash."My goodness," Lyn whispered with wide eyes. In all her years, she had never seen a fighting style quite like that before. Was this how the people of Ferox fought on an ordinary day?!Basilio chuckled as the two continued to slash at each other. "Impressive, aren't they? That man with the katana is none other than Lon'qu, West Ferox's champion for the past five years now."Lyn watched with intrigue as the man known as Lon'qu sprinted at his adversary with impeccable speed. He appeared to swing his blade towards his opponent's right side before suddenly darting behind them and attacking them there instead."Argh!"The masked man retaliated by whirling around with his blade, just nearly missing Lon'qu. Left dazed by the whiplash, he was at a clear disadvantage when Lon'qu dashed right towards him in an effort to finish it. Lyn gaped in shock as the darker-haired swordsman tripped and fell right onto the masked man, sending them both tumbling to the floor."Damn!""Ugh!"Lon'qu's head landed on the masked man's chest, and in an instant he could feel that something was… off with his opponent. His eyes flew open in a mix of panic and embarrassment as he recoiled backwards, paralyzed with fear."What the…?" Lyn muttered to herself, studying the strange scene.The masked man wasted no time in downing Lon'qu by sweeping his leg, sending him back to the floor. Standing, he then pointed his blade right at his throat, ending the match."... I yield," Lon'qu groaned in shame, his face red."... You fought well, sir," the masked man said with a nod as he sheathed his blade. "You have my thanks."Basilio approached the pair, applauding. Feeling lost, Lyn decided to do the same. "Well, that was some damn good fighting, lads! The hell came over you though, Lon'qu?! I've never seen you choke that badly before!"Lon'qu merely stood up and dusted himself off. He briefly locked eyes with Lyn before breaking away, walking out of the room. "I was… careless. That's all.""You're both quite skilled, you know," Lyn complimented, gazing back at the masked man. "I'm not even sure I could take you in a fight!"The masked man seemed to study Lyn with intrigue, though she found it difficult to determine due to his butterfly mask. "Hmm…"Lyn blinked in surprise before examining herself. "... Have I offended you somehow, sir?""No. Forgive me, I just… hm.""Cryptic," Basilio said with a snort. "Very cryptic. In any case, lad, you hold the honor of being the first man ever to defeat Lon'qu in battle. At least as long as I've known him, anyway. You know what this means, right?""I am to become your champion in tomorrow's tournament?""Strong and clever! Yeah, you're definitely going places, kid. Just be sure to clean up and rest before tomorrow morning. A healthy mind is a hearty mind, as my old man always said," Basilio claimed with a proud smirk. "You did well, lad. Do me proud.""... Marth.""Huh?" both Lyn and Basilio asked, the former raising an eyebrow."... You may call me Marth," the masked man announced, turning on his heel and leaving the training room."... Well, not much for conversation, is he?" the West Khan joked. "I get it, though. Actions speak louder than words, especially to us Feroxis!"Lyn nodded with a smile on her face. "It's quite a lively culture you have here, Khan Basilio. I cannot say my fellow Sacaeans were ever quite like this before.""Sacae? Never heard of it…""Ah… it's rather far away, you see," she explained, chuckling nervously. "Truthfully, I'm something of a wanderer out here…""Makes sense to me," Basilio agreed, nodding. With a smile on his face, he added, "In any case, that Marth is already my champion this year, but do you feel like being my runner up?""What does that entail?""Simple! You just go out there and fight alongside my boys during the tournament!"Lyn paused. Hector was always more interested in arena battles than she was, but there was no telling what sort of warriors she would encounter here in a foreign land. The thought intimidated and excited her simultaneously."Who knows? Maybe you'll even cross swords with someone who knows where your friend is! If nothing else, it's worth a try at least.""... Yes. Yes it is," she conceded, smiling. "Khan Basilio, I humbly accept your offer!"Basilio roared with laughter, clapping. "Good, good! Welcome aboard, Lyn. Just do your best and everything will work out just fine. Incidentally, the saunas shouldn't be too far from here."Pointing to the door that both Lon'qu and Marth exited from, he continued. "Once you're out of that door, take a left and keep walking until you reach a pair of doors with steam coming out of 'em.""Afterwards," Basilio continued, "swing by the mess hall. It shouldn't be that much farther away, but come back here and find me if you get lost. I've got to do some practicing of my own, you know!""Right!""Alright then. Soak up and rest well for tomorrow, lass! You'll need all your strength," the West Khan declared. "I hear Flavia's recruited some warrior prince from the south.""Got it," Lyn replied with a nod. "Thank you, Khan Basilio."Following the West Khan's advice, Lyn made her way down the hall and reached the same pair of doors Basilio was referring to. Entering the door designated "Women", Lyn could barely see past all the steam. And where could she find a towel to use so she wouldn't get her clothes wet?"Ngh… damnit…"The Sacaean froze. Silently creeping toward the source of the noise, she soon found a woman with long blue hair sitting by the edge of the bath. She was still clothed save for her torso, but she seemed to have bandages wrapped around her chest for some reason…"Um… Hello?" Lyn greeted with uncertainty in her voice.The other woman turned her head swiftly and gave Lyn a look of pure shock. It took the Sacaean woman a moment to register just who she was looking at, but once it clicked together…"... Oh. Oh!" she cried, turning back around and heading towards the exit in mortification. "I'm so sorry! I'll just… wait my turn…"Lyn left the room in a hurry and, once the door was closed, sank to the floor with her back against the wall.What just happened?"Was that… Marth?"Lyn was yanked out of her thoughts by the sound of the door flying open, letting steam fly out with it. In an instant, Marth stood fully dressed in front of her, glaring from behind the mask. "Not a word of this to anyone. Understood?""A-Agreed…""Good. See you tomorrow."Just like that, Marth turned and left the hall as Lyn picked herself up from the floor. She was still utterly baffled at what she had just seen, but she decided not to think about it any longer. If she was to fight in tomorrow's tournament, she'd have to keep her eye on the prize."Maybe my opponents tomorrow will be willing to share some information," Lyn muttered to herself, examining her Sol Katti. "... After they're finished trying to kill me, of course."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The next morning arrived far quicker than Lyndis ever wanted it to. Her growing excitement and anxiety kept her tossing and turning all night, and the lady of the plains was sure that her performance today would suffer as a result."... Well, maybe I don't have to steal the show," she reasoned with herself as she put her long green hair in its usual ponytail. Currently, she was getting ready in the guest room Basilio was kind enough to let her rest in for the night. "After all, Marth is the champion here, not me. As long as I'm still alive at the end of the day, nothing else matters."… Well, nothing save for finding Robin, of course. He was the whole reason she was here to begin with. Once she managed to track the tactician down, Lyn would be able to bring him back to Caelin and the two could set out for the plains of Sacae like they always wanted to."Just the two of us," Lyn murmured, a small grin on her face as she blushed. "Heh. Maybe Florina and the others could visit sometime too - "The viridian-haired lady was jarred from her train of thought by a knock at her door. "Hey, Lyndis! Come down to the mess hall for some breakfast! The tournament starts in an hour!""Already?! I'll be down in a moment!"Giving her swords a few practice swings, Lyn nodded in satisfaction and sheathed them both before exiting the room. This would be her first time in any sort of arena, but she wasn't worried anymore. If it could bring her one step closer to achieving her goal, she'd charge headfirst into the place.Lyndis was no stranger to eating meat; hunting game was something her fellow Lorcans, and Sacaeans on the whole, did frequently to survive.The young swordswoman couldn't remember a time when they had hunted bears, however.Lyn, sitting at one of many tables in the mess hall, examined the jerky on her plate with curiosity and apprehensiveness. Picking up a piece and eating it, she took note of its tough and chewy texture. 'This could definitely make for a filling meal, but...'"Somethin' of an acquired taste, innit?"Turning, she could see a female mage standing behind her. The Sacaean swallowed her food before saying, "Ah… It's definitely unlike anything I've eaten before...""I could imagine," the mage replied, shrugging. "Yer not from here, are ya?""Is it that obvious?""Mm… exotic green hair, equally foreign-looking dress, a couple a fancy swords… Yeah, ya stick out like a sore thumb, luv."Lyn rubbed her arm unconsciously. "Well, I suppose that makes sense… I'm really not from this land, after all.""No kiddin'! Neither am I," the mage perked up. Extending a hand, she said, "Name's Tanya. Nice to meetcha!""Likewise," Lyn said with a smile, shaking the mage's hand. "I take it you're competing in the tournament today?""Nope! Just a spectator, unfortunately. Now, Lon'qu and Marth on the other hand… I hear they're both on Basilio's team now," Tanya explained. "If what Big Cheese Basilio says is true, you three should be unstoppable! Probably won't even need the rest-a the boys!"The Lorcan blinked in confusion. She knew that Marth would be competing, of course, but… Wasn't Lon'qu disqualified by virtue of his defeat to the former? Or was he merely demoted?".. Well, anyway, I don't wanna waste any more of ya time," she uttered with a shrug. Turning to leave, the mage said, "Good luck, Lyndie! Make 'em proud!""Thank you!" she called back with a smile. Lyn then paused for a moment, frowning. "... Wait. How did she know my name?"As she continued to ponder and eat her breakfast, a lone figure watched her from the opposite end of the room with a pensive frown."What's eatin' ya, Marth?" a knight questioned the youth, smirking. "Got a little crush on the new girl? Bahahaha!"Marth turned to the armored warrior wordlessly. Something about not being able to see his eyes made the swordsman more frightening to the knight, and he scrambled away before he could end up on the receiving end of Marth's blade.Meanwhile, Lon'qu skulked into the mess hall looking grim as ever. Clearing his throat until he got everyone's attention, he simply announced, "Khan Basilio requests our presence in the arena. It is time."Lyndis could barely hear her own thoughts over the deafening roars of the audience, the spectators numbering in the thousands as they surrounded the arena up in the stands. The light-clad lady entered the coliseum on Marth's left, with Lon'qu joining them on the right. Ahead of them stood Basilio's other fighters, each of them spoiling for a fight.Lyn could just barely make out the features of their opponents as she squinted. A blue-haired swordsman stood at the forefront, flanked by what appeared to be two men on horses, each in either red or green armor. A man in comically-oversized armor caught up to the others, panting, and a fifth man posed dramatically for the audience with axe in hand."Is… Is that all of them?!" a mage demanded as he nearly doubled over in laughter. "You gotta be kidding me! This'll be a snap!""What's our game plan, Marth?" a mercenary questioned the swordsman. "That blue-haired punk don't look so tough. I say we rush him!"Someone in the crowd of fighters gasped. "Bite your tongue! That's Prince Chrom of Ylisse you're talking about! I hear he's taken down entire slews of bandits with one arm tied behind his back!""Huh? He don't look like royalty to me… And even if he was, he'll fall all the same!""... I shall deal with Chrom," Marth stated gruffly, staring ahead at his rival.The mercenary scoffed, waving his sword about carelessly. "Who said you could take him, huh, tough guy? Save some glory for the rest of us!"Marth turned to the mouthy merc, resting his hand on the hilt of his blade. "I don't suppose you'd rather face me in battle, would you?""Eep! N-no, sir!""Then I. Shall deal. With Chrom."Lyn took note of how the blue-haired prince in question seemed to be discussing something with his allies. It was then that Lyn was able to spot a sixth figure she hadn't noticed before. They wore an eerie black cloak with purple and gold accents mingled about, and they were wearing a hood that obscured most of their face."Hmm…""Focus, Lyndis," Lon'qu ordered, his eyes locked on his opponents as they shifted position. "When you hear the signal, be prepared to fight to your last breath.""And that signal would be...?" Lyn inquired, her eyes shifting nervously between her allies and their rivals.The sound of a loud gong resonated throughout the air as the audience cheered. Immediately, the prince and his allies began to run towards Lyn and her team."That!" Marth shouted, lifting his blade into the air. "Onwards, men! To victory!"The masked man sprinted ahead of the others as they let out a battle cry. He and Chrom met in the middle of the arena as their swords bounced off of each other, and the two were left to their duel as everyone else found a combatant or two of their own.Lyn was at a loss for words as the battlefield descended into utter chaos. In an instant, the two horsemen from before had reached her position. Lyn barely had any time to react as the green horseman lunged at her with a lance. The Sacaean rolled to her right, just barely avoiding his attack as the red horseman - horsewoman, as she just realized - swiped at her with a sword."Damnit!" she swore as she missed her target. "You're goin' down, girly!""What did you just call me?!" Lyn barked back with grit teeth, her blood boiling and her blade at the ready.With a newfound vigor, Lyn knelt and glared at the red cavalier. Her adversary merely chortled with laughter before charging at her, and Lyn waited for the perfect moment to strike. The blow was quick and effective, catching her off guard and nearly throwing her off her horse."Shit!""Sully!" the cavalier in green cried as his horse kicked an approaching mercenary behind him. "Language!""Really? That's what you're worried about right now?!"Seeing that several other fighters on her side had fallen to their might, Lyn sprinted away from the quarreling riders and closer to the center of the arena. She tried to close the distance between herself and Marth only to be blocked off by a tanned blonde man with an axe. Oddly enough, he appeared to be completely shirtless…"Hey, baby," he greeted with a wink. "How you doin'?"Lyn blinked in surprise as the audience continued to cheer the fighters on. This man was so brazen and bizarre compared to everyone else she'd met in this world... Not even his hair seemed to have any sort of rhyme or reason to it."Now I know what you're thinkin'," the man said, setting his axe down to flex his muscles. "Great, huh?""... Are you making fun of me?" she demanded."Gods, no! The Vaike would never dream of slightin' such a beautiful woman!""I… Stop that!" she ordered as she pointed her blade at him in annoyance. "If you're here to fight, then let's fight!"The blonde let out a sigh before lifting his weapon half-heartedly. "Well, alright... The Vaike doesn't really like fighting the ladies, but if you really want to… I guess I'll have to give you a real show!"He pumped his fist into the air and hollered, "Behold the might of Teach's Tenacious Tornado!"The Sacaean watched in amazement as he began to spin around in a circle with his axe in both hands. The audience cheered the madman on as he became a whirling vortex of destruction, making Lyn trembling in fear.… Or at least, he would have, had he not let go of his weapon at the wrong time. The axe careened through the air and found its mark in the armor of a knight not too far away, eliciting a mixture of amusement and disappointment in the audience."Ouch! Hey!""Whoops! Er, sorry, Kellam," Vaike apologized nervously, chuckling. Glancing back at Lyn, he uttered, "Uh… That was supposed to happen! Yeah! All part of the plan!""I'm sure it was," she snarked, pointing her blade at the disarmed buffoon."Damn it all," he groaned as he knelt to the floor with his hands above his head. "Lissa'll never let me live this down…""Lyn!"The green-haired woman whirled around to see Lon'qu fighting off both of the cavaliers on foot. The duo seemed to have defeated everyone else sans Marth if the numerous unconscious bodies around them were any indication, and they showed no signs of stopping even having been dismounted."Rrgh… This guy knows his stuff!""Focus, Stahl! He can't take out both of us!""Hmph," Lon'qu grunted, taking an evasive stance. "Wanna bet?"Lyn sprinted towards the trio as Lon'qu dodged slash after slash from Sully. He nearly retaliated with a few of his own before Stahl got between them, keeping the swordsman at bay with his lance."Back!" he barked. "Back, I say!"'She's going on the offensive, and he's acting as her defense,' Lyn noted mentally. 'If I slip past her and strike him while he's distracted…'Lyn wasted no time putting her plan into action as she lunged forward with a sword in either hand. She could feel the wind rushing behind her as she picked up speed, and the Sacaean grit her teeth as she forced herself between the grounded cavaliers. She used the opportunity to hack and slash at Stahl's armor vigorously, leaving numerous nicks and chinks in it."Ack! Mercy! Mercy!" he cried, dropping his weapon and holding his arms above his head.Sully scowled at her partner as she continued her reckless assault on Lon'qu. "Tch… Useless!"Lon'qu simply dodged or parried all of her strikes before aiming a light swipe at the back of her leg. The already exhausted knight crumpled to the ground, sword still in hand as she panted heavily."... I win," the stoic myrmidon said flatly, his blade at her throat."D-Damn you," she spat. "Someday… I want a rematch…"Now that those three had been dealt with, Lyn and Lon'qu shared a mutual nod of respect before sprinting towards Chrom and Marth. The Prince of Ylisse seemed to be putting up a decent fight against the masked man, and the other pair nearly made their way over to them before being knocked back by a blast of lightning at their feet."Gods!" Lyn yelled, embedding the Sol Katti in the ground to keep her balance.Her ally was not so fortunate, sliding backwards before falling onto one knee."Lon'qu!" she exclaimed in shock before snapping back to the source of the attack. The same hooded figure from before now stood between her and the pair of dueling swordsmen. "... Who are you?"The figure merely extended their weapon forward in response, a jagged lightning-infused sword. Lyn eyed her last opponent with intrigue and determination before taking a stance. "... Fine! Then I'll just have to unmask you myself!"Lyndis wasted no time in lunging towards the cloaked figure, launching swipe after swipe of her blades at them. She was more than a little surprised when her opponent spun around her, evading her assault. The way he moved was almost ethereal in nature, practically disappearing and reappearing constantly as if he were a phantom.Still, the Lorcan fighter was undeterred in her onslaught. She'd faced far worse in her day. If she could fight dragons and live to tell the tale, this was nothing to her.The mystery mage dashed backwards before suddenly throwing his blade into the air. Lyn's head jolted upwards, leaving him just enough time to send a blast of wind magic at the swordswoman."Gah!" she cried out in pain as she was sent to the ground by the impact, the blades of wind licking at her roughly. Rising to one knee, Lyn muttered, "A diversion tactic? Clever… very clever…""... Just give up," the cloaked figure urged in a soft masculine voice. "Please… I don't want to hurt you anymore than I already have."Lyn's ears perked up as his voice graced her hearing. That familiar, gentle voice…The mage was preparing to charge up another attack when Lon'qu, still injured, rushed forward and struck him from behind with the hilt of his blade. Time seemed to slow down as he fell forward, his arms outstretched and a grimace spreading across his face as his hood fell backwards.Lyn's jaw dropped in pure shock. His clothing and hair were different, but his face was unmistakable.As the mage scrambled to his feet, Lon'qu knocked him back down with a swipe of his blade and prepared to finish him off."Stop!" Lyn screamed at her ally as she rushed forward with outstretched arms. "Stop, Lon'qu! Please… Stop…"The quiet swordsman hesitated, his confusion only growing when he saw her kneel down to the man of her affection."Is… Is that you, Robin?" she questioned, her voice cracking. She knew she was asking a question she already knew the answer to, but she had to be sure. "But… How… When did you learn to fight?"The tactician anxiously backed away from her, no longer willing to fight. "D-Do... Do I know you?""Robin, it's me! Lyndis!" she yelled with clenched fists, her eyes wide with surprise. "Lyn of the Lorca… We first met in Sacae, remember? You helped me reunite with Grandfather before he…"She took a deep breath before continuing, shaking the tragic memory out of her mind for now. "I… I came all this way just to bring you back home…""... I'm sorry, miss," the tactician replied, shaking his head sadly as he stood up, "but I'm afraid I have no recollection of my memories prior to meeting Chrom."The lady of the plains sank to her knees, the will to fight fading from her. She simply could not believe what she was hearing. How could this have happened to him? People don't just lose their memories like that!Suddenly, Lyndis remembered their encounter with the doppelganger back in Castle Caelin. He was doing… something… to Robin when she had intervened, and his once brown hair was rendered white as it is now. She didn't mind the change, but… For something like this to happen to him? All of the events of the past two years… Every smile they shared… Were they really lost forever?"... Miss?" Robin urged cautiously, causing her to gaze at him with watery eyes. The sight was too much for the tactician to bear. He dropped his blade and tome on the floor, shocking the audience and his teammates as he sat across from her with his hands on his knees. "Um… I'm really sorry about… well, all of this...""Robin, what the hell do you think you're doing?!" an injured Sully demanded from afar, leaning on Vaike and Stahl for support. "You had her!"The tactician and swordswoman merely sat on the ground and stared at each other, no longer caring whether Chrom or Marth won the duel. Ultimately, the warrior prince achieved victory by deflecting Marth's oncoming blade before retaliating with an improvised attack. Chrom leapt into the air and struck the disoriented masked man in the chest with both of his feet, and he hit the ground before feeling a familiar blade at his throat.The audience vigorously cheered as a new victor was crowned, and Lyn couldn't help but feel that she had lost the battle. Robin was alive, yes, but... For him to have no memory of her or their journey whatsoever? How could she fix this? And for that matter, how could they return home? None of this made any sense anymore..."Yo, Lyn!" Basilio called out, waving a hand in front of her face as he stood before her. "Ferox to Lyn, do you copy?""H-Huh?! Oh, y-yes," she replied, standing from the ground and brushing the dirt off of her knees. "Sorry..."The West Khan sighed. "Sheesh, and I thought I was taking it pretty badly. Don't worry about it, kid; you still put up a damn good fight out there. I'm sure your family would be proud."The duo were approached by a dark-skinned woman with blonde hair in a stylish ponytail. "Not bad, oaf. Not bad at all. I mean, I expected a little more, but - ""Ah, can it, Flavia! You don't gotta rub it in. I'm a man of my word.""That's not why I'm here," the East Khan rebutted, shaking her head. Gesturing to the blue-haired victor behind her, she claimed, "Prince Chrom of Ylisse here wants to go to war with Plegia, and I told him I'd supply him with troops if he fought and won for me.""You what?!"Chrom cleared his throat, standing proud after his victory. "Those were the terms, yes."Lyn took note of how quickly Robin returned to Chrom's side, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy envelop her. That used to be us…"Yo, Robin! Who's the pretty lady with the sick blades?" the axe fighter from before prodded, walking up to the tactician before resting a meaty hand on his shoulder. "She your girlfriend or somethin'?""V-Vaike!" he blurted with reddening cheeks. Robin took a quick glance at Lyndis before looking back at his feet shyly. "I… I've only just met her…""No, you haven't!" Lyn protested fiercely, startling everyone. "Robin, I'm telling you… We've known each other for two whole years now! We traveled all across Elibe with our friends! Eliwood, Hector, Florina… Do none of these names sound familiar to you? They're our friends! You're my friend!"Getting some curious looks, Robin fidgeted with his hands for a bit before speaking up. "... I don't know. All I r-remember is waking up in a field a few months ago. Th-that's when I met Chrom and the rest of the Shepherds...""A few… months?" Lyn repeated confusedly. Had she really been out that long? "But… That doesn't make any sense! I just woke up here yesterday after following you through the portal!""Wait, what?" Flavia questioned, raising an eyebrow. "What the hell is she talking about?"Basilio merely threw up his arms in confusion.Chrom cut in, giving the Lorcan a look of pity. "... I'm sorry, miss, but what Robin says is true. He couldn't even remember his own name when we first found him.""But…""It's true!" a small blonde in pigtails chirped from behind Chrom. "Textbook amnesia!""Har! Like you even read textbooks.""Shut up, Vaike!"This was all too much for Lyn to process. Between the arduous fight, the roars of the audience, the shocking revelation and the strange group of people Robin had supposedly been traveling with for months on end, she could feel her legs give out from under her as her world went black."Lyn!"Chrom lunged forward immediately and caught the strange woman before she hit the ground. "Gods… Lissa!""I'm on it!"As the pigtailed cleric rushed over to check on Lyn's condition, Robin rubbed his arm and stared at her unconscious form. He felt incredibly bad about not remembering her, but… How could he have forgotten about such a swift and strong woman? To say nothing of her beauty…'Stop that,' he scolded himself internally. His memory could wait. Right now there were more pressing matters like the conflict with Plegia and the strange girl who had fallen into his life…Lyn shot up in bed, her back soaked in an unpleasant cold sweat. Panting slightly, she could see two vaguely familiar figures by her bedside."I see you're awake now.""Hey there… Hehe…""What just happened?" Lyn demanded, eyeing them both suspiciously. She then groaned, placing a hand to her head in pain."Easy there," Lissa warned her gently. "You're still reeling from the battle. Just take a moment to rest, okay?""From what I hear, you fought valiantly," Chrom complimented the Sacaean, smiling. "Sully and Stahl are some of the Shepherds' most reliable soldiers. Taking on and defeating them both is no small feat."Lyn took in his words as she massaged her temples. "Mm… Now I remember. Thank you. Both of you…""You're most welcome. I'll readily admit, none of us even considered that Robin was already married," the prince admitted, scratching his chin. "So it came as quite a shock to us when you - ""M-married?!" Lyn blurted, feeling her heart race at the implications.Lissa smacked her brother with her staff. "Chrom, you dolt! Do you see a ring on her finger?!"Lyn rubbed her eyes before glancing back at the odd pair in awe. This couldn't be real… Could it?Chrom cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed at his blunder. "Er… Then, you're not Robin's wife?""No! I… I'm an old friend of his. We went on many adventures across Elibe for some two years," she explained somberly. After a pause, she said with a heavy sigh, "I can't believe he's forgotten about me…"Chrom and Lissa exchanged a look of sadness before turning back to the forlorn girl with empathy. Neither of them had ever heard of this "Elibe", let alone been in such a troubling predicament before, so they had no idea how to properly console her."I'm… sorry for all the trouble I've caused," Lyn apologized, resting her head in her hands as she sniffed. "I just… I don't know what to do…"She'd come all this way, left everything and everyone behind, and it was all for nothing. Lyn didn't even know whether or not she could make back to Elibe at all. Her parents… her grandfather… her friends… The idea that she'd never be able to visit them again caused her to let the floodgates open.Unbeknownst to her, Robin was eavesdropping on their conversation on the other side of the door. He could only faintly hear the sound of Lyn weeping, and he wept silently with her. How he longed to remember…!Lissa put a dainty hand on Lyn's back and rubbed in circles as she desperately tried to make the other girl feel better. "There, there, Lyn. It's not your fault! Something bad must have happened to Robin, that's all!""Yeah," Chrom agreed with a nod."And we won't stop until he gets his memory back and remembers you!" the cleric cheered. "Right, Chrom?""That's right!" Chrom yelled. His brow slowly furrowed as he realized what his sister was getting them into. "... Wait, what?""Then it's settled," Lissa affirmed with her hands on her hips, grinning confidently. "From now on, you're one of the Shepherds now, Lyndis!"Chrom's jaw nearly hit the floor as Lyn merely stared at the cleric with large green eyes."Lissa, you can't just - ""N-now hold on just a moment! I hardly even know any of you!""Oh, yeah. Forgot about that, haha. The name's Lissa!" she chirped, extending a friendly hand towards Lyn. "The meathead here is my brother, Chrom.""I am not a meathead!" he argued, glaring at his younger sister. Clearing his throat, he said, "While Lissa here might have been a little forward with her intentions... Maybe she's right. We could use all the help we can get, and you're more than capable with your blades. I realize this may be sudden, but - ""I accept," Lyn interrupted, giving Lissa's hand a firm shake."Huh?!""I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to return home," she said, rising from her bed, "but I do know this much; Robin is a kind soul, and if he's allied himself with you… Then perhaps you are friends worth having."Grinning, Lyn claimed, "I would be honored to join the Shepherds, Prince Chrom."Both siblings perked up at the news as Robin, still outside the door, smiled to himself quietly. Perhaps there was hope for them yet..."Woohoo!" Lissa hollered, jumping up and down excitedly. "I know you're just gonna get along well with everyone! I gotta introduce you to Maribelle, Ricken, Donnie… Oh, and of course you've already met Sully - ""Lissa, please!" Chrom chided his younger sister. "Lyndis has clearly had a long and trying day; the absolute last thing she needs is to be introduced to everyone at once! Let things fall into place naturally.""Booo! You're no fun!"Lyn giggled, shaking her head. Truthfully this wasn't how she envisioned her day would go, but if she could lend her strength and help Robin simultaneously, she was all for it. "I can already tell this is going to be interesting. I do have one question though…"Chrom nodded with a friendly smile. "Name it, friend.""... You tend sheep? In full armor?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When Robin made his way back to Arena Ferox's main lobby, he found the rest of the previously-fielded Shepherds waiting for him and the others to return. All four of them were busy tending to their wounds as expected, some clearly taking it better than others..."Hold still, Kellam. Ya wimp," Sully griped as she wrapped some bandages around the knight's chest. "So much for all that armor, huh, tin man?""Hngg… Ow!""Quit squirmin' already!"Stahl sighed as he leaned against a nearby wall, utterly exhausted. "Man… those two really gave it to us good. I don't think I've ever seen such swordplay in all of Ylisse before!""Pfft. I bet ol' Freddy coulda taken 'em both blindfolded," Vaike remarked confidently. "Just where is the big lug anyway…?"Sully snorted, shooting an unimpressed glare in Robin's direction. "At least none of us choked like little Robby here. What the hell was that crap?""Er… W-well, you see, I - "Stahl was quick to come to the tactician's defense. "C'mon, Sully, give him a break. It's not every day you square off against such a beautiful woman. I mean, did you see the fire in those eyes? Yowza!""Stahl, my man, I'll drink to that!" Vaike cheered, clapping a hand on the cavalier's shoulder as the two laughed. Kellam merely shook his head in silence."Ugh! You guys are so - "The post-fight chatter was brought to a halt as Chrom and Lissa returned from the guest hall with a rejuvenated Lyndis in tow. The prince cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to him."Yo, Chrom! Are we finally leavin' this place behind?""For now, Vaike. Before we head back to Ylisstol to give Emm the good news, however," Chrom said, gesturing to Lyn, "I'd like to introduce you all to the newest member of the Shepherds.""Hello!" Lyn greeted, waving to her former adversaries. "I am Lyndis of the Lorca, but you may call me Lyn. I look forward to fighting alongside you all.""Oh, hey," Vaike crooned, trying to look cool. "Wassup? The name's Vaike, but you can call me Teach. Unlike Chrom, I don't fool around!""Is that why you disarmed yourself in the arena like an amateur?"Several of the Shepherds chuckled as Vaike took great offense. "Hey! I meant to do that, you know. Yeah! It was all part of Teach's plan!""Sure, Teach," Stahl joked as he rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say. In any case, Lyndis, I'm Stahl. The lady in red is Sully - ""Hey! Who're you callin' a lady?!""... And the big guy here is Kellam," Stahl finished, pointing a hand towards the silent knight. "Of course you're already familiar with Robin, haha."Lyn blushed slightly before taking a gander at the Shepherds. They were an odd bunch, to be sure, but they didn't seem malicious by any stretch of the imagination."Pretty awesome, right?" Lissa asked her, giggling. "This isn't even all of us!""Really now?" came the response. In hindsight, though, Lyn couldn't really say she was too surprised. Her own group back in Caelin had grown quite a bit during her quest to dethrone Lundgren. Erk, Serra, Dorcas, Lucius… None of them had ever really been declared official members of "Lyndis's Legion", and yet -"Sure! I bet the rest are waiting for us back at the carriages!""Then I look forward to meeting them as well," the Lorcan affirmed."I don't suppose you lot have room for one more?"The Shepherds turned to see Basilio and Flavia standing behind them with Lon'qu in tow. The East Khan wore a proud smirk on her face as the other two looked slightly disappointed over their loss."Huh? What do you want, Baldy?""Sully!" Kellam whispered harshly.Basilio let out a boisterous laugh that, for some reason, reminded Lyn of Hector. "Hahaha! Gotta admire the stones on this one. And here I thought you'd be jumping for joy at the chance to fight alongside Lon'qu here."Everyone aside from the aforementioned swordsman and Flavia looked at the West Khan in surprise."... Huh?" Chrom broke the silence. "You mean - ""That's right, my boy! I'm sendin' him back with ya as somethin' of a farewell gift. Consider him my personal contribution to the war effort, as well."Lissa took a few steps forward and marveled as she circled the gruff myrmidon, staring at him with wide eyes all the while. Lon'qu shuffled in place, clearly uneasy. "Woah… He's so cool! Can we really keep him?"Chrom sighed, a hand over his face. "He's not a pet, Lissa…"Ignoring her brother, the little princess reached out a hand towards the stoic warrior. Naturally, Lon'qu hastily recoiled in response. "Nn…!""Hey! I didn't even touch you!"Basilio chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm afraid Lon'qu here is a bit… challenged, shall we say, when it comes to women. Not that it's ever really hindered him on the battlefield…"Lyn was about to speak up as she remembered how Lon'qu had lost to Marth in the first place. It seemed bizarre at the time, but given what she had realized in the sauna not too long after…"Are you sure you're alright with this, Lon'qu?" Chrom asked him concernedly. "Between the hordes of undead we've fought and the even more unpleasant Plegians, I'm afraid this won't be an easy undertaking.""I've fought many a Plegian," the stoic swordsman replied quietly. "None have lived to see another day."Sully laughed boisterously, her shoulders shaking. "Har! I like him already.""I dunno, seems kinda edgy to me," Vaike quipped, sticking his out at him. "Can't wait to spar with ya, though!""Who are the Plegians?" Lyn questioned aloud. "And what's this I'm hearing about the undead?" The Sacaean took note of how Chrom's face seemed to harden considerably as Robin shrank back into his cloak.Lissa sighed bitterly. "It's a long story… Don't worry, Lyn. We'll be sure to fill you in on the way back to Ylisse!""Then it's settled," Basilio said, turning to Chrom. "Good luck, boy. I expect great things out of you!"The blue-haired prince nodded with a grin. "Thank you, Khan Basilio. And you as well, Khan Flavia. I'll strive to do my best. Do send Marth my regards.""I would if I knew where he slipped off to," he replied, shrugging. "Slippery guy, that.""No kidding! Here one moment, gone the next," Lissa crooned. Sighing dreamily, she added, "He's so mysterious, isn't he?"Lyn couldn't help but chuckle as both Chrom and Vaike scowled at the princess peevishly. 'If only they knew…'"... Right. Come on, Shepherds," Chrom ordered, still clearly upset at his sister's comment. "Frederick and the others are waiting for us. To the carriages!"Lyn was all too happy to leave the snowy land of Regna Ferox behind her. The weather in Sacae ranged from blisteringly hot to moderately cool, and so she never really possessed a deep resilience to the cold like Florina had. She couldn't imagine living in Ilia permanently, but perhaps Lyn would be singing a different tune if she were born there...Currently, the Sacaean was riding to Ylisse in a carriage with several of the Shepherds she had just become acquainted with. Frederick rode next to them on his horse, keeping a watchful eye on the newcomer all the while."Most intriguing," Miriel mused, adjusting her glasses. According to Stahl, she was quite possibly the best and brightest the Shepherds had to offer in terms of intellect and magical ability. Not very fun to exercise with, though. "This 'Elibe' you speak of… There's nary a mention of it in any of the numerous books in Castle Ylisse's library. I've perused them all. Twice, in fact.""Me too!" Sumia, a junior pegasus knight perked up. "I often check out the fantasy fiction section while Miriel brushes up on the more science-y texts. You should come with us sometime, Lyndis!""Ah… I've never been one for books, truthfully," she admitted, rubbing her arm bashfully. Currently, she sat across from the two self-proclaimed bookworms as Lissa rested on her right."Ughhh," the blonde princess groaned. "I hate long carriage rides! When are we gonna get back home?""Based on the condition of our horses and the current wind patterns, I surmise we'll reach Ylisse in at least a day. Of course, that's neglecting to take potential roadside skirmishes into account…"As Lyn continued to socialize a bit with the other three in the carriage, Robin was riding ahead in another wagon. The strategist occasionally poked his head out to get a good look at his surroundings only to be met with the bitter cold."Yer gonna catch cold like that, Robin," Donnel said, sitting next to a sleeping Kellam. The young villager was still a new addition to the Shepherds, but he got along well enough with everyone.Robin, who was resting his head on his hand, took his advice to heart. "Mm? Oh… Thank you, Donnel.""Dear friend, what ails you?" a stuffy aristocrat asked him. "You appear to be most forlorn.""I'm fine, Virion. I'm just… thinking."Vaike, who was the fifth and final passenger, let out a noise of amusement. "Rob, my boy, you have got to let that brain of yours rest from time to time! We won the tournament, we got enough troops behind us to kick some Plegian arse, and the worst is behind us!""You're being too optimistic," Robin cautioned, folding his arms. "... In any case, that's not what's eating at me. Not entirely, anyway…""It's the new girl, isn't it?""Hm…"Virion chuckled, leaning back and crossing his legs. "Ah, the lovely Lady Lyndis. How truly splendid she is. The gods played favorites when they made her, and she walks with all the radiance of a fine dawn! It is not surprising that our genius tactician here would be enamored with such a beautiful vixen.""... Buddy, I have no idea what you just said," Vaike groaned, pinching his nose. "Somethin' about Robin likin' her, right?""Oh, come now! Do you not feel the same way whenever you gaze upon Lady Lissa?"Vaike's eyes shot open at this accusation. "Wh-What?! Don't be ridiculous! Of course I ain't sweet on Lissa!"As the two went back and forth over how Vaike most certainly did not have any affection for the young princess, Robin's eyes traveled back outside of the wagon. Looking a little bit ahead, he could see that Frederick and Chrom were pulling their wagon. Robin then turned backwards to see the cavaliers and Lon'qu trotting through the snow. Lon'qu refused to make eye contact with either of them, particularly Sully, and the warrior showed no signs of fatigue as he marched.Robin reclined in his seat and shut his eyes. 'Perhaps I should check up on Lyndis once it's safe to stop… A good tactician always makes sure to ease in the new recruits.'Despite his thoughts, a small nagging voice in the back of Robin's head wasn't convinced that his interest in her was entirely professional. Whatever their past relationship had been, it had to have been particularly deep for Lyn to travel all this way for him. His memory might have been gone, but… Who's to say they couldn't make some new memories to hold dear?"Yeah," Robin sighed with a small smile. "Wouldn't that be nice…"Once Lyn and the other Shepherds had finally arrived in Ylisstol, the lady of the plains was in awe at the city before her. In some ways, it reminded her of Bulgar, but bigger. The city was fairly large, full of life, and vendors lined the streets with numerous treats and trinkets at their disposal. Beautiful blue banners adorned the buildings as the wagons passed through town, and Lyn couldn't stop herself from staring out the window.Lissa giggled. "Pretty great, right? This here's our hometown, Ylisstol!""Home...town? This is more like a small kingdom!""Indeed," Frederick replied, still riding alongside their wagon. "Ylisstol is the capital city of the Halidom of Ylisse. You would do well to be on your best behavior here, Lyndis."Lyn shot him a look. "Sir Frederick, I promise you that I've no intention of causing anyone harm.""Don't worry about old Freddy Bear. He's always a little grumpy," Lissa assured her with a smirk. "Especially when Chrom recruits new Shepherds behind his back!""There's a world of difference between 'grumpy' and 'wary', milady.""Besides," Miriel spoke up, "if memory serves, I believe it was you that recruited Lyndis into our ranks, Lissa, not Chrom.""... Oh yeah. Hehe."After a bit more banter, the Shepherds' wagons had arrived at the stables just outside of Castle Ylisse. Stahl and Sully had gone along with Frederick and Sumia to hitch their horses and pegasus inside while the most of the other Shepherds were told to await further orders in the barracks.Chrom, on the other hand, was to report directly to Exalt Emmeryn and deliver the good news of acquiring Ferox's support. Lissa decided to accompany him, as did Robin and Lyndis. The four of them entered the castle and traveled down the extravagant hallways before being permitted to enter the throne room by several guards.On the throne sat a blonde woman in regal robes, a gentle smile on her face and a strange mark on her forehead. It looked practically identical to the one on Chrom's shoulder, and the prince smiled as he met her gaze."Sister, I come bearing good news," he announced with pride. "We've managed to win over Ferox's support. Khan Flavia will supply us with her best troops in the event of a war with Plegia."'Sister?' Lyn questioned internally. 'Does that mean…?'"This is good news indeed, Chrom," Emmeryn replied softly, closing her eyes. "The last thing I want is another bloody conflict on our hands, but if we are forced to defend our people, then so be it."The graceful Exalt turned her gaze towards the stranger in her midst, still wearing an amicable grin. "I see you've made yet another new friend.""Yep!" Lissa chirped, gesturing to the Sacaean warrior beside her. "This is Lyndis! She's a really cool fighter from Eilbeen! You should see her in action sometime!""Er… that's Elibe, Lissa," Lyn corrected her gently. Bowing to Emmeryn, she said, "It's an honor to stand before you, Lady Emmeryn. Your city is most beautiful."Emmeryn chuckled quietly. "You flatter me, Lyndis. I am not sure I've ever encountered anyone from Elibe before, much less heard of the realm myself, but you seem to be dependable if Chrom has allowed you to join him on his quest."Chrom and Lissa shared a laugh as Lyn laughed bashfully, rubbing the back of her head. Robin observed her with a smile and took note of how pleasant her voice felt to his ears.The happy moment came to a close as a pegasus knight rushed into the throne room, alarm evident in her crimson eyes."Your Grace! Milord, milady," she greeted the royal trio. "Forgive me, but I have terrible news!""Peace, Phila," Emmeryn gently said. "What is it?"Taking a deep breath, Phila declared, "Plegia has attacked us. Their soldiers were spotted attacking a village in Themis near the southwest border. Worse still, they've taken the duke's daughter for ransom."Though everyone reacted with shock and horror at the news, Lissa took it the worst as her heart began to leap out of her chest. "B-B-But… That's Maribelle! We have to save her, you guys!"Phila sighed, nodding. "It gets even worse, I'm afraid. King Gangrel asserts that it was Maribelle who invaded his country, not the other way around. The Mad King's demanding reparations as a result of this 'slight against his rule'.""Those dogs," Chrom spat, cursing under his breath as he clenched his fists. "Damn them all to hell! They'll pay for this with their blood!""Chrom!" Emmeryn cried, a hand over her chest."... Where are they?" Lyn asked Phila, getting her attention. "If we find Maribelle and rescue her, there shouldn't be an issue, right?""I too wish to save Lady Maribelle," Emmeryn admitted sadly, "but we must look before we leap to avoid starting a full-blown war with Plegia."Chrom looked visibly upset as Lissa paced back and forth in a panic. "Emm - ""Or need I remind you of what happened the last time Ylisse declared war on Plegia?" the Exalt remarked sharply, causing him to freeze in his tracks. "We cannot… we must not repeat Father's mistakes.""Rrgh…"Lyn and Robin exchanged confused and concerned looks as the prince stood in place, fuming silently. Robin, despite having been in their ranks for a few months now, still knew little of Ylisse's true past. To say nothing of how behind Lyndis herself was…"I will speak with King Gangrel correctly," Emmeryn announced, standing. Phila and Chrom stared at her in shock. "If I can talk him down, I'm sure we can reach a peaceful agreement and save Lady Maribelle simultaneously.""Your Grace...""You seriously trust that... monster?""... I trust that you, as my brother and next in line for the throne, would trust me."Chrom backed down, though a flame still blazed within him at the mere thought of making a deal with those scoundrels. "... Yes, Sister. If you're truly intent on going, at least allow me to accompany you. Someone has to be there in case something goes wrong.""Yeah!" Lissa yelled, clutching her staff tightly. "And if you two are going, then so am I!""Robin, head to the barracks," Chrom ordered the tactician. "Tell everyone to gear up for battle. Get Frederick to mobilize the rest of the Shepherds…"The prince paused, turning to look at a confused Lyndis before finishing. "... And get this woman some armor.""Hey! Sacaeans are more than capable of fighting just the way we are," Lyn protested angrily, her fists clenched. Out on the plains, armor tended to be light if worn at all. Even so, there was no shortage of powerful sword and bow wielders that could hold their own in a fight and still come out with little in the way of actual life-threatening injuries."I've no doubt of your strength, friend," the prince replied coolly, "but I've seen firsthand what Plegians are capable of. A single well-placed stab could end you where you stand.""Only if they can manage to catch up to me."Robin's eyes shifted between the two cautiously as he wrung his hands together. "Right. I'll just… be going then…""I'm coming with you, Robin!" Lissa shouted, taking the tactician by the hand and leading him away. "We gotta get the ball rolling here!""Ouch! Be careful!"The Shepherds, upon getting wind of the attack in Themis, armed themselves right away and readied the horses for the trip."Those Plegians are gonna rue the day they picked on Maribelle," Sully growled, taking a few practice jabs with her lance before giving a satisfied nod. "... Even if she is a snobby little priss."Vaike sighed. "Yeah, yeah, save it for the battlefield. 'Sides, we all know who's really gonna steal the show this time!"A few more minutes had passed before Chrom and Lissa swung by the stables, a small mage not too far behind them."But Chrooom!""No, Ricken," the prince fired back without even looking at him. "You're simply too young for this mission. It's entirely likely that blood will be spilled today, and I'll be damned before I let a child die on the battlefield.""But I'm not a child!" he argued, pouting. "And I can help! My magic's a lot better than it used to be!"Lissa let out a laugh as she walked over to the shorter boy, ruffling his hair. "Sorry, Small Fry. Leave this mission to us big kids!""You're not even that much older than me!""At least I grew into my hat!""Grr…!"Chrom groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Why me…?"As the Shepherds finished packing the rest of the supplies into the wagons, Lyn walked over to them in a new outfit. Despite her insistence, she was gifted a long blue overcoat with a red sash around her midsection. The coat was padded with armor but did nothing to protect (or hinder, she thought) her legs.Robin, who had been checking off some things on a list, nearly did a double take as he took note of Lyn's form. She had looked great before, of course, but this new look wasn't exactly lacking either…"This armor feels a bit too snug," she complained, "but it should serve me well enough. Thanks, Robin.""I… Uh… N-no problem…"Leaning against a carriage, Vaike let out a long whistle as he admired Lyn's long and shapely legs. "Now ain't that a pretty sight!"Unfortunately for him, Lissa happened to be within earshot at the time with staff in hand.
BONK!
"Ow!"Lyn smiled at the princess as the two of them entered a carriage. "Thank you, Lissa.""Mrgh… Why that little… What's her problem?" Vaike barked, rubbing the back of his head.Chrom and Robin gave each other a knowing look, complete with smirks."... What?"Kellam and Stahl had volunteered to drive the first carriage as Chrom and Frederick decided to pull the second. With Sumia and Phila following them from the sky and the latter carrying Emmeryn on her pegasus, Robin could relax and ride in one of the carriages with the others."Well, goodbye, Ricken," Chrom said to the young mage as the horses began to move. "And stay out of trouble!""Smell ya later, Ricky!" Lissa called from her wagon. "We'll bring you back a souvenir!"Leaving the disgruntled boy behind, the Shepherds rode southwards out of Ylisstol and towards the dukedom of Themis. The ride shouldn't have been that long, only a few hours at most ideally, but the ragtag militia still looked for ways to pass the time as they traveled."Are we there yet?""No, Lissa.""Oh," she mumbled in disappointment. Perking up, she asked, "... How about now?"Sully grit her teeth and huffed. "No, Lissa… No, we're not.""Oh… Hey, Vaike? Are we there ye - ""Ogre's teeth, Lissa, we've only been out here five minutes!" the blonde warrior yelled out in annoyance. "Sheesh! Why do you gotta be so annoyin' all the time?!""Why do you have to ogle every new female recruit we get, huh?""Hey, I wasn't ogling! I was just… admirin' the view.""Is that what you call it now, Teach?" Lissa challenged irritably, frowning. "Why not be a man and just call it what it is?""Hey! Excuuuse me, princes- ""Will you all keep it down?" Frederick demanded from the driver's seat as he held the reigns. "Need I remind you that we're on our way to what could very well be a bloodbath? Even the weakest of Plegians should not be underestimated. There's no telling what sort of trickery awaits us... So settle down!"Lyn shifted uncomfortably and nudged Robin, getting the sleepy tactician's attention. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask… What's with Plegia anyway? What did they do?""Uh…"Vaike laughed in an almost bitter tone. "What haven't they done? Even now, they raze villages and kidnap pretty girls for fun. The Vaike likes fightin' as much as anyone, but hurtin' innocents is where I draw the line.""And they've hurt a lot of innocents," Sully snarled, cracking her knuckles. "That's why we enjoy putting 'em right back where they belong; in Hell!""They sound deplorable," Lyn muttered with closed eyes as she clenched her fists. She'd never even really encountered a Plegian, but she still wasn't over her hatred of bandits. What the Taliver did to her tribe… her parents, was unforgivable. And if there were bandits inflicting the same pain on others in this world as well… she'd do everything in their power to put a stop to them."Say, that reminds me," Lissa said, having been quiet for some time. "How come you always wear that cloak, Robin? Frederick doesn't like it much. Keeps saying how he thinks it's a 'bad omen' or something like that. Crazy, right?""I… I woke up wearing it, remember? Truth be told, I'm not sure how I came to possess it," the tactician answered quietly, "but I do find it rather comfortable…"Lyn let out a small giggle as she looked at her old friend. "You know… you actually wore similar clothing back in Elibe. Your cloak was green, yes, but… there's a certain similarity all the same."Under her breath, she added, "It's kind of adorable, really…"Robin's eyes widened as his lips curled up slightly. "... Y-You really think so, Lyndis?"The Sacaean gazed back at him in surprise, only now realizing what she had just said as the blood rushed to her face. The other three Shepherds shared smug glances all the while. "H-Huh?!""Er… Nothing!" Robin blurted, breaking the eye contact and folding his hands together. "Nothing at all…""Oh... Alright then…"The rest of the ride was mostly silent, and both Robin and Lyn found it hard to discern whether they were grateful or all the more embarrassed for it. Most of the Shepherds nodded off at some point during the journey, making it all the easier for a certain mage to remain undetected in the rear wagon's cargo hold."Tch… I'll show them," he mumbled to himself. "Just you wait, Maribelle… I'll save you no matter what!"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Deep within the golden sands of Plegia, a psychotic tyrant cackled to himself in his decrepit throne room. Though his once beautiful nation had seen better days, a new age was upon them. For centuries afterwards, he'd convinced himself, he would be renowned as the man who single-handedly saved all of Plegia from their woes. The scars left behind by that dastard's war - no, his genocide - would be mended as he saw fit. And all without the help of those accursed Grimleal scum..."Cease this madness! Unhand me at once, you brutes!"The Mad King groaned as he turned his attention towards the source of the noise. A disgruntled blonde girl stood at the foot of the stairs leading to the throne. The lady's wrists were bound by rope as a couple of guards held her arms roughly."Do you mind, Maybellene? Can't you see I'm busy gloating internally?""That's Maribelle, you shameless and utterly contemptible excuse of a man," she spat venomously as she struggled against her captors. "Razing an entire village to the ground is abhorrent enough as is, but kidnapping an unarmed healer is simply uncouth and uncalled for! My father will be most displeased once he hears about this!"Gangrel stroked his chin for a moment, seemingly thinking as he reclined in his throne. "Mm, yes… The Duke of Themis, correct? As in, the same Duke of Themis that was in full support of Ylisse's former king as he razed our homes and butchered unarmed Plegian civilians like livestock?! That Duke of Themis?!"The young woman grit her teeth angrily, her eyes burning fiercely into his own. Gangrel sighed and snapped his fingers impatiently. "Aversa!"A white-haired woman in revealing black clothing was at his side in an instant and, supposedly reading his mind, brought him a small dark orb on a violet pillow. The Mad King stood up, grabbed the gemstone, and walked down the stairs until he was face-to-face with an incredibly furious Maribelle. Her glare never faltered for a moment, even as the yellow of his sickly smile became closer and closer."Tell me, child," Gangrel purred, waving the dark orb in front of her face. "Do you know what this is?"She scoffed indignantly. "Any Ylissean noble worth her salt knows good and well what that is! It's the gemstone, Sable.""Ah. Pretty and intelligent," the Mad King cooed, tapping her on the nose with one of his unsightly talons. Maribelle merely recoiled in abhorrence. "If you know what this is, then surely you must know what I need.""Dental hygiene?"This earned the noblewoman a swift slap to the face. The pain and humiliation stung, but Maribelle gave him a defiant smirk regardless as she glared back at him."Don't play coy with me, girl," Gangrel snarled at her, baring his teeth. "You know good and well what I'm after, and you're going to help me get it!""No. I shall not."The Mad King stood up and chuckled maliciously, a devious glint in his eye. "We'll see if you change your tune when we pay your beloved Exalt and dear friend a visit later today."The blonde's eyes widened in horror as her lips parted. "No… you couldn't possibly mean…!""Oh, I do, buttercup," he taunted. "It's simple, really. I get the Fire Emblem, and Emmeryn doesn't have to live with the knowledge that she let her sweet baby sister's friend die a painful and horrible death. No blood has to be shed! No tears need to be wept! Isn't that what everyone wants in the end?""You're a madman! What could Plegia possibly want with the Fire Emblem?!" Maribelle demanded incredulously. She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to recompose herself, before continuing. "... It matters not. You may as well kill me where I stand, because I'd sooner die than doom my country as a mere bargaining chip!"Aversa, largely silent up until this point, grinned darkly. "It would be remarkably simple… Are you sure we can't just find another hostage, Your Majesty?""NO!" Gangrel roared, his harsh voice resounding through the halls of the castle. "It has to be this one!"The temptress tutted and shook her head. "You're really no fun at all, you know."Striding away with swishing hips, she asked, "Can't we at least give her a little show before we head out there?""... Very well," the Mad King relented. Pointing to the duo of guards, he shouted, "One of you! Step forward, if you please. I'll handle the discount princess here.""Discount? How dare you! Get your filthy hands off of me!" Maribelle protested as she fruitlessly thrashed around in their grip.As the noblewoman continued to struggle, one of the guards let go of her and walked forward as he was told. Aversa chuckled and said, "Good boy," before thrusting her hand in his direction. A dark tendril spewed from her hand and pierced the soldier's chest, and Maribelle could only look on in shock and horror as the man writhed in agony. His screams soon died down as his body went limp before being unceremoniously dumped onto the floor.Unfortunately, the horror show continued as the man's body began to convulse and twist about. His skin became a deathly dark shade of purple as his eyes glowed a deep red, and the corpse let out an inhuman shriek as Gangrel's wicked smile grew. The other guard looked nauseated and horrified, but continued to hold Maribelle alongside his king regardless."It's beautiful, isn't it?" the Mad King cooed, a tear falling from his eye as the body rose to its feet like an unholy marionette."By the gods… What is that?! What have you done?!""What, you don't like it?" Aversa teased, stepping forward to pet the moaning corpse's head. "And here I thought I did a rather good job. Looks like I'll have to hone my craft some more.""You're disgusting, the lot of you," Maribelle declared, shutting her eyes."Nobles that live in glass mansions should be the absolute last to start casting stones," Gangrel smugly shot back. "Now enough of this chatter! Aversa, take this lovely shadow puppet out back and get rid of it! Once you're done, gather the troops and set a course for the border! Our spies have informed me that the Ylisseans should be arriving there shortly."Turning to the remaining guard and shoving Maribelle into his arms, he ordered, "You! Go with Aversa and take Little Miss Mouthy here with you!""A-and the gemstone, Your Majesty?""I'll hold onto it for just a while longer before returning it to the royal vault. Now go, all of you! Go, go, go!"As the three were rushed out of the room with the corpse in tow, Gangrel made his way back to his throne and held Sable lovingly in his hands. "Sable… my beautiful Darksphere… Fret not. With the Fire Emblem in our possession, we shall be whole again. One Plegia , united under me! ME! And this time, there will be no one left to get in my way. Not the Grimleal. Not that emperor from Valm! And especially not those Ylisseans…"The Mad King let out a tremendous, insanity-fueled laugh.It would be the first of many.The sun was setting on the Ylissean-Plegian border as Lyn and the other Shepherds arrived at the location Gangrel specified. Rocky cliffs loomed in the background as several of the Shepherds began to feel uneasy. As Phila helped Emmeryn down from her pegasus and the Shepherds began to arm themselves just in case, Chrom and Robin approached the Exalt nervously. Lyn tentatively chose to do the same, her blades at the ready."Emm, I don't like this. I'm feeling eyes on our backs here…"Lyn nodded, her hand subconsciously resting on the hilt of her Mani Katti. "I agree. We're much too out in the open here… I pray we're not making a huge mistake."Robin studied their surroundings with caution, his eyes scanning the horizon. "... I'm not seeing any signs of aggression, but entering a defensive position might be in everyone's best interest - "The tactician stopped dead in his tracks and was more than a little surprised to see a couple of people standing atop a rock formation. Neither Robin nor Lyn had any idea who they were, but the other Shepherds were quick to recognize the more masculine of the duo."Gangrel," Chrom growled with a fire in his eyes."Hold, Chrom," Emmeryn ordered, not taking her eyes off of the Plegian king. Clearing her throat, she shouted, "King Gangrel! I wish to speak with you peacefully. Before we consider the matter of parley, might I see that Maribelle is unharmed?""Oh, yes. Her," the temptress at Gangrel's side uttered with a voice that oozed venom. "Quite a nasty piece of work, that.""Who the hell is that hussy?""Sully!""Fufufu… You may call me Aversa."The temptress clapped her hands together, causing a Plegian soldier to shove a still-bound Maribelle forward. The Shepherds jumped at just how close she was to being thrown off the cliff."Gangrel, you monster… Don't you dare!""Chrom!"Maribelle looked down at her friends and grimaced, both at how high up she was and at the utter humiliation of being in such an unbecoming position. "Your Grace, it's a trap! Don't fall for this troglodyte's cheap act! His men attacked the village and took me captive!""What? We've done nothing wrong here. She was the one who violated Plegian law by crossing the border! If anyone's putting on an act here, it's her!""You lie!" Chrom accused fiercely."This is going well," Robin mumbled quietly.Emmeryn, ever the diplomat, resolved to preserve the peace. "I am sure we can reach some sort of agreement here, King Gangrel. Release Lady Maribelle and I'll gladly offer Plegia reparations in return. Please... There's simply no need to throw away innocent lives."The Mad King chuckled bitterly, his sunken eyes pooling with contempt. "Oh, is that right? Not the words I'd expect to hear from the daughter of Chronos!""'Chronos'?" Lyn repeated as her brow furrowed confusedly. "Who's that?""You there, new girl!" Gangrel yelled, pointing a finger at her. "Don't fall for the Ylisseans' lies! They claim to want peace, yet they were all too willing to murder surrendering Plegian civilians in cold blood not two decades ago! Theirs is a haven of hypocrisy!""Enough!" Chrom roared, clenching his fists. "Give us Maribelle right now!""Chrom, please!" Emmeryn pleaded.Gangrel grinned evilly, stroking his chin. "Oh, you can have her. On one condition, of course.""... Go on.""In exchange for your irritating friend's worthless life, I do believe I'll be taking the Fire Emblem. Quite the generous bargain, if you ask me!"The Shepherds' eyes shot open as Robin and Lyn shared a confused glance. Emmeryn was perhaps the most taken aback and exclaimed, "What?! … What could you possibly want with that?""Those are my terms," Gangrel stated flatly, folding his arms and giving her an expectant look. "If you truly believe the life of one lowly Ylissean worm is worth more than a lifetime of peace, then feel free to refuse! I'll just have to throw little Mary-Beth here back in the dungeon.""A lifetime of peace?" Chrom shot back skeptically, as if having been told a bad joke. "You'd kill us all!""Please! I'd like to think that I'm at least a little more refined than your dictator of a father.""You…! How dare you!"A baffled Lyn turned to Robin and mouthed, 'Do you know what's going on?'The tactician shook his head frantically, his heart racing as he desperately tried to think up a plan. Negotiations weren't going well at all, and Robin had initially banked on Gangrel's terms being decidedly more reasonable. But then there was the matter of his words and just how biting they were…As the Shepherds and Plegians reached an impasse, a lone boy quietly climbed up the rocks on the latter's side of the border pass. He grit his teeth as he made it up before hiding in some nearby bushes, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Gangrel and Aversa stood at the very top of the rock with Maribelle while he sat at the foot of the cliff. If he attacked now, Maribelle was certain to fall to her doom."Think, Ricken. How can I get Maribelle onto safer ground and free her at the same time?"The young mage drummed his fingers on his trusty Elwind tome for a few moments before remembering an advanced technique he had read about one time. Granted, he'd never actually put into practice before, but he was running short on time and didn't have any better ideas.Sighing, Ricken tore several pages out of his tome and crept out of the bushes. While the adults were busy talking, he took the opportunity to lay them on the ground before returning to his hiding place. Now he'd just have to find a way to lure them down..."... Very well then!" Gangrel announced with a shrug, turning his back to the Ylisseans. The Mad King pointed to two grunts below him and barked, "You two! Take the girl and go. It's obvious they're simply not interested in bargaining with us."The Shepherds looked around, most of them visibly angered. Many a Plegian surrounded them from the cliffsides, watching them with shifty eyes as they returned the sentiment."What are we gonna do?""We can't just let them take Maribelle!""Emm," Lissa whispered, "we have to do something!"As the Shepherds scrambled to think of a solution, the two Plegian guards grabbing Maribelle trotted off the rock formation and down the hill. Ricken watched with an eager smile as one of them stepped on a page on their way down."What the - Aaaah!"A powerful blast of wind erupted from the page, sending the grunt high into the sky. The other guard relinquished his grip on Maribelle and, equally as stunned as the troubadour herself, took a step backwards only to trigger another page. The force of the wind sent him flying just like his colleague, and the two landed on the ground with a rough thud."What in the hells is going on back there?!" Gangrel demanded, the noise having caught his attention.'Crap,' Ricken thought to himself as he sprang from the bushes and sprinted towards a lone Maribelle. 'Gotta make this quick!'"Maribelle! I'm here to rescue you!"The troubadour's jaw dropped. "Ricken?! What in blazes are you doing here?!""I'll explain later," he said as he cut the ropes from her wrists with a dagger. "We don't have much time! Follow me, Maribelle!""R-Right!""What's going on up there?" Chrom muttered, squinting at the rock formation a very angry Gangrel was stomping his feet on."An ambush, is it?! I should have known that you Ylissean mutts would stoop to such lows! Men, to arms!" Gangrel commanded with a pointed finger. "Aversa, get us out of here! Commander Orton, stay here and finish the job!""You're kidding me!" Lyn exclaimed in anger and amazement. "We didn't even do anything!""Phila, get Emmeryn to safety," Chrom ordered as he brandished the Falchion. "The rest of you are with me!"Turning to his trusted tactician, he inquired, "Robin, what do you propose we do?""... We should make a defensive formation. Let them come to us," Robin explained carefully. "Sumia, I want you to scout ahead and see if you can spot Maribelle. Once we rescue her and their numbers are down, we can press forward and deal with Orton."Sumia nodded and took to the skies on her trusty pegasus without a word.Seeing the Plegian soldiers advancing on their position, the tactician shouted to his allies, "Prepare yourselves!"Lyn got ahold of herself and brandished both of her swords in her hands as she crouched. As she mentally prepared herself, the Shepherds rearranged themselves so that Donnel, Lissa, Virion, and Miriel were in the center and the furthest from harm. Phila had lead Emmeryn to the safety of the caravan as the battle began.The harsh clang of metal-on-metal rang throughout the battlefield as Lyn and Robin sprinted alongside each other. For each swift slash, there was an accompanying blast of magic, and the two seemed to move in perfect synergy as they tore through the enemy ranks.Chrom, meanwhile, wasted no time in cutting down several brigands of his own. Distracted by fighting the enemy in front of him, he was nearly blasted from the side with lightning magic when a hand axe spiraled through the air and knocked the mage off his feet."Oh yeah! Score one for the Vaike!"Lyn swiped at an oncoming mercenary with her Mani Katti before cutting him down with the Sol Katti. On her left, Lon'qu dueled with an opposing myrmidon as Virion sniped at several fighters from afar."Virion!" Robin called with ragged breath. "How… H-how are you holding up?""Handsome archers never lose battles, my friend!" he cheered, gracefully sending an arrow flying into another soldier. "You, however, appear to be in dire need of some healing!"The strategist shook his head as he prepared his tome once more, a bit of blood trickling from his nostril. "No, I… I can handle it…""Don't get careless, Robin!" Lyn scolded, barely dodging an overhead swing from a swordsman. Cutting him down, she asserted, "I can take things from here!""But…""Go!"Robin reluctantly shuffled over to Lissa's side and away from the main conflict. As the cleric patched him up with her healing magic, Sumia swooped down from the sky and back to Chrom's side."Captain! I've spotted Ricken and Maribelle on the other side of the cliffs!"Chrom looked back at her in bewilderment. "Ricken's here too?! What the hell… I thought I told him to stay in Ylisstol!"The prince calmed down as the rest of the Shepherds continued fighting off the Plegian forces all around them. "... Do you think you can get them both back here?""I… I can definitely try!""Take care, Sumia. Remember, if you see men on wyverns, do not engage them! They're far too strong for you to fight head on.""Roger! I'll be back soon, Chrom.""Wait!" Lyn shouted, getting their attention. "Let me ride with you, Sumia. That way I can lend an extra blade or two in case you run into any resistance.""You've been on a pegasus before?" Sumia questioned with an impressed smile."Plenty of times," Lyn grinned back as she carefully climbed up onto Sumia's mount."Well, alright… Just hold on tight!"Within moments, the two were soaring through the sky as the battle raged on below. It had been a fair while since Lyn had flown with Florina, but she could tell that Sumia was an experienced flier about on par with her old friend. The Sacaean kept her eyes peeled as they flew over the rocky cliffside. Squinting, she could just barely make out two figures being chased by a multitude of other figures..."There!" Sumia cried, pointing as she held the reigns with her free hand. "That has to be Ricken and Maribelle. Hang on tight, Lyn!"Lyn felt the familiar sensation of wind rushing through her hair as the pegasus descended at a rather steep angle. Arms wrapped tightly around Sumia's waist, she waited until they had reached the ground before letting go and jumping off of her steed."Lyn! What do you think you're doing?!" Sumia demanded."I'll distract the enemies so that you can head back to Chrom with your friends," she explained as she brandished both blades. Staring ahead, she could see that Ricken and Maribelle were being pursued by at least five men on foot. "Trust me, I can handle these guys!""But - "Without another word, Lyn rushed towards the advancing Plegians with a fire in her eyes. Ricken and Maribelle, nearly out of breath, got out of the way and sprinted over to Sumia as the Sacaean met her opponents head on."Hah!" she yelled, bringing both swords down onto an axeman in an X-formation. She zipped and darted around the soldiers, disorienting them before striking them down with ease. "Is that all you've got?!"Lyn looked up to the skies triumphantly only to be knocked down a peg by the triad of wyvern riders rushing at her, one of them being the Air Commander himself. They each carried an imposing axe in their hand, and Lyn dashed out of the way of an incoming swing only to be struck by another wyvern's tail from the side. The girl yelped in pain as she hit the ground and tumbled a fair distance."D-damn it," she swore, rising to her feet with a newfound sense of anger welling up inside of her. Drawing her Sol Katti, Lyn took a crouching position and beckoned her opponents forward angrily.The wyvern riders repeated their original flanking strategy, but the Sacaean swordswoman knew better. This time, when the first came swooping down at her, Lyn leapt up and slashed at the wyvern head on instead of darting into the oncoming path of another. The mystic katana made short work of the beast's scaly hide as it recoiled violently, and Lyn used the opportunity to impale the rider with her blade before finishing off his mount."Grrk…!"Lyn leapt off of the dying wyvern and onto the second as it lunged forward at them. Just as before, she used the advantage of surprise to stun the rider before slicing away at him and his flying companion. Both dropped to the ground, bloody and defeated, as Lyn landed a few feet away no worse for wear."You're good, girl," Orton said, brandishing a jagged axe menacingly, "but I'm better!""Try me!"Orton's wyvern let out a tremendous ear-piercing screech as it charged forward. Lyn darted to the right as Orton swiped at her left, and she responded by slashing at his wyvern with the Sol Katti. Lyn was almost at a loss for words when Orton leapt off of his wyvern with his weapon of choice, a short axe on a chain, in hand."Dismounting in battle?" Lyn questioned him, almost smirking. "Isn't that putting yourself at a little bit of a disadvantage?""Two heads are better than one," Orton remarked as he swung his chained axe above his head like a flail. "Perhaps I'll get to mount yours on my wall when this is over!"Suddenly, Lyn understood. With Orton in front of her and his wyvern circling the duo from the sky, she'd have to be exceedingly careful. It was then that she was beginning to regret her decision to come here alone. To say nothing of the pain rising in her chest from where the other wyvern struck her...With a war cry, Orton hurled his axe directly at Lyn's head. She sidestepped the attack with ease and rushed forward to attack the supposedly defenseless man. The air commander smirked as he threw his arm backwards, causing the chain to recoil and sending the axe flying at Lyn's back. The jarring impact sent Lyn to the ground with a scream of pain, and she could hear the lumbering footsteps of the wyvern behind her."Didn't see that comin', did ya?" Orton taunted as he knelt over her downed form, yanking his weapon out of her back harshly. The axe had mostly embedded itself in the padding of her new outfit, but the blade still broke the skin just between Lyn's shoulder blades. "They never do.""D-damn you," Lyn coughed, spitting a bit of blood onto the ground beside her. "What… What do you even stand to gain from all of this? That man, Gangrel… Why must he and Chrom fight?""Heh. That idiot prince doesn't even inform his troops anymore, does he? Well, no matter," he replied, holding his axe high above his head. "I'll send him to ya soon enough!""Thunder!"Orton convulsed violently as a powerful blast of electricity surged through his armor, causing him to drop his axe. A few more blasts of fire and thunder magic were all that it took to send him sprawling onto the ground away from Lyn, and his wyvern let out a bloodcurdling scream as a similar barrage of magical energy put it out of commission permanently."Nn… Huh?""Lyn!" Robin yelled, rushing to her side. "Are you alright?"Locking eyes with him, she nodded wordlessly as she supported herself with her arms. "I… I'm fine… Ow…""... Can you stand?""I think so…"With Robin's assistance, Lyn rose to her feet. She sucked in a breath as the pain in her upper back flared up, and Robin gazed at her with a relieved smile. One that she was more than happy to reciprocate, in fact."Robin," Chrom called, having caught up to the pair thanks to the timely arrival of Sumia. "Emmeryn is safe and the rest of the enemy forces have been dispatched. Where's Gangrel?""Keheheh…"The trio turned to a heavily damaged Orton, blood dripping from his mouth. "Your Majesty is already halfway to Plegia as we speak. With your little ambush, you have effectively doomed your country to another horrible war.""Chrom, what's he talking about?" Lyn questioned the prince. "What's going on here?""... Later. For now, I'll handle this miscreant," Chrom snarled, walking towards the downed commander with Falchion at the ready. "Answer me this, Orton. What does that madman want with the Fire Emblem?""Ahaha… I'm just as in the dark as you, little prince. Truthfully, I don't really care what he wants or does as long as I'm paid.""... So you're little more than a sellsword. Wonderful.""All I do know is that ol' Gangrel's got quite the chip on his shoulder from the War," Orton spat, some blood landing near Chrom's boots. "Poor mummy and daddy, cut down in front of him some two decades ago… Really took a toll on the poor bastard. Your father's death couldn't come soon enough. Keheh- Urk!"The Air Commander's chortle was cut short as Chrom thrust Falchion into the man's chest. Lyn and Robin looked on as the prince removed his blade from the body and sheathed it."... We're done here," Chrom said quietly. "Let's regroup with the others and head back to Ylisstol. We're going to need Lissa and Maribelle's full magical abilities, and I'm going to need to have a long talk with Ricken…""Chrom...""We'll talk later, Lyn," the prince brushed her off. "Lissa can probably patch you up on the way home, but Maribelle likes to be more thorough. See her afterwards. You too, Robin.""Understood.""I will... Thank you.""You know, you're quite lucky to have worn such a sturdy armored coat," Maribelle told Lyn as the troubadour held her staff near her bare back, the healing magic beginning to mend her wound. "Had you not been, that blade would have pierced your spine and ended your fighting career then and there.""Ugh…""... There," Maribelle announced. "The wound has been closed, but you should still expect some soreness within the next couple of days. I'm afraid we're not exactly miracle workers, you know.""This will more than suffice," Lyn stated, looking over her shoulder gratefully. "Thank you, Maribelle." She would have to remember to thank Chrom as well for the armor. After he was finished chewing her out, of course."I should be thanking you, really. You and Ricken both," Maribelle replied with a tiny giggle. "Both of you were quite reckless, but your intentions were noble and there wasn't a single casualty among the Shepherds today. I should hope we might always be this fortunate!"As she finished dressing herself, Lyn spoke up again. "... Do you know where Robin is? He seemed slightly out of breath before, and he rushed in to save me not too long after. I'm worried he might be pushing himself a little too hard out there… He was never a fighter, really.""I believe Lissa's tending to him on the other side of the infirmary ward. Do send him my regards, would you? I'm afraid I was rather… unkind, the first time we met…""I'll do just that. Thank you, Maribelle.""Stay out of trouble, darling! And don't forget to remind Lissa about our teatime!"Lyn giggled and exited the room, making her way over to the one said to be housing Robin. The tactician was reclining in bed, reading a book entitled Magic for Dummies, Vol. 1. Lyn stood in the doorway and cleared her throat, getting his attention."O-oh, Lyn!" he blurted. "... How are you feeling?""I could ask the safe of you," she said, entering the room and standing by his bed. Motioning to sit, she paused and asked, "May I?"Robin smiled, though his cheeks flared up a bit. "Y-Yes... Go right ahead.""Thank you… Are you alright?" Lyn questioned him seriously, staring into his brown eyes. "I could tell that you were running short of breath during our battle…""Oh, that? Ha… It's nothing," Robin lied bashfully.The Sacaean gave him a skeptical, clearly unamused look. "Robin, I've never seen a mage tire themselves out like that before. I can't use magic, but I knew others that could. Erk, Lucius, Canas, Pent… all of them powerful in their own right, but they not once overexerted themselves like you did!""... Were they our friends?"Lyn beamed, her concern fading slightly. "Yes… Yes they were. You used to borrow books from Canas all the time. Ever since we first met Erk, you'd always expressed interest in learning magic, but you never did. Well, not until now, at least."Robin chuckled quietly, flexing his right hand. "Yeah… I'm still something of a novice, so maybe that's why… Urk…""Robin, you shouldn't be so reckless," Lyn chastised in a stern voice. "You're not used to fighting like I am!""You weren't exactly very cautious yourself out there…""I…"Lyn paused, frowning as she stared down at the floor. He definitely wasn't wrong, and she'd probably hear more than an earful from Chrom later, but… Everything worked out in the end, right?""... Lyn," Robin said, causing her to face him. "Was I always like this in your world?""What do you mean?""You know… Weak. Frail."She let out a laugh. "Your magic was amazing out there! I'd hardly consider you weak, Robin. Maybe in need of a little more training, but - ""You know that's not what I mean. I mean… physically. Magic is more tied to mental acuity, after all...""Well… you were never a fighter. At all," she explained bluntly. "You typically stayed off the frontlines whenever possible. You stayed close to me during our first battle on the plains, but afterwards… Well, it just became too dangerous after a while."Robin nodded slowly, frowning. "I see…""You mentioned that you've been with Chrom and the others for a few months now, right?" Lyn inquired, raising an eyebrow. "That's not a whole lot of time to learn magic…"He chuckled. "I have Miriel to thank for that. When Chrom and Lissa first found me, I couldn't even open a fire tome without getting a nosebleed!""Goodness!""Yeah… not fun," Robin sighed. "Um... If you don't mind...""Yes?""... Would you tell me more about my old life? Our journeys together?"Lyn smiled bittersweetly, still disappointed that he didn't remember but all too pleased that he was interested in the subject. "Yes, Robin, of course! What would you like to know first?"The Sacaean spent a great deal of time telling him about his past life in Elibe: how she found him unconscious on the plains, how they became an unlikely duo, the friends they made along the way, and how they eventually became involved in a plot to save the world. Lyn took note of how Robin's eyes seemed to light up like a child's during her recollections, and the sight alone warmed her to her very core."... Wow," Robin breathed at last, his mind having been considerably expanded. "A secret civilization of dragons? I've never even considered such a thing could exist before. And… Hector, was it? He almost reminds me of Chrom in a way!"This brought a bright smile to Lyn's face. Robin's memory was still gone, but this was a decidedly strong start. Perhaps his memories would return someday in full. Perhaps they never would. One thing was certain, however; regardless of that, Lyn would endeavor to stay by his side to the best of her ability. Not even death would do them part, she resolved.As the two chatted like the old friends they were, a certain prince was absolutely livid for unrelated reasons in Castle Ylisstol's throne room."What were you thinking?!" Chrom snapped, glaring daggers at the young mage standing before him. "Have you completely lost your mind, Ricken?"The boy shifted in place, desperately trying to hide in his hat. "I… I was only trying to…"Lissa let out a groan. "Don't you think you're being a little too hard on him, Chrom?""Lissa, I have to be," Chrom sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in anger. "He could have been killed out there!""Well… I mean... Maribelle could have died out there too!" Ricken protested. "That's why I snuck into your wagon in the first place. I wouldn't have had to if you had just let me go with you guys to begin with!""I told you to stay here because the mission was simply too dangerous for you, Ricken! You saw how bloodthirsty Gangrel's men were. Your age means nothing to them," Chrom argued back."I… the thought of her dying was too much for me to bear, Chrom," Ricken admitted, sighing. "I know that you guys are strong. Heck, I look up to you and the Shepherds because you're strong! But even so, I... I just couldn't live with myself if something happened to Maribelle and I wasn't around to help her.""Exactly!" Lissa chirped, backing the mage up. "Ricken did a good thing today, Chrom. It was dangerous, yeah, but everything worked out in the end! You should be praising him!"Emmeryn, sitting on the throne, let out a weary sigh. "Chrom, your frustration is justified, but Ricken is still young, and young people are often greatly driven by matters of the heart.""Yeah," Ricken agreed. "Matters of the… Wait, what?!""I knew it!" Lissa cried. "Ricken loves Maribelle!""I do not! I just… didn't want her or her family to suffer. Yeah!"Outside the throne room, a blonde troubadour listened with great interest, her cheeks turning pink all the while. "Oh, Ricken…"Chrom looked at other three in the throne room for a few moments before sighing exasperatedly. "... Fine. Just… Don't pull any more reckless stunts, alright, Ricken? No one here wants you to get hurt or killed out there.""Okay… Wait, does this mean that I'm officially part of the Shepherds now?""I didn't say that - ""You sure are!" Lissa cheered happily, smiling and clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome to the team, Ricky!"The young mage's face lit up as he jumped in the air and clacked his heels together, hat in his hand. "Yahooooo!"Maribelle giggled with a hand over her mouth, shaking her head at his antics. Ricken was still a boy in many ways, but it was part of his charm, and he had the makings of a gallant man."Unbelievable," Chrom deadpanned. "I'm going to go check on Robin and Lyn… Naga knows I need to talk with both of them."When the blue-haired prince arrived back in the infirmary ward, he was taken aback at what he had come across. Robin was asleep in bed, as expected, but Lyn was also napping next to him. Chrom's annoyance at their recklessness, as well as his own fears and anger regarding another conflict with Plegia, was mitigated by the sight of them sleeping peacefully after a hard-fought battle."... Well, I suppose it could have been much worse," he admitted, leaning against the doorframe with folded arms. Chrom still didn't know much about Lyn, and Robin's shared past with her was still a mystery to him, but this would undoubtedly change with time. "Rest well, you two. I fear darker days are upon us all…"The prince looked out of a nearby window and saw that it was still daylight out. A single blue butterfly perched on a nearby tree branch, and Chrom appreciated the peace that enveloped his home.It would not last.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Deep within the woods on the outskirts of Ylisstol, a lone Plegian boy smiled to himself as he finally reached his destination; a clearing in the heart of the forest. A single stump sat in the middle, and the boy merrily strutted over to it before reaching into his cloak. He smiled to himself and retrieved his offering to the forest...A bundle of raw carrots."Teehee," he giggled, setting it on the stump. "This is gonna be awesome! Now to lie in wait…"He hid in some nearby bushes and waited patiently, recounting the tale in his head. In Plegia, young children were told that mystical beast-men once existed before tragedy struck them in the form of humans. Birds, cats, rabbits… the First Exalt of Ylisse had worked tirelessly to make them equal in the eyes of the people, but he had failed. Their genocide at the hands of poachers and miscreants had all but erased them from history, but it was said that their spirits still lived on in the trees around the nation's capital.The silver-haired boy waited for what felt like hours before he felt hot breath on his neck. His eager grin only widened as the snarling grew and he came face-to-face with a large rabbit-like beast. It glared down at him menacingly as it towered over him, its eyes glowing red with fury."Hiya! My name's Henry," the Plegian introduced himself cheerfully. Holding out a hand, he asked, "What's yours?"He was instantly swiped at, causing him to recoil slightly in pain as he held his hand. "Yeowch! That's gonna leave a mark, haha. Ooh, look at all of that blood…""Why have you come here, man-spawn?" the beast boomed in a deep, feminine voice. "Your kind are not welcome here…""Aww, but I have some news regarding the current Exaaaalt!""I care little about the affairs of humans. Now go away, lest you become my next meal!""W-wait!" Henry cried with his hands up, somehow still smiling as he backed away slightly. "What if I told you that the Exalt was gonna die tonight? Would you care then?""..."The beast paused, standing on her hind legs as she contemplated. "I…""Look, I know what happened to your people, and I'm really sorry about it," the boy apologized calmly. "I mean, I wasn't there, but… I had friends like you once. They were practically family, even. And when they were killed, I… Well, things got messy, nya ha.""... What are you getting at, man-spawn?""We're not so different, you and I," Henry said, stepping forward. The beast reared up and hissed slightly. "... Sure, you might be a lot tougher and cooler than me, but… We've both lost people. If we have that in common, then you should at least believe me when I say that there's an Exalt that needs your help!"The beast-bunny bared her teeth as she snarled, "That doesn't make any sense! You are truly trying my last nerve, man-spawn!""If you don't believe me, you can kill me right here. Just make it slow, okay? And extra painful! Nya ha ha!""... You are a sad, strange little man-spawn.""And you're a ferociously awesome bunny!""... Stop. I am a taguel, not a bunny. The last taguel, thanks to your ilk," she said with venom in her voice. "... Where is this Exalt?""Nya ha ha! Why the sudden change of heart?""Would you prefer I eat yours instead?!""... Yes."The taguel sat on her hind legs and brought her front paw to her snout in irritation. "In all my years, I don't believe I've ever met a more aggravating beorc in my entire life!""'Beorc'? Ooh, what does that mean?""SILENCE!" she roared, causing Henry to jump involuntarily. The Plegian boy couldn't remember the last time he had felt this feeling. It was a strange mixture of excitement and… What was that word again? Fear?"Ah… Heh. Do you remember where Castle Ylisstol is? It's this huuuuuge castle in the middle of Ylisstol!" Henry explained redundantly, holding his arms outstretched for emphasis. "Can't miss it!""Yes… I remember now. Perhaps, if I am quick enough, I might be able to intercept the assassins. Farewell, strange one.""Hey, wait! Aren't you at least gonna tell me your name?""You miserable pile of… Panne. My name is Panne," she finished, turning to leave and kicking some dirt on Henry in the process. "Goodbye."Panne, still in her beast form, sprinted out of the forest clearing. Henry coughed and spat as he brushed the dirt off of himself before gazing after her in awe."... Man, that was hard," he said with a sigh. "I've never had to pretend to be a good person for so long before! At least now a perfectly good war won't go to waste! Nya ha ha! … Now, which way was the exit…?"Back at Castle Ylisstol, only about an hour or so had passed since Chrom had dropped by to check on Robin. The Ylissean prince was more than a little surprised to see that his right-hand man was quite literally sleeping with the newest Shepherd, Lyndis, but he paid it no mind and walked to Castle Ylisstol's courtyard for some silent reflection.Lyn, meanwhile, could only snuggle into Robin's chest in satisfaction as the snoozing tactician wrapped a warm arm around her. The two snapped out of their trance almost instantaneously as they realized just how close they were to each other."... Oh!""Ah!"They sat up in bed, Lyn scooching off to the side as both of them straightened up. Lyn, of course, was the first to speak up, fidgeting with her hands. "I… I'm…""S-Sorry," Robin finished, his eyes refusing to meet hers. "I… I'm not sure what came over me…""Yeah… Same here…"A long, awkward silence followed before Robin decided he was feeling well enough to get out of bed. "Well, I'd better go check up on Chrom…"He only made it as far as the doorway before being spooked by a very smug Lissa. "Heeey, Robin. Enjoy your nap?""Eeek! Uh, I m-mean… Hello, Lissa. What… What brings you here?""Just thought I'd make sure you and your girlfriend were feeling better after that last battle," she explained casually, shrugging. "You guys both fought really hard, and your injuries definitely showed it, so - "Lyn interrupted the cleric with rosy cheeks and a furrowed brow. "Girlfriend?""She's not my g-girlfriend!" Robin blurted mortifyingly.Lissa raised an eyebrow, her smirk only growing. "Oh? Are you sure about that, Robby? Cause I've been hearing some pretty saucy rumors about you two lately…""What sauce?" Lyn demanded, her face growing hotter by the second. "... There was no sauce!"Robin coughed and desperately tried to change the subject. "A-Anyways, have you seen Chrom by any chance, Lissa? I have to ask him a few things…""Oh, yeah. Big Bro's in the courtyard brooding.""Excellent. Then that is where I will go."Lyn leapt up from the bed, not wanting to feel left out. "I'll go too!"Upon seeing their confused faces, the Sacaean clarified. "Er… I also have some things to discuss with Chrom."Lissa glanced between the odd couple with an amused expression. "Well, alright… Don't let me stop you two lovebirds.""How's Vaike doing, Lissa?" Robin quipped peevishly."H-Huh?! How the heck should I know?!"The tactician and swordswoman shared a laugh as they exited the room, leaving a very flustered princess behind. As Lyn followed Robin to the castle's courtyard, the two began to reminisce once more on their past travels. Robin still couldn't believe that his awakening in Ylisse wasn't even the first time he had been unconscious in a field with no recollection of any prior events.Lyn, on the other hand, felt an ever growing sense of dread in the pit of her stomach. She'd seen Robin's magical capabilities firsthand, and it did her heart good to know that he could properly defend himself now, but…"Hey, Robin?""Mm?""... Stay close to me in the next battle, okay?"He stopped in place, gazing at her with a raised eyebrow. "What brought this on?""You're much stronger now than you we're in Elibe," Lyn said, "but I'm still worried about you. Controlling magic is no easy feat, and I don't want you to get hurt out there, okay?""Lyndis…""If you want, you can even leave the fighting to me," she assured him, grinning. "It'll be just like the old days. You'll be my master strategist, and I'll be your peerless warrior!"Lyn felt a pang in her heart as the words left her mouth. Those had actually been some of the first that she had ever spoken to Robin, and a small part of her had hoped that using them again would help edge him towards remembering her entirely."... I'm flattered, Lyndis, but… I have an obligation now. I might not be as talented as Miriel or as strong as Frederick, but I can fight now!" Robin exclaimed with an enthusiastic smile. "I still can't remember Elibe, but… Don't you see? I'm not dead weight anymore. I can help!""Robin… you were never dead weight. Never," Lyn admitted with a sigh, shaking her head. "Not to me. Not to anyone. Besides, fighting isn't the only way to contribute! I can't even count how many times your strategies have saved our lives.""I… Really?"Lyn gazed into his eyes with a genuine smile. "Absolutely. If you really want to learn how to fight, I won't get in your way. I could even spar with you if it'll help! I just… Don't get careless, okay?""Oh, like you're one to talk," Robin japed, cracking a grin. "Diving headfirst into danger alone sounds pretty careless to me."She playfully swatted his arm in response, still smiling. "Oh, stop…"At last, the two reached the courtyard of Castle Ylisstol. Night had already fallen, and the two were surprised to see that Chrom was still there, lost in thought."Chrom?" Robin called out, getting the prince's attention."Ah, Robin," came the response. "And… Lyndis. What are you two doing up? I thought your injuries were more severe…""We have Lissa and Maribelle to thank for that. Has your sister always been such a skilled healer?"Chrom chuckled quietly. "Only for about the past year or so. She's really taken after Emmeryn in that regard…"He and Robin shared a laugh as Lyn looked on quietly, getting the feeling that she was missing out on something here.Once the merriment had died down, Robin spoke up quietly. "Um… Chrom?""Yes?"He paused, deliberating over his words for a moment before carrying on. "What Gangrel said… you know, about your father… Was it really true?"Lyn took note of how Chrom's face soured at the mere mention of the wicked king. He shut his eyes and let out a deep breath. "... Yes, I'm afraid it was. Ylisse's previous Exalt, Chronos, was far from a reasonable man. Lissa was far too young to remember, but he didn't even seem to enjoy the company of Emmeryn and I, let alone our mother.""Goodness," Lyn whispered, a hand over her mouth in shock. She hadn't really been expecting Gangrel to have told the truth regarding Chrom's father, and the thought filled her with dread. "... You mean to tell me…?Chrom sighed bitterly. "Yes… My father started the Crusade of Plegia.""How could he?!" she snapped, her own memories coming back to haunt her. Memories of the Lorcans - her people - being slaughtered in cold blood. Memories of the smoke filling her lungs as her mother, Madelyn, urged Lyn to hide. Memories of her father, Hassar, being wounded and killed trying to help the others.
Those damned Taliver bastards!
"Lyndis - ""He only declared war on Plegia after the Grimleal kidnapped and murdered my mother," Chrom snarled, the pain evident on his face."I…""Tensions were always high between our nations, but the Grimleal only made things worse. Our mother, Gaia… She was an innocent soul, like Emmeryn herself," he continued, his hands clenched and shaking. "... When the Grimleal killed her and had her sacrificed to their devil god, Grima, my father went off the deep end. There was much blood spilled in the name of vengeance, and many innocents on both sides were killed."By now, Lyn and Robin were both in utter shock, the former still slightly angered. Neither could abide by the atrocities Chronos had committed, but they had no idea that Chrom's mother was outright murdered, let alone used as a human sacrifice. The very thought made their stomachs churn.Lyn took a deep breath, calming herself down. "Chrom… I'm so sorry. I had no idea - "The blue-haired prince held out a hand, his facial expression softening. "No, it's fine. You couldn't possibly have known. What the Grimleal did to Mother… it still doesn't make what Father did any better. Even so, it's still hard not to feel resentment towards them. I know we were in the wrong, but…""... Two wrongs don't make a right?" Robin suggested.Chrom chuckled bitterly. "Exactly. And Chronos wronged many Plegians and Ylisseans alike. Things got so bad that even simple farmers were conscripted and sent to their deaths on the frontlines because we were running that short of men."Lyn shut her eyes as she absorbed the words she was hearing. "Gods…""... So how did Emmeryn come into power then?""She was first in line for the throne when Father died fifteen years ago. His death brought the end of the Crusade, but Ylisse was still horribly scarred," Chrom explained, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "The people still resented Chronos for his sins and took it out on a still-young Emmeryn. Words and stones alike were hurled at her before she had even reached her teenage years.""Doing that to a child… How disgusting," Lyn spat. "She didn't even do anything!"Chrom nodded with a frown. "I know. Were I in her position, I probably would have lashed out. But Emmeryn… she kept her head the entire time. She healed our people and our home, even when things were at their worst. And the whole time, the only ones who really knew about her inner pain were Lissa and me.""Gods… I'm so sorry, Chrom. No one should have to deal with that, let alone at such a young age," Robin muttered."It's fine. Emm suffered a great deal, but she had us to support her. Lissa, Frederick, Phila, myself, and our closest allies. For years now, the lot of us have managed to piece this country back together," Chrom said, cracking a smile that Lyn had only rarely seen from him. It quickly receded as he uttered, "Unfortunately, there are still some that would seek to destroy the peace even years after the fact…""Gangrel," Lyn mumbled with a hint of content in her voice. She could relate to the concept of having her people be violently ripped away from her, and Lyn knew all too well how delicious revenge could be. Even so…"It's not right, you know," she said. "He has his reasons, yes, but that's no excuse to harm innocent people!""Precisely. We've tried reasoning with him in the past, but he just won't listen. Gangrel is the kind of man who understands actions, not words."Glaring down at the ground, Chrom growled, "And I can think of no simpler message than a blade to the throat.""Chrom…""Well said, sir."Startled, the three Shepherds turned towards the source of the voice only to be met with a familiar masked face."Marth?!" Lyn blurted."What are you doing here?" Chrom questioned suspiciously, narrowing his eyes. "... And for that matter, how did you get here?""It's not important. I'm simply here to warn you that the Exalt is in danger.""... You're joking," Chrom said flatly. "Castle Ylisstol's guardsmen maintain a watchful eye on her at all times. It's simply not possible - ""It is," Marth interrupted bluntly, the corners of his lips curled downwards. Beneath the butterfly mask he wore, he studied the two figures beside Chrom with great intrigue, almost as if he were a lion scrutinizing his prey. "... Listen to me, all of you. Exalt Emmeryn will die here tonight unless we intervene."Robin stared back at him in concern. "... And how can you be so sure?""Because in my time, she has died here. Tonight.""What are you trying to say here?" Lyn demanded, taking a wary step forward. "How do you - ""Chrom! On your left!"In an instant, a hooded man leapt at the prince from the nearby bushes with dagger in hand. His attack nearly reached Chrom before Marth intervened, lunging forward and deflecting the attack before stabbing the man through the chest. As Chrom and Lyn drew their blades and Robin silently cursed himself for leaving his tomes behind, another pair of assassins emerged from the shadows and rushed them.Chrom blocked the incoming slash from the first assassin and retaliated with a few harsh swings of his Falchion. As he felled his assailant, Lyn outsped the second one and slashed at him from multiple angles with the Mani Katti. Robin stared at the Sacaean in shock and awe as she appeared to be in several places at once as she downed their opponent."... Do you believe me now?" Marth asked, sheathing her own Falchion. Chrom would have to remember to ask him just how he managed to get his hands on a perfect duplicate of his family's treasured blade."Perhaps," came the prince's reply. "In any case, we don't have time to argue. Robin, Lyndis! Let's move!""On it!""Of course!""Are you sure this is a good idea?" an orange-haired thief asked his accomplice as he picked a locked window on the third floor of the castle. "I mean, if it were any other place I would care, but… Castle Ylisstol? And on such short notice?""Gaius, my boy, ya worry too much," the redheaded merchant as his side shot back, winking with a finger on her chin. "My sources ain't cheap, but they're well worth the price. They've got gold chamber pots here, Sweet-Tooth! Gold. Chamber pots. Do you have any idea how much money some fools would cough up for these? It's practically free money!""If you say so, Anna.""I do say so. Now hurry it up!"The sticky-fingered thief worked the lock open with a satisfying click before quietly easing the window open. Gaius peered into the room and, once he was sure there were no guards inside, crept inside. Anna followed suit, and the two soon high-fived."Ha, nice! Now to find the treasure - ""Eep!"The two thieves nearly jumped out of their skin as they spotted a regal-looking blonde woman standing in the middle of the room, looking frightened."... Nice going, Gai-ass! You really had to pick the room with the Exalt in it?""Hey, I didn't know!" he shot back with his hands raised defensively. Meeting Emmeryn's gaze, he groaned, "Crivens… Ya see what I have to put up with here?""Pardon me, sir and madam," Emmeryn greeted. "This might be untoward of me, but… Might you two be aligned with Plegia, by any chance?""Pfft. The only one I'm aligned with is this lout here," Anna snarked, casually rifling through some dresser drawers. "Beyond that, I go where the money takes me. It's nothing personal, I assure ya!""So… You're not here to kill me, then?"Gaius's eyes went wide as he froze in his tracks, looking the royal square in the face. "Kill you? No! Nobody said anything about killing anyone! I mean, I'll gladly take anything of value from your person, but - "Anna cut him off. "Wait a minute. You mentioned that Plegians are here?""Well, I can only assume so. I'm afraid there's not that many people who would lay siege to the castle with a small army in the hopes of assassinating me.""Damnit! I should've known those dogs would be after our golden chamber pots," Anna swore bitterly, gritting her teeth. Brandishing a Levin Sword, she announced, "Well, come on then! Let's see these bastards try and lay a finger on our treasure once I'm through with 'em! Come on, Gaius!""Are you nuts? We're thieves, not fighters," Gaius complained. "They'll cream us!"The merchant-thief refused to see reason and charged out of the room with weapon held high, leaving her companion behind with a very confused Emmeryn."... Um…"Gaius sighed, a hand over his face as he turned to the Exalt. "Look, I'm really sorry about all of this. If it makes you feel better, I promise not to rat you out to Plegia, okay?"He sprinted after his companion before Emmeryn could reply, leaving the Exalt utterly confused and worried all the same. She closed her eyes and exhaled. "Gods above… Be safe, Chrom and Lissa…"By the time Chrom and his friends had returned to the main hall, things had already erupted into violence. Multiple intruders, presumably those aligned with the would-be assassins, were fighting both the Shepherds and the castle guards. Fireballs and arrows were flung from all sides as men fell left and right."This is madness," Chrom uttered as he drew Falchion and pointed it forward. "I need to make sure Emm is alright!""I'll go with you," Robin offered."But - ""No buts!" Lyn yelled over the chaos, grabbing both of her swords and glaring ahead at the numerous assassins in sight. "Go check on your sister, Chrom. The rest of us can handle these grunts.""Isn't your back still injured?"The green-haired swordswoman turned to Chrom and Robin with a determined smile. There was some soreness, but she could ignore it for now. "I'll be fine, now get going already!"The swordsman and tactician had no choice but to rush ahead as Lyn spun into the crowd with a sword in either hand. Marth glared after her with grit teeth as he readied his Falchion and studied the environment. Chrom cut down several Plegians as he and Robin made their way through the door leading to Emmeryn's chambers. As long as Marth could keep anyone else from following them, the Exalt's life could be spared yet."Come at me, cowards!" Marth challenged, getting the attention of several enemies. "If it is death you crave, it is death you shall have!"Vaike, who had been brawling against a few fellow barbarians up to this point, wiped the blood and sweat from his brow before parrying another oncoming swing. Lissa healed him from a distance, with Stahl and Kellam acting as her shield and Sully cutting down anyone foolish enough to challenge them."Ngh… Damnit!" Vaike shouted as his axe snapped at the handle. "Where the hell are Frederick and Phila when you need 'em?"A powerful neigh pierced the air as an armored horse reared up in the distance. Its primary rider brandished an axe menacingly as it did so before charging towards the seemingly unending swarm of assassins. Once they were close enough, the second rider leapt into the air and hurled a silver lance downwards so that it pierced the torso of an unfortunate mage. As she landed gracefully and recovered her weapon, the horse sprinted around her in a circle while its rider swung his axe wildly, cutting down all who would stand to harm his allies."Pick a god and pray!""Does that answer your question, Vaike?" Lissa retorted with a smirk as she healed Stahl's wounds."Such strength," Marth mused from a distance, not even looking at a mook as he cut him down effortlessly. "Perhaps things can change after all…"As Lyn, Frederick, and Phila quickly mopped up whatever was left of the Plegian forces, a hooded sorcerer witnessed the events transpire through a purple crystal orb. His scowl grew tremendously as he felt the fury ignite every fiber of his being."Ngh… Damn those meddlers!" he swore, waving his hand. In an instant, multiple purple corpses were at his side, each clutching a weapon. With another wave, a portal opened up before them. "If you want something done right, you must do it yourself!"Chrom and Robin made a mad dash towards Emmeryn's private chambers as the battle raged on far behind them. As the prince rounded a corner in his haste, a vivid red filled his vision as he slammed into someone."Ouch! Watch it, bub!""What… Anna? Is that you?" Chrom questioned, rubbing his head as he sat on the floor. "What are you doing here…?""Hate to break it to ya, hotcakes, but I'm not the Anna you know," the merchant-thief said matter-of factly."Anna!" Gaius called after her, finally catching up. "We… We gotta get goin'... Whew...""How did you two get in here?" Chrom barked as he jumped to his feet with Falchion in hand. "Did you come here to kill Emmeryn too?! Answer me!"The male thief held up his hands in surrender, and Robin noticed that he had some sort of thin stick protruding from his mouth. "Easy there, blue blood. I know this looks bad, but we're actually not assassins. Well, I'm not, anyway. I'm sure little miss Anna here, on the other hand - "The tip of Falchion flew to Anna's exposed neck instantaneously. This caused the redhead to drop her Levin Sword with an unimpressed glare. "Thanks, Gaius. Glad to know I can always count on you.""Y-Yeah, that's right!" Robin shouted at the roguish pair, grabbing the magic blade and waving it around defensively. "Now just come quietly, and - ""We don't have time for this. Is Emmeryn safe?""Of course!" Gaius cried. "We're not animals, you know.""... Then you're free to go," Chrom replied with just a hint of annoyance in his voice."Chrom?""Unless you two would rather stay here for the time being? I hate to admit it, but perhaps the Shepherds might someday be in need of someone with your... ahem, particular talents...""Chrom? What are you - ?"Anna held out a hand with a slightly amused expression, raising an eyebrow. "Hold on there, bub. Are you seriously asking if a couple of thieves like us want to join your little royal militia? Have you lost your marbles?"Chrom's expression grew fiercer as he stood unwavering. "Perhaps. But right now, we could use all the help we could get. So I'll ask once again; might I be able to count on the goodness in your hearts?"Gaius and Anna glanced at each other briefly before bursting into uproarious laughter. Robin looked at Chrom in confusion as the latter glared at the roguish pair."Bahahaha!" Anna guffawed, wiping a tear from her eye. "'Goodness in our hearts'... That's the funniest thing I've ever heard!""Heh heh heh… Well, I don't blame ya, Blue. We are pretty good when it comes to intel and, uh… other stuff," Gaius bragged with a cocky grin. "If you're so keen on keeping us around, maybe you wouldn't mind sweetening the deal for us, eh?"Chrom and Robin exchanged uneasy looks, and the prince sighed irritably as he began to rummage through his bag. "It's always about gold with these rogues… Fine. Let this be a lesson to you, Robin. Desperate times call for desperate measures..."The swordsman fumbled around with the contents of his bag before procuring a small pouch from it. Chrom nearly handed it to the pair before accidentally dropping it in his haste. Numerous gold coins and what appeared to be butterscotch candy fell to the floor, catching the attention of both thieves."Gold!" Anna cheered, a gleam in her eye."Sugar," Gaius moaned as his mouth watered."Mister, you've just earned yourself a pair of grade-A rogues!" Anna announced as she hungrily scooped the gold coins from the floor. Gaius, meanwhile, unwrapped a piece of candy and placed it in his mouth with a noise of approval. "When do we start?""Unbelievable," Chrom deadpanned, pinching the bridge of his nose as Robin chuckled quietly. "This was not how I expected today to end in the slightest... Just meet up with Frederick and the others in the main hall. I'm sure they're still fighting off the Plegians as we speak."Robin turned to his friend, clearly confused. "But... How would they know where to - ?""Ah, it's fine," Anna said with a wave of the hand. "I actually visited this place once while I was posing as a simple wandering merchant. I can show Gaius here the way."Yanking her Levin Sword away from the tactician, she barked, "Gimme that! Honestly... Touching a girl's weapon without asking. Have you no shame?!""Uh... Sorry..."Anna giggled before suddenly handing it back to him. "Nah, I'm just kiddin'. You can keep it, cutie; I've got plenty of 'em! Now enough chatter! Let's go kick some Plegian arse, Gaius!""Ack! I think I just swallowed a coin..."As the strange duo fled towards the main hall, Robin gave the prince at his side an uncertain look. "Chrom... Are you sure we made the right decision here?""... No," came the answer. "But we can cross that bridge if and when we get to it... Provided it hasn't already been burned by the time we get back."Chrom shook his head, sighing. "In any case, we'd better go check on Emm. I don't think either of those thieves had it in them to hurt her, but we can never be too sure...""Right," the tactician agreed. "Lead the way, Chrom.""Woohoo! We did it!" Vaike hollered as he and Stahl high fived each other. The last of the Plegian assassins had been dealt with and the Shepherds were currently tending to their wounds, Lissa and Maribelle hard at work."Ha… Thanks," Kellam said to the cleric, getting a friendly nod in response."You all fought bravely tonight," Frederick complimented his allies with a warm smile. "I couldn't be more proud of you."Phila, who was sitting nearby and cleaning the blood from her lance, looked up at him with a similar expression. "We could say the same of you, Frederick. I don't think I can recall seeing a more glorious performance from you!"He chuckled softly before clearing his throat. "No need to flatter me, Phila. We all played a part in tonight's victory.""Ogre's teeth, get a room, you two!"The pair looked at Vaike in utter shock as Lissa snorted and several other Shepherds smiled knowingly. Miriel adjudged her glasses and observed the knightly duo in silence, giving the pair a scrutinizing gaze.Lyn, meanwhile, was watching everyone else from a distance. The way they fought and talked together made them seem like one big happy, if a little bizarre, family. The Sacaean grinned to herself and wiped the sweat from her forehead before feeling the pain surge between her shoulder blades. Sucking in a breath, she decided that she'd have to get Maribelle to take another look at her injury later."That was some fine swordsmanship, miss," Marth said as he walked over to her."Thanks! You're no slouch either, you know."Lyn paused to look at the masked man before her, her eyes eventually stopping once they reached the Falchion in his sheath. "That's quite an ornate blade you have, sir. Now that I've gotten a closer look, it reminds me a lot of Chrom's…""I… That's…""Yeah, what's the big idea?" Vaike butted in, sauntering over with a suspicious gaze. "Even I know there's only one Falchion in all the realms. How could you have another one? And what's with the goofy mask that only covers half your face?"Marth grit his teeth as he scrambled to think of an explanation, his eyes shifting about frantically."Unless… Wait, don't tell me," the warrior said. "... You're actually from the future or something?""Nn…!"Vaike stared at him seriously for a few seconds before abruptly bursting into laughter, pointing at Marth all the while. "Ahahaha-ha! You should've seen the look on half of your face! As if that could ever happen! Bahahaha!"Marth's mouth twitched slightly as he seethed in silence. He couldn't tell if he was grateful or annoyed with Vaike's stupidity, or both. "E-Enough! Someone needs to ride ahead and let Chrom know that the threat has been dealt with."Lyn opened her mouth to speak but was beaten to the punch by a reinvigorated Stahl. "I'll go!"The green cavalier mounted his horse and set off immediately without another word. Vaike, meanwhile, slumped to the ground exhaustedly. "Man, I'm beat! I'm just glad we managed to take 'em out as early as we did!"Everyone was taken out of their thoughts as a large portal burst open in the center of the main hall. Several purple corpses shambled out of it, causing many of the Shepherds to recoil at the vile stench. Maribelle's eyes were the widest of anyone as she gasped in horror at the familiar sight. While the Shepherds readied themselves for a second fight, the source of the corpses made himself known and stepped out from the portal, his crimson irises ignited with hatred."... Me and my big damn mouth," Vaike mumbled."What are those... things?" Lyn questioned no one in particular, drawing her Mani Katti instinctively. "Morphs? But… How?!""Damned Risen," Marth swore under his breath. "Brace yourselves, Shepherds!"The sorcerer's glare intensified as he lifted a hand, commanding his corpse puppets to charge forward. "You fools will pay for meddling in my affairs! Have at you!"The doors to Emmeryn's chambers were flung open as Chrom rushed into the room with Falchion at the ready. "Emm!""Chrom!"The Exalt stood in the middle of the room, supposedly no worse for wear."Sister! Thank the gods you're safe," Chrom said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I knew we should have let Phila stand guard tonight… We were careless.""Peace, Chrom. It was I who insisted that Plegia wouldn't launch an assault on Ylisstol so soon," she admitted, frowning. With a sorrowful expression, she sighed. "I just don't understand… I've tried being reasonable, haven't I? The last thing I want is to doom both of our countries to a second war… and yet, it seems almost inevitable.""Emm…"Robin grit his teeth in anger. He was now fully aware of Ylisse's past atrocities, but he couldn't abide by what Plegia was doing either. Emmeryn was only trying to prevent more bloodshed, but… What else could they do if Gangrel continued to force their hand? Robin didn't want to believe that things could be so black-and-white, and yet…The tactician and his allies were taken out of their thoughts by the sounds of clanging metal and screams coming from further outside the room."... Wait here, Sister," Chrom ordered, looking over his shoulder. "I'm afraid we're not quite done yet."Emmeryn nodded understandingly. "Be safe, you two…""We'll try. Come on, Robin!"The fated pair dashed out of the room and were met with a frightening sight. Stahl was fending off several Risen at the other end of the hall with a spear in his hands. The normally mounted knight was fighting on foot, his horse lying nearby on the floor as an unfortunate victim of his assailants."Stahl!" Chrom yelled as he sprinted forward. "Hang on, we're coming!"Robin huffed and puffed as he tried to keep up with his companion, tome in hand. "I… I don't think we'll make it in time…!""Stay back, Robin! You're still injured, I'll go help Stahl!""But…!"The green knight let out a yelp as an axe-wielding Risen cleaved his weapon in two. Two others stood around him, and the three made a triangle formation as they lumbered towards him in a slow, predatory fashion. Stahl coughed and wiped the blood before his mouth before taking a defensive stance with both fists in front of his face. "Well, this… urk… This looks like the end… I knew I shouldn't have had that last bread roll..."A Risen stepped forward and was prepared to bring the axe down on Stahl when it felt a heavy creature land on it from the ceiling. The beast on its back ripped and tore at the rotten flesh with razor-like claws before bouncing off of it with a powerful dropkick. Stahl, Chrom, and Robin could only stare in shock as the monstrous rabbit rolled itself into the chest of the second Risen and slashed its torso open before pouncing on the third. The undead soldier had no time to react as large teeth penetrated its neck and gnawed through, and the corpse soon crumbled to ash alongside its brothers."By the gods," Chrom gasped as the beast licked the black blood from its claws and teeth."What... the hell... is that?" Stahl barely managed to get out, leaning on his two friends for support.The beast let out a sigh as it stood up on its hind legs before being surrounded in a flash of light. A few seconds later, a whiskered woman with large floppy ears and strangely-placed fur stood in its place. "That was hardly worth my time. I suppose I shouldn't have expected so much out of you, man-spawn.""Chrom?" Robin asked, shooting him a nervous glance. "... Who is this?""This appears to be a taguel. Ancient beast-men that once existed in large numbers before being hunted into extinction," Chrom explained somberly. "... Until now, that is.""Your first judgment would be correct, Exalt. As it happens, I am the last of the taguel. You may call me Panne.""Huh? I'm not the Exalt, my sister is," the prince explained."... Hmph," Panne mumbled, frowning. "Well, it matters not. I shall be going now.""H-Hold on!" Stahl interrupted as he leapt to his feet, his sides killing him. "Ouch…Anyway, you can't just leave so soon! You've done me a great service! The least we can do is - ""I don't need your pity," Panne spat as she walked past him. "... I only came here because I heard the Exalt was in great danger. If there is no more danger, my role here is done. Farewell.""Wait, friend. Please," Chrom pleaded with sincerity in his eyes. Standing in front of the taguel woman, he said, "As you might have guessed, we could use all the help we could get here. Would you at least stick around until we confirm that there are no more assassins in the main hall?"Panne's nose wrinkled in response. "We are not friends, man-spawn. But if it's to guarantee the Exalt's safety… Fine.""Great! Let's get a move on!""Captain?" Stahl asked the prince, motioning to his fallen steed. "I don't mean to bug? but - "Chrom placed an empathetic hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Stahl. Truly. I promise that we'll give him a proper funeral once this is all over. You're more than welcome to sit this one out if you want.""No, I... I can do this," he replied, steeling himself. "Abel was always a good horse, and I know he would want me to be an even better man. Count me in!"As Chrom and Robin smiled at the cavalier, Panne merely rolled her eyes in indignation. Yet another innocent creature lost to yet another mindless human conflict. As soon as she was certain that the Exalt would no longer be in harm's way, Panne decided she would wash her hands clean of the human race forever.'For now, though,' she thought as she morphed into her rabbit form, 'the hunt is on.'Lyn grunted as a ball of electricity sent her tumbling backwards. The corpse soldiers had been defeated, but the spellslinger himself was no slouch in the heat of battle. The only fighters who stood in his path now were Frederick, Phila, Marth, and Lyn herself. Everyone else had been ordered by Frederick to flee, and no one wanted to disobey direct orders at a time like this.Much like the Sacaean herself, Marth was knocked back by a magical attack as the Exalt's retainers charged at their assailant."Die, monster!" Frederick yelled, charging at the sorcerer with a bloodied axe."For Lady Emmeryn!" Phila shouted as she leapt forward with her spear.The vile spellcaster held both arms out on either side of him as he smirked. Both warriors were instantly blasted by a torrent of dark magic; not strong enough to knock them down, but potent enough to keep them stunned in place. He reached a hand in Phila's direction and lifted her in the air before suddenly flinging her towards Frederick. The sturdy knight, weakened by the evil magic, was sent to the floor along with his fellow retainer as both lost consciousness."Weaklings... You are powerless before the wrath of Validar!""This is bad," Marth said, coughing. "Quickly, Lyndis! With me!""Of course!"Both fighters charged towards Validar with a reignited blaze of fury in their hearts. Though the Mani Katti and Parallel Falchion found their mark several times, they seemed to do little more than nick at the sorcerer. Validar snapped his gangly fingers and disappeared in the blink of an eye. As the duo whipped their heads around in a panic, he reappeared with a harsh fist in Marth's stomach."Argh!""Marth!"Validar lifted the blue-haired swordsman off of the ground by his neck and used his free hand to assault Lyn's form with an unholy barrage of magic. Lyn grit her teeth in defiance before collapsing to the castle floor, drained. Grinning, the sorcerer turned his attention to the fighter in his grasp and traced a nail across his face. "Ah, but I know you... Child of fate. Here to rescue your precious family?""Let... go of me," Marth spat, glaring down at him with hatred pooling in his obscured eyes. "I'll kill you...""You are a fool," Validar said, rearing his free arm back to strike the masked man. With each slap, he continued with venom in his gravelly voice. "A weak. Pathetic. FOOL!"The last strike sent Marth sprawling onto the floor, knocking the butterfly mask off of his face in the process. Validar raised an eyebrow as he realized that the "man" he had been fighting this whole time was actually a woman. Marth's hands instantly flew to where her blade should have been before her eyes shot open in surprise. Looking past the sorcerer, she could see that Falchion was resting just on the other side of him. Marth coughed up some blood and began crawling hopelessly towards the divine blade as Validar laughed.Lyn, meanwhile, had just barely managed to rise to her feet with the Sol Katti now in her hands. Her vision was blurry and her head felt heavy, but Validar would certainly kill Marth if she did nothing. Silently, Lyn lunged forward and hacked away at Validar's form, ending with a harsh slash to the cheek."Damn you!" he swore, his hand flying to his now bleeding cheek. Observing the black fluid in his hand, Validar muttered, "Impressive... If not surprising..."His eyes shot back to the strange green-haired woman standing between himself and the unmasked Marth. Lyn wore a cocky grin and quipped, "Hurts, doesn't it?""You are not supposed to be here... No matter. You shall die like the rest!""Nn... No," Marth moaned, clutching her side. "Lyndis... He cannot be allowed to succeed here..."The downed swordswoman let out a grunt of pain as she slipped into unconsciousness."He won't," Lyn reassured her, not that Marth could tell. "Not while I draw breath!"Validar flew forward with magic-infused fists as Lyn did the same with both blades. The two were about to collide when a huge bolt of lightning came down from the ceiling and struck the sorcerer, stunning him. Lyn looked back and saw that Robin was standing proudly at the other end of the main hall, Levin Sword raised high above him. Chrom, Stahl, and Panne all raced forward as Lyn took the opportunity to hack and slash at Validar some more.Validar took the first few hits before swatting Lyn away, and that was when Chrom and Stahl ran up to him with Panne circling her prey menacingly. Both Shepherds lunged at him, but the sorcerer had other plans. He teleported away again before attacking them from behind with fire magic. Panne pounced on Validar from behind and began biting him as the men patted away their flames, and Lyn and Robin took the opportunity to start a frontal assault on him."ENOUGH!" Validar roared before expelling a large surge of magical energy from his body. The overwhelming power was enough to send everyone back to the ground, with Panne having taken the brunt of the attack. As the taguel struggled to stand, a bloodied and disheveled sorcerer stood over her and chuckled bitterly. "You poor, filthy subhuman. And here I thought that the Order had all but eradicated your repugnant ilk from the face of this world.""Nngh..."He sighed. "No matter. This time, I'll be sure to finish what they could not!"Time seemed to slow down as the wicked man prepared a Thoron spell with his hand outstretched. Stahl looked up from his place on the floor and saw that Panne was in no condition to move out of the way in time. In that short window of time was an opportunity for both of them. For Panne, there was yet an opportunity to live to see another day. For Stahl...
Wait for me, Mother. I'll see you soon enough.
As Chrom and Robin sat up, they watched the cavalier throw himself in front of the injured taguel as Validar let the spell loose. The bolt pierced Stahl's armor, and Panne looked on in surprise as she watched him fall. Lyn's jaw dropped momentarily before she turned her attention to the sorcerer with unbridled rage in her heart. With an almost animalistic yell, the Sacaean took advantage of Validar's surprise and swung at him ferociously, both hands grasping the Sol Katti. Chrom snapped out of his trance and joined her in her efforts, and the two were only finished when their blades became lodged in both sides of Validar's chest."G-Gack! Urk... H-How...?"The mortally wounded sorcerer let his eyes drift towards the Shepherds' tactician who was cradling that meddling green knight in his arms. Robin's eyes met Validar's, and at once they felt a sort of spark run through their heads. Robin couldn't understand it, but Validar knew what it meant all too well."Meh-heh-heh," Validar croaked out, lying on the floor as he felt the blood and life seep out of him. "All is not lost... The Fell Dragon shall rise again..."Once they were sure he was dead, Chrom and Lyn ran towards their companions in concern. Marth was injured, but merely unconscious, and Panne soon joined her. Stahl, however, was grievously injured."You're alright," Chrom promised him, kneeling down. Turning, he screamed through the halls, "Lissa! Maribelle! We need you!""Chrom... Everyone... Is she...?""Yes," Robin reassured the wounded man. "Panne's going to be fine, and so are you. We... We're gonna get you healed up, okay? And... And then, you can eat all the food the army can provide. I'll even cook!""Heh... Wouldn't that be nice..."Lyn stood by their side quietly as Lissa and Maribelle came over, escorted by the rest of the Shepherds. The main hall was a complete mess, with bodies and weapons scattered everywhere, but the assassins had finally been defeated.Maribelle and Lissa took turns running staves across Stahl's chest as everyone stood around anxiously. A few of the younger Shepherds, namely Donnel and Ricken, paced about frantically as some of the older fighters tried to reassure them that their friend would be okay."...""Maribelle?" Chrom asked. "How is he?""There's only so much our magic can do, Chrom," she explained somberly, shaking her head. "We might be able to save his life yet, but only if Lady Emmeryn herself aids us. She's more powerful than the two of us combined!""Y-Yes, of course! Let's bring him to Emm.""I'll go with you, my liege," Frederick offered, his armor still bearing scorch marks."As will I.""Frederick, Phila... Are you sure?""We shouldn't have left her side to begin with, and we don't have time to argue anyway," Phila pointed out. "We must move quickly if we intend to save Stahl's life!""Right!Stahl's injured form was loaded onto Maribelle's horse carefully, and Lissa rode with Frederick as the six of them went off in search of the Exalt. Lyn knelt down by Marth and Panne's sides, and Robin soon joined her as the other Shepherds tended to their own wounds for the time being."Are you alright?""I've been worse," she replied, though a bit of blood still trickled from her mouth. "I... I'm sorry about Stahl. If I had just finished that sorcerer off earlier, maybe he wouldn't have thrown himself into harm's way like that.""Lyn," Robin said, "it's not your fault. I don't think that any one of us could have fought him off alone. Stahl's a strong man, and he's got a bit of a lucky streak as is. I... I'm sure he'll be fine."The Sacaean looked to her side and noticed that, despite his words, Robin still seemed to tremble with uncertainty. He drummed his fingers on the tiles of the floor, and Lyn took his hand into hers instinctively, giving it a warm squeeze. Naturally, this caused Robin to look back at her with red cheeks as his heart continued to race - both from the previous events that had transpired and now this."We'll get through this. Nobody died on your watch back in Elibe, and nobody is going to die now," she stated matter-of-factly, smiling at him reassuringly. "You just have to have faith, Robin.""I... I'll do my best."The pair sat there for the longest time, taking in the insanity of the night's events. So many things had happened in such a short span of time; the revelation of Chrom's father, Chronos, the invasion of the castle, the existence of a living taguel, Marth being a woman this whole time, and that strange spark that Robin had felt... None of this made any sense anymore. To say nothing of poor Stahl...As the morning sun arose to vanquish the horrible night, Robin and Lyn both let themselves relax. Whether or not Stahl would survive was ultimately out of their hands, but they had the utmost faith in both of the Shepherds' healers and the Exalt herself. Everyone would be okay.Everyone.Back in Plegia, a certain king was resting on his throne, none too pleased."WHAT?!""I... I'm sorry, Your Majesty!" a guard apologized, clearly scared out of his wits. "Th-They were just too strong, and...""Those damned Grimleal scum," Gangrel cursed, massaging his temples. "Didn't I explicitly tell them not to make a move without my say-so?! And now look what they've done!"A second guard spoke up, clearly confused. "Uh... Pardon me, Your Majesty, but... You're not mad that the assassination attempt failed?""I'm always mad, sir. The only difference now is that I'm absolutely livid!" he roared. "There shouldn't have been an assassination attempt tonight at all! Who does that damn fool Validar think he is?!"The Mad King slunk back into his throne angrily, cursing and muttering under his breath. He never liked the Grimleal, even as a child. Now that he was the reigning King of Plegia, the last thing he wanted was for anyone to undermine his authority and make him look incompetent. Now it would look like he was the one who ordered the assassination attempt and, while he held no love in his blackened heart for that Exalt woman, he had never wanted to outright kill her.
Or do you?
"No, I don't," Gangrel said aloud, clutching his head as his vision went red. "I... I don't want to...""... Your Majesty?"Gangrel managed to quiet the doubts in his mind long enough to address his subjects. "Enough! Leave me in peace, and tell Aversa to get over here with that Tanya girl! We're going to have to have a long chat..."The guards looked at each other and shrugged before doing as they were told, and Gangrel reclined in his seat once more as he rubbed the sides of his head again in agony."... And fetch me some wine!"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When Validar finally reawakened, he found himself floating in a dark, empty void. The realm was completely devoid of life, human or otherwise, and for a brief moment the sorcerer concluded that he was in purgatory."But… How? What did - "He suddenly fell onto the cold, invisible ground. He gasped as he felt a horrible burning sensation in his mind and chest, his most recent memories coming back to him. Images of those numerous accursed meddlers flashed before his eyes, ending with the unnerving sensation of cold steel in his chest.Validar took a sharp breath and brought his hands to his chest. He was more than a little stunned to find that they passed through where his lungs had once been. His shriveled and blackened heart hung between the two gaping holes, no longer pumping any blood through his system, and he emitted another raspy breath as he realized just how mutilated he had been."D-Damn those Ylisseans! They shall pay for their insolence!" he snarled into the darkness. "But… Just what is this place? How am I still...?""Don't play dumb, Validar. I expect better from the longtime Hierarch of the Grimleal."Turning, he noticed a well-dressed man sitting in a fancy purple chair not too far from him. He wore a sharp black suit with purple accents, and his smug face bore a striking resemblance to that of the Ylisseans' tactician. While two crimson eyes burned brightly in his skull, four more rested on his cheeks; two on each side.Validar's jaw fell as the realization settled in. "... You… You're…""That's right, baby," he crooned, flashing a toothy smirk. "Your Dark Lord and Savior himself, Grima. Also referred to as the Fell Dragon, the Fell God, the Harbinger of the End Times... The list goes on, really.""Master!" Validar cried as he fell to his knees, bowing before him. "I… I have failed you! Killing the Exalt was meant to be a simple task, yet I could not do even that! Please, Your Omnipotence, punish me in any way you see fit!"Grima crossed his leg over his knee and began stroking his chin. "Tempting. Very tempting…"His underling trembled, still bowing, as the Fell Dragon went on. "You know, you're quite lucky to be in the presence of a god. Not everyone can say that they cheated death long enough to quite literally meet their maker.""Ah… F-Forgive me, O great one!""And why should I, mmm?" he inquired in a quiet, chilling tone. "If I recall correctly, and I always do, I believe it was you that the Grimleal entrusted to kill the Exalt and sacrifice her to me. It was also you that failed to do so. Ruined my entire night, you know. I was really looking forward to devouring her. I bet she tastes just like her mother… Guess I'll never know now."Validar took in the harsh criticisms from his master, knowing that he had ultimately failed in his mission. "Master, I - ""Shut up," the Fell Dragon snapped. "I hate being interrupted. Honestly, I should just absorb your pathetic soul now and be done with it. The only reason I haven't is because I still need you active in the land of the living.""Master?""Yeah, you heard me," Grima spat, materializing a wine glass from the void and filling it with a red liquid. "That fool Gangrel is too much of a wild card to be trusted, even with Darksphere's influence, and I seriously doubt that your magic will have any effect on that daughter of yours for much longer.""Aversa," Validar muttered to himself, thinking about the dark sorceress he had practically raised. "... Yes, you're right…""... Tell me, fool. Who was it that finally did you in? They had to have been either incredibly strong or incredibly lucky to have felled such a powerful sorcerer such as yourself. Or maybe you just suck. That's also a distinct possibility.""No, Master! My foes were more formidable than they first appeared. I nearly defeated the Shepherds until that aggravating prince showed his face!""Chrom," Grima muttered with contempt as he examined his glass closely. "Hmph. The Chrom of my time was no match for the likes of me, and he was responsible for defeating both Gangrel and Walhart's men. To lose to such a weaker incarnation of him… This does not bode well for you, sir. Not at all.""He was not alone," Validar said. "He and that meddling child were aided by a living taguel and a green-haired swordswoman."The Fell Dragon held out a scaly hand, narrowing all six of his eyes at his underling. "Stop. Did you say green-haired?""Yes… Yes, I remember now… She definitely had green hair. Like a forest!""I may have met her myself, actually," Grima mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Yes… She was the one who tried to stop me from bringing my vessel back to this world. And here I thought her little more than a nuisance…"He reclined in his chair and chuckled as he poured the rest of the fluid from his wine glass. Grima flung the empty glass over his shoulder, letting it shatter in the void, before speaking again. "Well, this is interesting. An unknown variable arrives in this land and defeats my star pupil in his debut appearance. What a delicious twist of fate!"Validar's eyes lit up at the indirect praise, a smile growing on his decrepit gray lips. "Star pupil? Do you truly mean that, my Lord?""Yes. Which is incredibly sad in retrospect, seeing as you're dead now," Grima snarked. He rubbed his temples and mumbled under his breath, "Gods, good help is so hard to find these days."Shaking his head, he turned to the Plegian with a determined expression. "Listen here and listen well, Validar. I, against my better judgment, have elected to take pity on you. I will restore you to life with power greater than you've ever had before, but this will take a great deal of time and effort on my part. For now, you will reside here in the void with me. And don't worry about your precious little 'daughter'; I'll deal with her myself."The Plegian sorcerer grinned and nodded in satisfaction. Despite his Lord's comforting words, Validar still felt an overwhelming sense of dread well up in the pit of his stomach. He felt a disturbing tingling sensation all across his body, and he looked down to see that his hands were now beginning to deteriorate. They trembled and shook as the flesh began to disintegrate into ash. "What… What is happening to me?!""Calm down," Grima groaned, rolling his eyes. "I'll return you to the land of the living soon enough. This is just part of the process."Validar closed his eyes and let out a guttural roar of pain as he felt himself dissipate into dust, floating upwards in a spiral before eventually disappearing from the void altogether. The Fell God stood up from his chair with a grin and clapped his hands together, and another figure materialized before him in an instant. A white-haired woman with facial features disturbingly similar to his own, complete with extra eyes, stepped out of the darkness in a silky black dress.Grima walked towards her and stroked her cheek lovingly, brushing two of her eyes in the process. "Well, aren't you a vision of beauty.""You are such a narcissist," his female counterpart deadpanned, shaking her head in disgust."I think I'm well within my rights to be, thank you very much."The woman threw her hands up in annoyance and faced away from him. "I just don't see what the point of all of this is. We should have just stayed in the future where we had already won. What was the point of chasing those Ylissean princesses to this other world?"Grima's sick smile left his visage. "When I arose from my slumber, I swore to myself that I would eradicate every man, woman, and child of that era. No exceptions. Besides, ruining their world was just too easy, Grimelda. Why stop at just one? Why not destroy as many measly human lives as possible?""Do you really think this is what Father would want?""Forneus is dead, my dear," Grima spat, wearing a triumphant smirk. "That old fool perished a long time ago, and it was all by the hand of his dear 'Creation'. Gods, how I loathe that moniker he bestowed upon me!"Grimelda shook her head once more, giving her "brother" a look of sadness. "... So that's it then. There's really nothing I can say or do to convince you to give up this fool's errand of yours? You had already won, Grima. Why not enjoy your victory? Who cares if a few survivors escaped?""I care!" Grima growled back, clenching his fists. "... I care. If that bastard princess achieves her goal, then the Grima of this time will ultimately cease to be. We'll be unable to merge with them, unable to return to our own time should I desire it, and we'll either disappear altogether or be stuck in this worthless void forever! Is that really what you want, Grimelda? Is it?!"The white-haired woman gazed at the angered Fell Dragon emptily, showing no emotion. "Well, I suppose you should have thought about that before pursing the children to this time."The Fell God scoffed and folded his arms. "What do you know, anyway? You're not even real. You're just a mirror to talk at for my own enjoyment!""Perhaps," Grimelda conceded with a grin. "I'm merely a creation of yours, Grima. Everything I say and do, no matter how much you may dislike it, is ultimately a reflection of your own - ""Enough!" Grima shouted, waving a hand dismissively in her direction. Within mere moments, Grimelda faded away into the darkness, and the prideful demon was left alone once more. "The nerve of her. Of me! Who do I think I am?!"He sighed bitterly and sank to the ground. "Who am I really…?"In one of many occupied infirmary rooms in Castle Ylisstol, Chrom sat by the bedside of one of his childhood friends. Lissa, Maribelle, and Emmeryn herself were casting their strongest healing spells on an unconscious Stahl as several of the other Shepherds aided in removing the bodies from the main hall. The staff-wielding trio worked tirelessly for what seemed like hours, and only stopped once the green knight began to stir in his sleep."That… That oughta do it," Lissa panted, wiping her forehead with her sleeve. "And I thought fixing his stomach ache was a workout… Phew!"Chrom perked up at his younger sister's sense of humor, the corners of his mouth curling upwards. "I take it he'll live, then?"Emmeryn ran a cool hand across Stahl's forehead and smiled. "It will be some time before he can properly fight again, but he'll pull through.""Oh, thank the gods!" the prince exclaimed joyously. After last night's insanity, the last thing he needed was the death of someone close to him. Chrom received some amused looks from the blonde healers before regaining his composure. "Er, I mean… This is most good news!"This only made them giggle madly, save for Emmeryn who stifled a chuckle."Darling, there's really no need to be so reserved at a time like this," Maribelle chided the prince softly, still wearing a grin. "I remember feeling the same sense of elation when Ricken made it out of that harebrained scheme of his in one piece.""Uh… I think Chrom and Stahl's relationship might be a little different from yours and Ricken's, Maribelle," Lissa said."And what is that supposed to mean?""... Yeah, fair enough. Big Bro could have a secret crush on Stahl, after all."Emmeryn couldn't help but laugh softly as both Chrom and Maribelle's faces went beet-red at the implications. Lissa nearly doubled over, snorting in a decidedly unladylike manner."H-How dare you! I don't have romantic feelings for Ricken!" Maribelle protested fruitlessly."Then how come you always blush whenever you're near him now?""I do not!""You do too!" Lissa shot back with an amused grin. In an irritating sing-song voice, she chimed, "Maribelle and Ricken, sitting in a tree~!"The troubadour's entire face lit up like a tomato on fire as she glared at her best friend. "Don't you dare finish that nursery rhyme!"Chrom and Emmeryn looked at each other and nodded, indicating that the two of them should take their leave for the time being. The blue-haired royal hated to leave his friend in the midst of their bickering, but it was usually better to leave Lissa and Maribelle alone whenever things got this heated between them, and Stahl was still asleep..."Chrom, we need to talk," the Exalt said firmly once they were well out of earshot of everyone."Ha. You read my mind… What are we going to do about Plegia?" he questioned in a voice that was barely above a whisper. "If last night was any indication, we can't afford to keep you here for the time being. It's just not safe anymore."Emmeryn closed her eyes and took on a pensive expression, taking her brother's words into consideration. "... Perhaps you're right. Even still, where would I go? It would be quite remiss of me to abandon our people in their time of need, and it's not as if we have many options to begin with…""Regna Ferox," Chrom suggested instantly. "Plegia doesn't know that we're allied with them, right? The Khans could take you under their protection while we fight Gangrel and his men.""Well, I suppose, but - ""Emm, listen to me. I know your heart's in the right place, but… Even our best and brightest were nearly defeated by those assassins. Were it not for the combined forces of Lyn and the others...""I know, Chrom," Emmeryn stopped him, a stern frown on her otherwise gentle face. "We'll have to discuss this with the High Council immediately. Tell Lissa, Maribelle, and anyone else who can use a staff to make sure that everyone is healed before the day is done.""Will do. Should I bring Robin to the Council as well? He might have a few suggestions for us.""Yes, I think that would be for the best. He's quite the brilliant tactician for his age; he might be able to come up with a few contingency plans just in case."Chrom smiled slightly and hugged his older sister, feeling her familiar warm embrace. The Exalt grinned and sighed in relaxation; she was fully prepared to die for her people, so any time she could spend with her family was more than welcome. She only wished that her family and their people would live and prosper well beyond her own lifetime..."But… What are we going to do about the Fire Emblem?""For now, it stays in the royal vault. If the time comes wherein we must remove it, I want you to hold onto it, Chrom."He stared at her incredulously. "... What?""I meant what I said. I… You're the only one I can trust with it," she admitted, sighing. "You're the most formidable fighter I know, and you understand its worth better than most. If the Fire Emblem were to fall into the wrong hands…""... We'd be powerless to stop whatever catastrophe Plegia has cooking up," Chrom finished with a slow nod.Emmeryn shot him an unimpressed glance. "Now, Chrom - ""I know," he interrupted harshly. He winced upon seeing her slightly saddened expression, and Chrom mentally cursed himself for being so curt. "Sorry… It's just…"He felt a tender hand on his shoulder as his older sister's eyes met his. "... I know. What happened to Mother was a terrible tragedy… To tell you the truth, I don't think I'll ever forget, and I feel as though part of me still holds some resentment towards the Grimleal for what they've done.""Resentment? You?""Is it truly that hard to believe?""Frankly, yes. As far as I can remember, you've always been this... 'paragon of purity', as Miriel put it," Chrom said with a frown. "Even as a child… Even when that one commoner threw a stone at your head… I simply can't recall ever seeing you angry. I just don't know how you do it, Emm."Emmeryn giggled and shook her head before meeting his gaze. "Oh, Chrom… Time heals all wounds, but the deepest scars never fully fade. I bear no ill will towards innocent Plegians, or even Plegia as a whole, but even I realize that there are indeed some evils in the world.""... And what about the Mad King?" her brother questioned, his face growing darker at the mention of the monster."I sense… great pain within him. He might not have a proper outlet for his anguish, but… Gangrel is hurt… and afraid."Chrom laughed bitterly, raising an eyebrow. "Really? Big bad Gangrel is scared?""Everyone has something to fear," she stated, still smiling despite her words. "Everyone."The prince felt a sudden chill run down his spine at his tranquil sister's words. When had she learned to be so... scary? "Emm…?"The Exalt's kindly green eyes flashed with uncertainty for a moment before she resumed her usual serene expression. "... It's nothing. I shall summon the High Council for guidance.""Right… Should I get Robin, then?""That would be for the best.""Understood. Godspeed, Sister."As Emmeryn departed, Chrom stopped by Stahl's room to remind Lissa and Maribelle to check in on the others once they were done with the cavalier. Leaving, the warrior prince resolved to find his tactician. The infirmary wing of the castle was large, with numerous healers running back and forth between the rooms, but he was told that Robin's injuries were not quite as severe as some of the others'. Perhaps he was getting better at controlling magic after all...The prince frowned as he walked near Lyn's room. The strange girl was still quite a recent addition to the Shepherds, but she clearly wasn't lacking in combat skill. She had mentioned before that she was from a land called Elibe, and that she had known Robin there, but… How could that be? There was no mention of that continent on any of the maps Chrom had ever seen before…"Just a few more seconds, aaaand… Presto!" a peppy voice called from inside the room. "See, what did I tell ya? Does Anna know her way around a staff or what?"Chrom heard Lyn reply, "Color me impressed, Anna. Who would have thought that a thief would have some healing expertise?""A merchant-thief, thank you very much! And you kinda have to lug a few staves around when Gaius is your partner. Did I tell you about the time he tried to stick his tongue in a beehive? Cause let me tell ya - "Chrom shook his head and sighed inwardly, walking away from the room. He wasn't even sure why part of him had expected his timid tactician to be with Lyn in the first place. Though, given that little nap they had shared together… Maybe Robin wasn't quite as innocent as he appeared."C-Captain!" a light voice called, snapping him out of his thoughts as she stood before him. "Chrom? Yoo-hoo?"He was brought back to reality by the sight of the cheery pegasus knight before him, a warm smile on her delicate face."A-Ah, Sumia," Chrom answered with slightly pink cheeks. Clearing his throat, he said, "Sorry. What is it?"She grinned and leaned forward with her arms behind her back. Chrom immediately winced upon remembering what happened the last time she had taken on such a pose, but relaxed as he saw Sumia maintain her balance. "Frederick and Phila wanted me to deliver a report on last night's injuries. We lost a couple of guards in the attack, but Stahl suffered the worst injuries of the Shepherds. That taguel woman, Panne, is being tended to, as is Marth.""Well, at least it could have been worse," Chrom admitted as he sighed and scratched his chin. "I suppose we should consider ourselves lucky... How's Marth holding up? Panne is pretty sturdy from what I've seen, but Marth… The boy's pretty lean, wouldn't you say?"Sumia blinked. She then giggled before saying, "I'm pleased to announce that she is doing quite fine, actually.""Ah, I see," came the response. "Well that's good to… Wait a minute. She?""Oh. You mean you didn't know?""No! I thought he… she was a man this whole time," the prince replied, bewildered. "Though I suppose her voice could have raised a few flags… But that still doesn't explain why she has the Falchion in her possession. Or how she knew that Emmeryn was going to be killed last night...""Maybe we should interrogate her?" Sumia suggested innocently. Seeing her captain's mildly disturbed expression, she gasped and shook her head frantically. "A-Ah, no! I meant in a nice way! You know, like 'Good Cop, Bad Cop' except we're both the good cop!""... You've been spending time in the library after hours again, haven't you?"She glanced off to the side and fidgeted with her hands, laughing nervously. "Aha… Maybe. Is that a bad thing?""Far from it," Chrom answered with a smile. "I've never been one for books - Miriel can attest to that - but I've always admired people that take it upon themselves to engage in something other than fighting from time to time. It really makes them feel more well-rounded, you know what I mean?"Sumia's heart went aflutter at the indirect praise, and it took every ounce of her self-control to not faint then and there. "O-Oh, I do! Maybe we could read some novels together sometime?""Ah… perhaps," Chrom answered with an awkward cough, clearly unsure of the proposal. "Perhaps when the conflict with Plegia dies down a bit… or is stopped in its entirety. In the meantime, have you seen Robin anywhere? The High Council is meeting in a bit and I want his input when I'm there.""Have you checked the barracks?""No, I don't think I have. Thank you, Sumia. Until next time," the prince greeted kindly before heading in the direction of the aforementioned barracks.Once she was sure Chrom was gone, Sumia sighed dreamily and leaned against a nearby wall, sliding to the floor. One of the castle's maids shot her a confused look to which the pegasus knight simply replied, "He called me round…"The maid pretended to nod in understanding, complete with a friendly grin, before turning away from Sumia and shaking her head in silence.It was going to be a very long day.Once Anna had finally stopped talking her ear off (and trying to sell her various objects of dubious origin), Lyn changed into her traditional blue Sacaean attire and left her armored longcoat nearly hung on a nearby rack. She had decided to get a little fresh air in the courtyard for a few minutes. Lyn figured it would be alright; she had no other orders at the moment, after all.Last night's brawl still hadn't quite left her mind, and she still couldn't wrap her head around the idea that Plegia had such powerful magic users at her disposal. Lyn could hardly believe that Robin was becoming a powerful magic user. She had been so used to the idea of the tactician - her tactician - being defenseless, with her acting as both his sword and shield. But with just a few more months of diligent training..."... What if he doesn't need me anymore?"Lyn put those pessimistic thoughts of hers to temporary rest as she reached her destination. The sun was shining beautifully, as if the previous night had never happened, and a lone figure stood in the middle of the courtyard as she contemplated her fate."... Panne? What are you doing out here?"The taguel whirled around to face Lyn, her ears standing tall in the air. Seeing her made Panne relax, if only slightly, as her ears slowly returned to their natural position. "... Oh. It's you. What brings you here, man-spawn? Come to turn your nose up at me?"Well, Lyn certainly hadn't been expecting that. "... No, of course not. Why on earth would I do that?""Don't act so surprised. You might look and even smell different from the rest, but you are all the same on the inside."The Sacaean closed her eyes and took a deep breath before responding. She'd never met a person quite like Panne before, but Ninian and Nils… Maybe there were some similarities between them? Maybe, as with the two manaketes, Lyn could find some common ground with the woman standing before her. "I take it that humans have wronged your people in some form or another?"Panne let out a heavy sigh, the exhaustion evident on her face. "More than you know. My people, the taguel, were hunted to extinction not too long ago. We've been around for centuries, perhaps even millenia, yet I am now the last of my kind."Lyn took in the severity of her words, biting her lip as she recalled her own past. "Yes, I… I suppose I can relate.""Really now? As far as I can tell, humans still populate the world in spades.""Humans, yes, but my humans… Er, my people, the Lorcans… They are gone too. Murdered at the hands of the Taliver bandits."The scorn faded from Panne's face as she took on a more neutral expression, gazing at the girl before her with an indescribable emotion. "… I see…"Lyn nodded solemnly. "Yes. The bandits are all dead now, but the fact still remains that I am ultimately the last of the Lorca. Losing my people… my parents… It was just awful. There were nights when I couldn't sleep because I could still hear their screams ringing through my head over and over again. I nearly gave up all hope of living before… Well, before I met Robin."Hearing her tale made Panne shut her eyes and clench her teeth. The killings, the nightmares, the lonesomeness… It all hit too close to home for the taguel. The murders of her parents and her younger brother, Harry, were already horrifying and heartbreaking enough, but when Panne's warren was ambushed... When she lost both her mate and their litter…"Ugh," Panne groaned in irritation, wiping some stray water from her eyes. "I…""I'm sorry about what happened to you and your people," Lyn apologized empathetically. "I know all too well what it's like to lose the people you love, and not a day goes by when I don't miss mine. Even so…"She took a few steps forward and placed a hand on Panne's shoulder. The taguel slightly winced at the contact, but soon calmed down and saw the sincerity in Lyn's deep green eyes."... They live on in us, Panne," the Sacaean finished with a somber smile. "Their traditions, their memories, their entire existences… Without us to carry those things on, no one else would remember them. And it's only once they've been forgotten that they are truly gone.""I… Yes, I suppose that makes sense… Thank you, human. You are quite possibly the first that has shown me any sort of kindness in a very long time," Panne said in her usual stern voice, though there was a glimmer of happiness underneath her stoic exterior.Lyn smiled, her heart feeling slightly lighter. "You're welcome, but I'm afraid I'm not the only one. Remember the cavalier, Stahl?""... Yes, I do. He threw himself in front of me when that Plegian sorcerer was about to kill me," she said flatly. "But… Why? How could that have benefited him in any way?""People aren't always in it for themselves, Panne. Stahl seems like one of the purest people in the Shepherds; he probably saved you because he saw that you were in need of help.""I…"Panne felt a strange sensation come over her. Never before had a human risked their life to save hers; it was not an uncommon practice among the taguel, but the thought of a human acting so selflessly was baffling to her, doubly so since he put his life in jeopardy for a taguel. She would definitely have to ask Stahl about his intentions later on."Heh," she chuckled, turning away from Lyn in embarrassment. "How strange.""Indeed. You know, I've been meaning to ask… What brought you here?"The taguel sighed. "A very persistent and annoying Plegian child."Lyn paused for a moment, blinking. "... Really? Why would a Plegian want to save Ylisse's Exalt?""I could direct that same question towards the tactician, Robin," Panne retorted bluntly. "His clothing alone could distinguish him as Plegian if his scent didn't already do so…""Robin… A Plegian? You think so?" Lyn asked earnestly. It didn't really matter where he was from, as the Sacaean didn't care about that in the least, but there was a certain curiousness to it all the same. Still… How could he be Plegian? Lyn had always assumed that Robin was born somewhere in Lycia or Ostia or -"A taguel's nose never lies," Panne said with a small grin. "And right now, my nose is telling me that he is your mate.""My… what?!" Lyn blurted with wide eyes, her jaw dropping. "I… I don't know what…""Human pheromones are very potent to a taguel, and your scent spiked the moment I mentioned the tactician."Lyn, meanwhile, didn't quite know how to respond to this. Sacaeans were often considered to be too proud to beg and too proud to lie, but she didn't quite know if she would say that Robin was her mate. Maybe that was just how taguel referred to their spouses, but they were a long way from being at that level, and the word itself just sounded so carnal to Lyn…She shook the impure thoughts from her head. "Robin is… important to me, yes, but…""But you do not wish to scare him off due to your desire to procreate at such a young age?" Panne suggested bluntly, not realizing the impact of her words."I don't want to procreate!" she yelled a bit too loudly, getting some odd looks from a few passerbys. Cringing, she clarified, "I… I m-mean, not now, of course, but… I suppose I wouldn't mind having children someday.""With Robin?""Ye - NO! I mean… I don't know," Lyn groaned as she pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to ignore the blood rushing to her face. "Ugh… It's just… far too soon to be thinking of that.""I am only teasing, Lyn.""There wasn't a hint of humor in your voice!""I always sound like this.""...""In any case… Thank you, Lyn," Panne said genuinely. "I… I believe I have some thinking to do. Goodbye for now."The taguel left the courtyard without another word, quite a bit on her mind. Lyn watched her walk away before sitting on a nearby bench, having some things of her own to ruminate on. Even back in Elibe, she would have been lying if she had said that she didn't have some modicum of attraction to Robin. He was largely the same person as before, even without his memory, but… What if he didn't feel the same way?Lyn sighed and shook her head. "... Well, there's no need to rush things. If it's meant to be, it will be. For now, I should just focus on staying alert and lending my assistance wherever it's needed."Feeling better, the Sacaean rose to her feet and stretched for a bit before heading back into the castle the way she came. She'd check in with Frederick in the main hall to see if he needed anything in particular, and maybe even get some sparring sessions in with Sully or Phila if they were feeling up to it.She'd have to do something to get her mind off of all of this, after all.It took a bit of literal sniffing around, but Panne was finally able to find the room housing Stahl. She peered inside and silently grimaced at what she found. The soldier had clearly seen better days if the bandages wrapped around his chest and forehead were any indication. There didn't seem to be anyone else present, so Panne took the opportunity to enter the room and make her presence known to him."Oh, hey," Stahl greeted with a cough. "It's you… Panne, right?""That is my name, yes," she said, perhaps a bit too harshly. "I… Er…"Stahl chuckled, holding out a hand. "It's fine, you don't have to say it… You're welcome, by the way.""H-How did you know that was what I was going to say?!""I mean, you don't exactly strike me as a people person, so I can't think of any other reason why you'd decide to chat me up," he admitted with a soft laugh. "Ouch… Maybe I shouldn't do that so much for a while.""Why did you do it, man-spawn?" Panne interrogated him sharply."Huh?""What did you stand to gain from mutilating yourself in such a way?""I saw a person in need, and I helped them out. Simple as that," Stahl answered earnestly. "Is that so hard to believe?"Panne paused, remembering Lyn's words from not too long ago. Maybe this man really was this noble deep down, but the taguel kept her guard up regardless. "... Perhaps. I am not used to such kindness from humans, after all.""Oh, yeah. I heard about what happened to your people," Stahl admitted, looking down sadly. "I… I know this probably doesn't mean much coming from me, but… I'm really sorry. Us humans should have just minded our own business…""There is no need for you to apologize, Stahl. You haven't done anything wrong.""But - ""Were it not for your actions, the taguel would have ceased to exist entirely," Panne said with a small chuckle, taking in the irony of the situation. She sat on a nearby chair and claimed, "... You have my gratitude."Stahl grinned and shook his head. "You don't have to thank me. Any decent person would have done the same thing. You know, when me and my brother were growing up, our mother always told us, 'Boys, judge someone by what they do, not what they look like!'""Really now? A human said that?""True story! Of course, that didn't make her super popular with some of the other neighbors, but… It ended up shaping me as a person. It doesn't matter if someone's Ylissean or Plegian, male or female, human or taguel… What really counts is what's in their heart."Panne snorted. She wasn't aware that humans were capable of such overly sentimental platitudes, but the message itself was one many of her people would have agreed with, herself included. "... Your mother sounds wonderful.""Yeah… she was," Stahl agreed quietly. Closing his eyes, he said, "Alf and I took it really hard when she died in a bandit raid. I guess our grief just manifested in different ways; he decided to become an apothecary like Dad, and I decided to take up the sword and defend the weak with the Shepherds.""I see… Well, I'm sorry to hear about your mother," Panne muttered, a pang of sadness hitting her heart. "I… I know all too well what that's like."The pair fell silent for a few moments, neither knowing quite what to say, before Stahl suddenly perked up. "Well… I'm sure that she'd be proud of you if she saw you today, Panne."The taguel turned back to him with wide eyes. "What…?""Yeah! I mean, you're so strong and fast," he complimented her. "I'll never forget that time you rushed in and saved me from those Risen. I thought I was a goner for sure!"Panne felt her face heat up, if only slightly. Coughing, she said, "Yes, well… I suppose we are even now.""Heh, yeah… Guess we are.""...""Hey, Panne?""Yes?"The cavalier deliberated over his words for a moment, not wanting to scare her off. "I… I was just wondering if you were planning on joining the Shepherds. You know, permanently.""I suppose I should have seen this coming… Why do you ask?""Well, we're always looking for strong allies to defend the people, and I'd say you definitely have what it takes. Hell, if Chrom hired those two thieves, I'm sure he wouldn't mind letting you join."She eyed Stahl suspiciously. "... And you're sure that the others would be okay with having a taguel in their midst?"He coughed, both out of nervousness and out of pain from his injuries. "W-Well, maybe not everyone would understand at first, but… So what? If anyone gives you guff, I'll be there to set 'em straight at a moment's notice!"This caused Panne to giggle slightly before recomposing herself. "Ah… heh. My apologizes. It's just... You remind me so much of Corduroy.""Huh? Who's that?"Another pang of sadness and guilt hit the taguel as she remembered her old mate, lost to senseless violence. Gone, but not forgotten. "... Someone I loved dearly.""... Oh," Stahl mumbled lamely, oozing with guilt. "Uh, sorry…""Fret not. He was an admirable man, as are you," Panne asserted confidently. "Being like him is one of the highest honors a taguel can bestow.""Oh! Well, in that case… Thanks!" Stahl exclaimed, feeling a bit better. "... Say, Panne? Could you tell me some more about the taguel sometime?"She turned to him and smiled beautifully, feeling a sense of elation that she hadn't experienced in what could have been years. "Of course. Anything.""... What do you guys normally eat?"In the dining hall of Castle Plegia, a sour tyrant glared at the hooded girl sitting on the opposite end of the table. Aversa stood behind Gangrel, massaging his shoulders as the other girl coughed in an attempt to break the tension."So, uh… How can I help ya, Ya Majesty?" Tanya asked weakly, hiding under her cowl."You can help me by telling those fanatic idiots to hold their damn horses!" Gangrel spat, slamming his fist on the table for emphasis. A server came by and offered him a glass of wine with a shaky hand. The Mad King accepted it and took a sip before continuing to rant. "That bastard Validar took an already tense situation and made it worse! He wasted countless soldiers' lives, and he didn't even nab the Fire Emblem before he died like a cad!""With all due respect, Ya Majesty," she started, "Uncle fought tooth and nail ta' destroy those schemin' Shepherds before the real war even started.""I don't care about that ragtag bunch of losers!" he screamed. Gangrel paused for a minute to take a deep breath and calm himself down, Aversa watching with interest. "... We had a deal, Tanya. If I continued to spread the 'good word' of the Grimleal across all of Plegia, you lot would heed my every command. Just in case you've forgotten, that includes attempting to prematurely assassinate the Exalt!"The girl opened her mouth to say something, but found only remorse. "I… I'm sorry, Ya Majesty. I'm sure Uncle's heart was in the right place…""The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, dear cousin," Aversa pointed out. "I want to see Emmeryn's lifeless corpse just as much as you do, but Daddy… Well, I'm afraid he jumped the cannon on this one. I'll miss him all the same, but - "The temptress froze as she heard a voice calling out to her. 'Aversa…'Gangrel and Tanya watched her confusedly as she turned around, looking for the source of the noise. It sounded almost disturbingly familiar, and her eyes widened as it called out to her a second time. 'Aversa… Daughter of mine…'"Father?""Who the hell are you talking to?" Gangrel barked, gesturing outwards to the entire dining hall. "There's only two of us here, Sweet Cheeks!""I… Forgive me, milord," Aversa apologized, bowing her head. "I… must have been hearing things."The Mad King raised an eyebrow at her before muttering, "Mm, quite," and turning his attention back to Tanya. "You there, girl… Take off your hood.""Huh?""Take it off!"The Grimleal quickly removed her hood, still confused at the strange request. She had short white hair, but Gangrel was more intrigued by the difference in her eye colors. A red eye on the left, and a purple eye on the right.Aversa looked at her cousin and chuckled quietly. "Not bad... Not bad at all. But I'm proud to reveal that's not all she can look like.""What? What are you talking about?""... Show him, Tanya."The mage took a deep breath and concentrated, grinding her teeth together as she felt each individual strand of her hair lengthen and change in color until it was a fine deep green. Her once mismatched eyes followed suit and became similarly green in color, and her face and physique also shifted to match her new features. In a charming new voice, she inquired, "... How do I look?"Gangrel's jaw hit the table. "Impossible! You… You look just like that new girl in the Shepherds! How…?!""Ah-ah-ah," Aversa taunted, pressing a finger to her sultry lips. "It's a secret.""Thankfully, it's not permanent," Tanya said, rolling her eyes. "Unfortunately, I can only turn into someone if I've touched 'em or collected some of their essence first. Hair, skin, nails, blood… that sorta thing. I can change back at will too, if it helps."The Mad King watched with great intrigue as the Grimleal girl shifted back into her natural form, shrinking in height and regaining her facial features and proper hair. Aversa, meanwhile, looked on with a proud smirk. 'That's our girl...'With her hands on her hips and wearing a cheeky smile, Tanya asked, "Are you impressed now, Bossman?""Very," Gangrel said with a nod. A grin slowly spread across his sickly face as the wheels began to grind in his head. "And I think I know just the task to give you…"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Before the clock struck noon, The High Council of Ylisse began to file into one of the castle's meeting rooms to discuss the previous night's events, particularly the attempt on the Exalt's life and what to do moving forward. Although Emmeryn ruled over Ylisse as its Exalt and Queen, the High Council was primarily responsible for overseeing things like lawmaking and public relations. The Exalt always had the final say in any given issue, but she still needed them to keep the nation running smoothly. The council was mostly comprised of nobles and politicians from various backgrounds, and the Duke of Themis, Theodore, was one of the most senior members."Your Majesty," he greeted in a gravelly voice, walking towards her. He took Emmeryn's hand and kissed it with dry, withered lips. "'Tis both an honor and a pleasure to be here with you in such a dark time. You are truly the light in Ylisse's darkness."The Exalt stifled her discomfort and nodded with a polite smile as her brother gagged behind the man. Aristocrats could be so stuffy and difficult to be around, and Maribelle's father was sadly no exception. Regardless, Chrom held his tongue as everyone took their seats. He and Robin flanked Emmeryn on either side, and Frederick and Phila stood behind them quietly with watchful eyes."I thank you all for coming on such short notice," Emmeryn announced gracefully. "I would not have summoned you were it not important, but… I'm afraid the time for action has come.""About time, if you ask me," someone mumbled.A particularly sleazy gentleman with brown hair cleared his throat rather loudly. "Pardon me, Your Grace, but… Would now be an improper time to mention how disbanding the Ylissean Army was, quite frankly, a terrible idea?"There were some murmurs from the other politicians as he smirked infuriatingly, gaining Chrom's ire. "I suppose it's easy to say that with the benefit of hindsight, isn't it, Chairman Daniels? No one here is happy with how things are at the moment, but we can't keep looking to the past for answers. All we can do now is work towards a better future.""Oh, I agree, Prince Chrom," he said venomously, "and I for one am most looking forward to creating the best future possible; a future without our little Plegian neighbors…"Robin glowered quietly as more murmuring took place, some of it agreeing with the sentiment. Emmeryn subtly glared at the politician before saying, "You and I both know that genocide won't solve anything, Chairman. Exalt Chronos had the same outlook as you do, and all he succeeded in was spreading pain and misery to innocent Plegians and Ylisseans alike. With Naga as my witness, we will not let that happen again."Chrom and Robin beamed at her as a few others silently applauded. A grimace of guilt crossed Frederick's face as his memories came back to haunt him. Phila, meanwhile, gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and a small smile..Chairman Daniels scowled, but kept his mouth shut so that the person at his left could speak. With a raised hand, he inquired, "Pardon me, Your Grace, but… What are we going to do? We hardly have the amount of men needed to go to war…""I know, Chairman Starkey," Emmeryn agreed with a sigh and a furrowed brow. "I know. Ylisse alone cannot stand against Plegia, which is why I have tasked Prince Chrom with forging an alliance with our northern neighbors in Ferox."Several more complaints and jeers filled the room."Those Feroxi brutes?!""Gods, save us all…""Feroxi fighting alongside our men? I won't have it!""I'm afraid you don't have a choice, sir," Chrom remarked with a glare. "Emmeryn is right; Plegia outnumbers our troops three-to-one, and I've seen firsthand just how powerful some of their higher ranking members can be. The Feroxi people are strong, and their hearts noble. I see no reason why we cannot set aside our differences and work together towards achieving peace.""How can we possibly trust those... fence-sitters? We've been suffering bandit raids all across the land for years now, and not once have they expressed any sort of interest in helping us!" Daniels protested angrily. "What could they possibly stand to gain from coming to our aid now?!"An elderly council member in a green hat was the next to speak, and Robin was quick to recognize him as the Hierarch of Ylisse. "I know you have your deep-seated issues with the Feroxis, Chairman Daniels, but this is about much more than you or me. If Plegia crushes us here, who is to say they won't set their sights on our Valmese brothers and sisters to the west? There has already been much talk of civil unrest over there... I fear Gangrel and his men would only worsen the situation. I say that we accept the help that Regna Ferox has graciously offered."Emmeryn smiled at him, her face lighting up the room. "Thank you, Hierarch Joseph. I'm quite relieved that you feel as I do on the matter."The Exalt stopped speaking momentarily to gaze around the room, scrutinizing everyone's faces. Some of the council members were rather pleased with the inevitable outcome, some were not, and the occasional noble let out a cough. Emmeryn knew deep in her heart that the influence of her father's reign ran deep, but she would be damned if she let it ruin Ylisse a second time."This is bad comedy," a chairman announced, standing to leave. "The day I align with those Feroxi louts is the day my daughter sleeps with a Plegian!"Emmeryn opened her mouth to reprimand him, but was beaten to the punch by her foul-tempered younger brother. "Senator Johnson, your daughter's slept with half the men in town. I think a Plegian or two is the absolute least of your problems."Had Robin been drinking any water, it would have spewed out of his mouth then and there. The room erupted into chaos, with many a chairman either laughing at the audacious remark or staring in utter shock and repugnance at Chrom. Senator Johnson's face went red as he struggled to find the words to express his contempt, and Emmeryn hid her face in her hands in an attempt to hide both her embarrassment and the slight grin on her face."R-Ridiculous! Absolute madness!" Johnson spat, rising from his chair angrily and heading for the door. He turned around and pointed directly at Chrom. "That's no prince! That's a filthy commoner in royal clothing! I'll not forget this slight!"Chrom reclined in his chair with a smug look as Emmeryn and Frederick shot him dirty looks. Robin's eyes shifted about frantically, the tactician desperately trying not to crack a grin. Just where and when had Chrom learned that?!The Exalt maintained a straight face as she cleared her throat. "... Then it is decided. Tomorrow morning, I shall fly to Regna Ferox with Phila and her pegasus knights. Chrom, you and the Shepherds are to remain here and defend Ylisstol until our return. If there are no more questions, the rest of you are dismissed."Chairman Daniels and the rest of the council members took their leave, some of them still snickering or complaining about Chrom's comment. The sole exception was Hierarch Joseph, who instead approached Emmeryn calmly. "Your Grace, I would ask your permission to accompany you during your stay in Regna Ferox."This caught everyone off guard. Chrom, naturally, was the first to speak up. "Beg pardon?""I mean no disrespect of course, but it would do my old heart good to personally see to it that all goes well. I spent some time in Ferox during my younger years, you know. You could think of me as your tour guide!"Phila eyed the elderly council member with slight suspicion, as did Frederick. Emmeryn, meanwhile, gave him a polite grin. "I appreciate your offer, Hierarch, but there's really no need to worry. Phila and her knights are among the best and brightest Ylisse has to offer, and I have full faith in our Feroxi allies.""Your Grace, I implore you to reconsider! It… It's been so long since I've visited my daughter and her husband up north," he admitted bashfully, coughing. "I know this is a selfish request of mine, but I'm afraid I'm getting up there in years, and… Well, I might not get another chance to see them again.""So that's what this is about," Emmeryn said with a slow nod. She grinned and said, "Well, if that's the case, then you're more than welcome to accompany me, Hierarch Joseph. I understand all too well how precious family is..."The old man beamed with joy as Frederick and Phila continued to look at each other. Each seemed to be silently urging the other to say something, anything, but nothing came of it."Thank you, Your Grace! Thank you so, so much. I shall be at the stables ready and waiting by sunrise!"After exchanging a couple more pleasantries, Hierarch Joseph left the room, leaving Chrom and Robin with three very unimpressed authority figures."Chrom, what you said to Senator Johnson was incredibly disrespectful," Emmeryn chided, her face wrought with disdain. "What were you thinking?""Well, I didn't see you calling him out," he retorted bluntly, folding his arms.Frederick spoke up next, giving his liege his trademark "Disappointed Frederick" gaze. "Milord, there is a right way to criticize people, and there is a wrong way, and the way you handled it - ""Was the wrong way," Chrom finished, sighing. "... I'm sorry, everyone. It just... It burns me up whenever I have to listen to that pompous jackass - ""Chrom!""Sorry," he apologized, taking a deep breath. Chrom had never been one for flowery words or prim and proper pleasantries, and spending time with the likes of Vaike and Sully definitely didn't help. Honestly, it was a wonder that little Lissa hadn't developed the mouth of a sailor by now. "There's a time and a place for everything, and I guess that was neither the time nor the place. I'm sorry, Emm."Her glare softened, but only marginally. "... It's fine. I'll just have to apologize to Senator Johnson and his daughter later. I'd ask you to do it yourself, but I fear that things would somehow just escalate into a fistfight with you two..."Chrom shook his head and sighed as Robin patted him on the shoulder. After a few seconds of silence, the prince asked, "... So now what?""I'll have to talk to Frederick and Phila for a little while regarding tomorrow's route and a contingency plan. For now, you and Robin are free to leave."The prince nodded and turned to go, Robin silently saying farewell to the other three. Once they were both gone, Emmeryn rested her head in her hands and let out a breath of exasperation. Senator Johnson was not an easy man to get along with, and there were even more pressing matters ahead of the Exalt."Milady, are you sure it's wise to allow the Hierarch to accompany you?""Peace, Frederick. Hierarch Joseph has watched over House Ylisse for decades now," Emmeryn said. "If he were going to do anything untoward, I would think it would have happened already.Phila was quick to interject. "Your Grace, I really don't think - ""I have faith in his integrity, Phila. When Exalt Chronos began his onslaught, Joseph was among the first to protest. He has always been a friend of the people, and I have no reason to believe that has changed."The Falcon Knight bit her lip, and Frederick shifted his gaze between the two women quietly. As longtime members of the Shepherds and the Ylissean Flight Squadron, they had been taught that trust was something that had to be earned, not given. There had never been a traitor amidst their ranks before, and perhaps it was largely due to their harsh scrutiny that there might never be. Even so... Was there really such a thing as being too careful? Especially now that Ylisse was on the brink of war?Only time would tell.As Emmeryn and her retainers stayed in the war room to discuss tomorrow morning's route, Ylisse's lone prince and his prized tactician walked through the castle halls and towards the armory."Well… that was an interesting meeting," Robin uttered with just a hint of snark in his voice."Robin, I'm sorry.""Huh?""For how some of the chairmen were acting, I mean" Chrom clarified, cringing slightly. "Ylisse usually prides itself on being more civilized than that. Were they not part of the council, I'd have knocked a few teeth loose today…"Robin chuckled softly and shook his head. "As amusing as that would have been, I'd rather you didn't sully your reputation over me, Chrom. Well, at least not more so than you already have.""Johnson had it coming," Chrom spat, folding his arms defiantly."Perhaps... Even so, those men in there; they're not worth it. Heck, I don't even know if I am Plegian or not, but some sour words here and there won't keep me up at night even if that's the case. I have more important things to worry about, like keeping everybody alive.""Yes, I suppose that's no small feat to accomplish in times of war," Chrom said, taking a deep breath. "Still… I'm sorry. And I'm sorry if a few of the Shepherds have ever made some unsavory comments in the past regarding your alleged heritage. When Chronos lost his wife and became outraged, many Ylisseans shared his feelings of anger and sadness. It's only been about two decades, and the war is still fresh in their minds.""Heh… People are fickle, aren't they?""Robin?""When they lost their Queen, they were justifiably upset and turned their ire towards Plegia. When that wasn't enough and Chronos began to send his own civilians to their deaths, the survivors turned their attention to him. And when he finally died and that wasn't enough… They targeted a young Emmeryn instead. It's disgusting."Chrom stopped in his tracks and blinked at his friend, utterly floored. He was one of the few Shepherds that regularly conversed with Robin, and yet… the tactician had never seemed so grim before. Even in times of stress, he had always maintained a cheery disposition up until now. "... Yes, it's certainly a black mark on our nation's history…""Indeed," Robin mumbled, staring into the training room where a few Shepherds were currently sparring. Lon'qu and Vaike were facing off, with the latter losing miserably, as Kellam and Sully traded blows with wooden spears. While Ricken and Miriel practiced casting thunder magic, Virion launched several arrows into a sandbag, entirely ignorant to the sticky-fingered thief probing his pockets."Alright, what's wrong?" Chrom questioned with a hint of irritation in his voice. Robin's eyes met his, and the prince let out a small groan. "It's about last night, isn't it?""I…""Robin, we'll be fine. Stahl got the worst of it, and even he should be back to normal in a couple of weeks. As long as we don't have to deal with any more obviously evil sorcerers for a while, I think we'll pull through.""I'm not so sure, Chrom," came the shaky response. "That man, Validar… What if he's not the only one? What if there are other, stronger enemies out there? The Shepherds are strong, no doubt, but… Sometimes strength alone just isn't enough.""You're right," Chrom answered, "which is why we have teamwork. If we all combine our efforts and grow stronger as a group, we could take on the entire world!""There's a fine line between optimism and naivety, Chrom, and I'm pretty sure you just crossed it big time."The swordsman laughed. "Heh. Perhaps. Even so…"He paused and put a firm hand on Robin's shoulder, meeting his gaze yet again. The tactician took brief note of the sincerity in his eyes. "I have nothing but the utmost faith in you, Robin. In all of us. So please try not to worry too much, okay? It'll only worsen your performance, and your health above all else.""Heh. You always know just what to say," Robin said, his cheeks slightly pink at the contact. The older prince had always been rather relaxed even among his soldiers, and the tactician both admired and envied him for it. "... Thank you, Chrom."Lyn, meanwhile, who had been trailing the pair in silence, frowned slightly. It was good to see that Robin had made such a close friend in Chrom before she had made it to this world, but... Was there something more going on there? She still couldn't quite wrap her head around the idea that it had been months between her leaping after Robin and actually waking up in Ferox, but… Well, a lot could happen in a few months.She walked over to the pair and cleared her throat. In as kind a voice as she could muster, she greeted, "Hello, you two. Having a moment?""Ah, Lyn," Chrom said, turning to face her with a small grin. "Nice to see you again. How are you feeling?""My sword arm is as strong as ever," she said with a laugh, pushing her insecurities deeper inside of her. "I take it that all is well with you both?""I'm fine, but Robin here is still a bit shaken up over last night," he pointed out as he wrapped an arm around the tactican's shoulders.Robin shot him a dirty look as his cheeks flared up, pushing him away. "Chrom!""Well, I can't say I blame you, Robin. Nothing we can do now except look to the future though, right?""Right you are, Lyn," Chrom chirped with a smile. "Speaking of which, why don't you two take the rest of the day off?""Huh?""Pardon?""You heard me. It seems like we more or less have things back under control now, so… Robin, why don't you take Lyn into town? You know, maybe catch up on the old days a little bit?"Lyn felt her heart nearly skip a beat at the suggestion, and Robin coughed as his face reddened once more. "I… I'm not sure if I can - ""That's an order, Robin," Chrom declared flatly. "Go have fun, you two. I'll let Frederick know in case he asks.""Thank you, Chrom. I'll meet you outside the castle in an hour, Robin," Lyn remarked, turning to leave. "I have to freshen up a bit.""Ah… Y-Yeah. Same here…"Soon, the strategist was left standing alone in the hall as his other friends continued to train nearby. He and Lyn had spent some time together before (quite a bit, if the Sacaean was to be believed), but the way Chrom set things up made it almost seem like… a date. Not that he particularly minded going on a date with such a kind and lovely woman, but…Robin groaned and shook his head. "This isn't getting me anywhere. Maybe I can ask one of the guys for pointers. They've got to know something, right?""You're goin' on a date?! Hot dog!" Vaike cheered, roughly patting the tactician on the back. "Way to go, little buddy!""Who's the lucky girl?" Ricken innocently inquired."It's not a date!" Robin shouted peevishly, his voice a little sharper than usual. "I … I'm just taking Lyn into town a little later, that's all."None of the Shepherds who were present bought his excuse for even a second."Suuuure!""Yeah, right!""Uh-huh. Whatever you say, man."Robin grit his teeth and frowned at his companions. Perhaps coming to them for advice wasn't such a good idea after all…To the tactician's utter dismay, Virion stepped forward and cleared his throat. The two often played chess against each other and had fun doing so, but on the topic of women…"This is a fine day, gentlemen," he announced with pride. "Today marks Robin's proper transition from boy to man!""Hey! What is that supposed to mean?!"Sully rolled her eyes and tapped Miriel on the shoulder. "C'mon, Egghead. You and I have got better things to do than listen to this…""Agreed. Perhaps I might be able to develop a cure for your horse's rancid fecal - ""O-kay!" the cavalier yelled, pushing the mage forward and walking behind her. "We'll smell you boys later!"Kellam smiled as he watched the two depart. "There she goes…""I'll never understand what you see in Sully, my man," Vaike said with a sigh before turning to the ruffled archer. "Go ahead, Virion."The gentleman chuckled. "Thank you, my rugged friend. Perhaps I shall assist Kellam with his women troubles too someday. For the time being, however…"Virion faced Robin with an all-knowing smirk as he dabbed his own forehead with a handkerchief. "Robin, my boy, there is absolutely no shame to be had in having such strong emotions for such a beautiful woman. And now, with some encouragement from the others, I shall bestow upon you the gift of knowledge.""I'm out of here," Lon'qu said, shuffling away with his blade at his side."I'm not!" Ricken chirped. "Teach us your ways, Virion!""I've got a bad feeling about this," Robin mumbled, his face in his hand.""What you are in need of most, dear Robin… is confi-dance.""Er… Don't you mean 'confidence'?" Vaike asked. "I mean, I ain't a smart guy, but - "Virion shook his head. "Non, my boy."Taking on a flamboyant pose, he uttered, "Confi-dance!"There was a long pause in the training room as the rest of the boys stared at him in silence. Ricken and Donnel exchanged particularly befuddled looks as Gaius shook his head in disappointment and left."... Pffft! Bahahaha! Are you serious?!" Vaike bellowed, holding his gut. "That's gotta be the lamest thing I've ever heard! 'Dancing'... Pffft!""Au contraire, Vaike. There is little else the ladies love more than a man who can shake his can!" Virion protested confidently. Pointing at Donnel, he yelled, "You, dear boy! Give us a demonstration!"The purple-haired farmboy involuntarily gulped. "M-Me? Well, uh… If ya say so, Sir Virion!"Donnel did a little jig for a few moments as the others watched with great interest. Though Robin wasn't doubting his younger friend's talent, he couldn't help but wonder how dancing would make him feel less nervous. If anything, the idea alone was starting to have the opposite effect…"You see?" Virion asked the tactician as Donnel finished to applause. "That, Robin, is confi-dance!""Hey, it works! I don't feel nervous at all! I guess dancin' really ain't so useless after all," Donnel remarked with a grin."I still don't understand," Robin muttered. "You're suggesting that I should… dance? While I'm out in Ylisstol with Lyn?"Virion chuckled. "Why, that would be positively silly! But what I am suggesting is that a few dance lessons could really help you sweep her off her feet in the future!"Vaike snorted and rolled his eyes as he moved towards Robin. "Ridiculous. The real way to win a gal over is a lot easier! Watch, all you gotta do is this…"The blonde man rested a meaty hand on his shoulder as he met Robin's gaze. In a low voice, he crooned, "Hey, baby. How you doin'?"Now it was everyone else's turn to laugh. Kellam in particular nearly fell over as Ricken and Donnel leaned on each other for support. Vaike, however, didn't quite get it. "... What? What's so funny?! It works all the time, I tell ya!"Robin's hands were on his knees as he struggled to regain the ability to breath. "Ahaha…! That… Now that is ridiculous!""Hey, shut up! I'm tryin' to help ya out here!"A few more seconds passed before Robin and the others regained their composure. Coughing, the tactician said, "Ah… Heh. I think I needed that laugh. Thanks, 'Teach'."Virion smiled. "I dare say you look much more upbeat now! A quick bath and you'll be more than prepared to court Lady Lyn!""I'm not trying to… Ugh. Forget it," Robin groaned, turning to leave. He lifted his arm and took a brief whiff before recoiling. "Bleh… You might be right about the bath thing though. Thanks, guys."As the strategist exited the room with the bathhouse in his mind, Virion and Vaike shook hands."Gotta say, Ruffles, that was well played!""Likewise, mon amie," the archer replied. He paused to wipe the grime from his hand with a handkerchief before speaking again. "Likewise…""You know, I'm kinda curious to see how this all plays out," Ricken mused, adjusting his hat.Vaike smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. "Me too, little buddy!""Hey!""In fact," the blonde began, "I think I feel an idea brewin' in old Teach's nostril…""... You mean 'noggin'?""That too! Okay, so here's the plan…"To say that Lyn was having an easier time with the female Shepherds would be a bold-faced lie. After she had taken a proper bath and washed her voluminous hair, Lissa and Maribelle had caught up with her and absolutely insisted upon giving her a few tips of their own."Darling, must you really wear something so… shabby?" Maribelle criticized, gesturing to the Sacaean's usual blue garb."Maribelle!" Lissa scolded."I'd hardly consider what you wear to be much easier on the eyes, you know," Lyn rebutted as she folded her arms. "I wear the clothing of my people with pride and honor."The troubadour cringed as the heat and shame rose to her face. "Oh, dear, I… I'm dreadfully sorry, Lyndis! I had no intention of being so… insensitive. I'm afraid I may have inherited some of my father's more unseemly traits as well…"Lyn shook her head in silence as they stood outside the stables. "... It's fine. I don't suppose you come across many Sacaeans in Ylisse, do you?""Never! What, pray tell, are they like?""We're not all the same," Lyn clarified, "but… We pride ourselves on having a strong sense of honor and justice. We don't kill unarmed opponents. We do not lie. We do not cheat. Most of us have green hair…"Maribelle and Lissa nodded slowly, absorbing her words with piqued curiosity. Most people they had come across in their short lifetimes, noble or otherwise, tended to be Ylissean. There were so many peoples and cultures of their own world that they had not yet encountered, so to have someone like Lyn in their midst, who could very well be from another world altogether…"... And most of us know how to use a bow. Comes in handy when hunting," Lyn finished with a grin. "Whew… Sorry for talking your ears off."Lissa swiftly shook her head. "Not at all, Lyn! Gee… you're so different and cool! No wonder Robin has such a huge crush on you!"This made the swordswoman stop in her tracks. The heat slowly crept to her face as she questioned, "... Pardon?""Lissa! You should know better than to say such things," Maribelle chided her friend. "Gossip is most unbecoming of a lady. How would you like it if someone started spreading rumors about you and Vaike?"The pigtailed princess had another of her famous giggle fits, topping it off with a snort. "Me and Vaike… Pffft! That's just silly, Maribelle.""That should be 'Vaike and I', Lissa," Miriel corrected as she and Sully approached the stables with the latter's horse. "I would hope that my grammar lessons would have had some hold on you after all this time.""Heheh… Sorry.""What are you three talking about anyway?" Sully questioned, petting her horse all the while.Lissa let out a dainty giggle. "Boys!""Ugh, seriously? That's so lame," Sully groaned. "It's bad enough when the guys do it, now this crap?""Must you be so vulgar? Honestly, Sully, I expect better from a fellow noblewoman!""Sorry, Blondie, but the only noble thing about me is my aim with a javelin," she bragged, striking a throwing pose for emphasis.Lyn looked at the women around her and smiled. Outside of Florina and her older sisters, the Sacaean had never really felt that close to the women of the Lycian army. She and Rebecca would have the occasional archery match, and Serra was… something else entirely.'Heh,' Lyn chuckled internally as she watched Sully and Maribelle squabble. 'Maybe I'll make even more friends here…'"Alright, break it up, you two!" Lissa yelled, standing between her friends. "Lyn's got a hot date ahead of her, and it's up to us to show her the ropes!""It's not a date! Robin's just showing me around Ylisstol for a bit."Lissa and Maribelle looked at each other smugly as Sully placed her forehead in her hand. Miriel, meanwhile, coughed and adjusted her glasses with an unreadable expression. Lyn could tell that they didn't believe her, and in all honesty she was beginning to doubt herself. True, it was Chrom that had set it up, not Robin, but…"Okay, let's say that it is a date," she conceded, sighing and throwing her hands up in defeat. "Is it really such a big deal?""Of course it's a big deal! Robin's never been on a date with any of us before, after all," Lissa pointed out. "Honestly, I don't think anyone here ever expected this from him. He's not like Vaike, or that sleazy new thief guy, or… Bleh, Virion."Sully laughed boisterously. "Thank Ferox for that! But nah, Robin's a pretty alright guy. Kinda meek, but he's a good kid. You'll be fine, Lyn.""Aha… Well, I suppose he's always been rather shy. He definitely seems more at ease among you Shepherds, though."Maribelle giggled, covering her mouth. "Oh, my. Do tell us more about the Robin of the past.""Hey! I thought you said it was unladylike to gossip, Mari," Lissa criticized."This isn't gossip! Think of it more as …a little insight into our tactician's past experiences.""This is bullshit.""Language, Sully!"This made Lyn laugh against her will, and much harder than she should have. There was no doubt in her mind that the Shepherds were a colorful bunch of fighters, and she was glad that Robin had fallen in with them. There was still the matter of returning to Elibe, but… Well, that would have to wait for the time being. Perhaps she could pop the question once Plegia was dealt with. Lyn still had no clue how they would even go about returning to their home world, but they'd find a way. Just the two of them."Wouldn't that be nice…""Oh, shoot!" Lissa cried, peering past the stables. "I think that's him now! C'mon, girls. Let's make ourselves scarce!"The little princess quickly pushed her friends barring Lyn into the nearby stables. Lyn glanced back at her in confusion only to receive a thumbs up from Lissa in response. It was then that the swordswoman realized that Robin was walking towards her, his silver hair showing telltale signs of moisture.'Okay, Robin,' the tactician mentally told himself. 'Remember, just like Vaike said…'Once he met her eye, Robin nodded his head upwards. In a confident voice, he greeted, "Hey, baby. How you doin'?"Lyn blushed. Of all the potential greetings he could have used, that was not the one she was expecting. At. All. She could have sworn she heard the sound of Lissa and some of the others stifling a laugh and banging on the stable wall, but she decided to ignore it for now, lest she start giggling herself. "I'm… heh. I'm fine, I suppose. What about you?"Whatever confidence Robin had mustered faded in an instant as he returned to his usual mild-mannered self. "I, er… I'm good! I just had a bath, so that's… cool, I guess…"Vaike, who was watching with Ricken from a nearby bush, groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, no, no… You were doing so good!""Doing so well, Vaike.""Shut up."Lyn chuckled quietly, making eye contact with her longtime strategist and friend. "Should we be off then? I'm sure there's a lot to see in this town. Maybe I could even pick up a bow while I'm here...""You know how to use a bow?" Robin inquired as the two began to walk towards the front gate of the castle."That I do! Admittedly, it's been a little while, but I've been meaning to return to it someday. Archery takes a lot more upper body strength than people think, you know?""Absolutely. Why, one time I tried nocking an arrow and I nearly lost an eye!""Goodness!"Once the two were well out of earshot, Lissa and Maribelle came out of the stables with gleeful expressions. "What do you think, Mari?""Lissa, my darling, I dare say they're on the road to eternal happiness!"Vaike sauntered over to them and scoffed. "What? No way! You saw how that whole scene played out; Robin's doomed!""What do you know about true love, Vaike?" Lissa challenged, sticking her tongue out at him childishly."More than you, ya little brat! Remember when we were kids and you dumped that frog down Frederick's shirt?""At least he wears a shirt to dump frogs down!""Guys, they're getting away!" Ricken cried, pointing towards the castle gate. "We have to make sure that Lyn and Robin's date goes well!"Maribelle held a hand to her mouth and gasped dramatically. "Ricken! Do you honestly mean for us to spy on them? How scandalous!"The little mage fidgeted. "Well… Um… When you put it like that, I guess - ""... Well, I suppose just once couldn't hurt," she relented. "I must admit that I too am curious to see how this all plays out.""Count me in!" Lissa cheered. Turning to Vaike with a smug smile, she said, "Just you wait, 'Teach'. You're gonna see that our advice is way better than whatever schlock you cooked up in that little pea-brain of yours!""Okay, that is it," Vaike snarled. "I'm in. Just don't start cryin' when we prove you wrong, Twinkles!""Meathead!""Caviar for brains!"Ricken and Maribelle exchanged weary looks and sighed as the four of them began to follow Robin and Lyn off of the castle grounds and into the heart of Ylisstol. It wouldn't be too hard to spot them based off hair color alone, and they could only hope that their more fiery companions would settle down once they finally reached their destination.At the insistence of Chrom, the lady of the plains and her tactician decided to spend the afternoon in downtown Ylisstol. There seemed to be no shortage of shops both big and small, and the streets almost reminded Lyn of her excursion in Ferox. Just… warmer, thankfully."Would you look at that," Lyn awed as she peered through the window of a store, smiling all the while. Many weapons lined the shelves, but she found herself drawn to a particularly shiny bow on display.Robin followed her gaze, and his eyes widened once he spotted the weapon. He scratched his chin and mused, "Wow… It's been quite some time since they've had a silver bow in stock. You ever handled one before, Lyn?""Steel bows were much easier to come by in Elibe, and they were usually more reliable to boot. With proper maintenance, though, a bow like that could last a lifetime…"The tactician silently observed how Lyn's eyes seemed to light up at both the weapon in question and the mention of her old home.'Our old home,' Robin reminded himself internally. She had no reason to lie about their shared past, after all."... Well, I suppose we can always find a less expensive bow elsewhere," Lyn suggested with a nonchalant shrug. "What about you? See anything you like, Robin?"But the tactician was no longer by her side. Instead, he marched right into the shop with a decently-sized pouch of gold in his hands.Lyn watched him strike up a conversation with the jovial shopkeeper and felt a tingle of mortification pass through her. "Oh, he's not going to…"In less than a minute, Robin had returned with a quiver full of arrows and a very shiny bow. He wore a cheerful expression as he uttered, "Piece of cake!""Oh, Robin," she breathed. "Y-you didn't have to - "He merely grinned at her in response, a light pink dusting his cheeks. "I know, but I wanted to. Besides, what's better than a gift you can actually use? And I even got all these arrows to boot. What a deal!"Lyn blinked before letting out a small giggle, doing her best not to blush. "Hee hee… I suppose so. In any case… Thank you, Robin. I promise to pay you back whenever I come into money.""No need. Being Ylisse's royal tactician has his perks. Besides, what are friends for?""Heh… right," she said with a cough. "Um… Robin?""Yes, Lyn?"The Sacaean's ears grew hot. "... Would now be a bad time to ask about a chest guard?""A… Huh?!" Robin blurted before slapping a hand to his forehead. "Oh, no! You're right; how could I have been so forgetful?"Lyn waved her hands frantically, trying to calm him down. "N-no! It's fine! Maybe they have some back at the castle. Really!""But… Well, maybe you're right. It's still worth another look, though, right?""Ha… Maybe later, Robin," she replied as she gratefully took the bow and slung it over her shoulder. Strapping the full quiver to her side, she continued, "Is there anything else of note here in Ylisstol?"He perked up, smiling once more. "... Actually, there is this really good restaurant just a few blocks down.""Robin! You really don't need to spend so much money - ""It's fine, Lyn. Truth be told, I was getting a little hungry anyway…"A loud grumble filled the air, causing several townspeople to turn their heads in the tactician's direction. Robin rubbed the back of his head bashfully, causing Lyn to snicker."Hee hee hee… Well, if you insist. Lead the way!"As the duo left the town square, four Shepherds peered their heads out from behind various stalls with varying facial expressions. Maribelle kept fanning herself and muttering something about Robin being "such a gentleman", Ricken looked considerably miffed, Vaike was going on and on about how "whipped" the tactician was, and Lissa simply rolled her eyes in annoyance."You're such a pig," the princess jeered, complete with pulling her nose up so that it resembled the animal in question. "I feel sorry for the poor girl that ends up marrying you, Vaike!"The eatery the pair had reached was a humble little restaurant near the center of town simply called "Johnny B.'s". According to Robin, the place was popular among most of the commoners but otherwise ignored by the more "refined" members of society.Lyn rolled her eyes and paused to take in the aroma of the restaurant as the pair were seated at a small booth. "Mm… Their loss, I suppose. This place smells absolutely heavenly…""Doesn't it? The cooks here make the best dishes," Robin asserted, making a gesture with his hand for emphasis. "Once you try the bear stew, you'll never go back!"The Sacaean shut her eyes pensively for a moment. "... Come to think of it, I might have tried some bear meat back at the arena in Regna Ferox. I'm not entirely sure how people came to enjoy such chewy meat. We Sacaeans usually stick to beef, chicken, or pork. But… Bear?""Admittedly," he began, scratching his chin, "I might be a little biased. When Chrom and Lissa took me in, bear was the first food I had eaten in who knows how long…"Lyn nodded in understanding, peering into his eyes. Of course he'd have such an appetite for the first meal he could remember! A growing sense of jealousy began to bubble inside of Lyn, and she cursed herself for it. Chrom and the Shepherds were good people; where was this sudden animosity coming from? It wasn't their fault Robin had lost his memory, nor was it his."Well, this place is certainly packed," Lyn observed as her companion gazed at the menu in his hands. In spite of the establishment's modest size, many a customer was seated in the establishment, with twice as many servers running about. "Do you and Chrom come here often?""Sometimes, but we normally just eat at the castle. Being a royal's tactician has all sorts of benefits.""Oh. Heh… Right."As the numerous other patrons chattered to themselves about the weather among other mundane topics, Lyn found herself becoming overwhelmed at the long list of unfamiliar dishes. "Goodness… I see there's no shortage of options here."Robin smiled and nodded. "Indeed, though it wasn't always like this. According to Chrom, the country only recently started producing more food over the past couple of years or so. Not that I've been around for that long, of course...""Indeed… I can imagine that the Crusade wasn't very kind to the crops and livestock of the land."Robin noticed how their table was getting some odd looks and glared back at the other patrons, silently warding them off. He quickly recomposed himself before turning to a confused Lyn. "Ah… Well, it's still something of a sore topic among civilians. But yes, both countries suffered greatly."A long, somber silence fell between the two. Lyn felt a twinge of regret well up inside her; perhaps it was in poor taste to bring up such a thing in such a densely populated area.Fortunately for the pair, a waitress came by with a pen and notepad. Her eyes lit up once she saw the familiar tactician. "Well, if it isn't Robin! How you been, sugar?""I've been fine, Margaret. What about you?"As the two struck up a small conversation, Lyn looked on silently as she became a literal green-eyed monster. The more rational part of her mind was telling her that they could just be friends or acquaintances. The rest of her, on the other hand…'Margaret? Who is this Margaret? How long have they known each other? Does Chrom know her?'"... And this here is Lyn," Robin finished, gesturing a hand towards the viridian beauty. "She's new here, so I've been showing her around Ylisstol."Margaret grinned. "Well, ain't you just a sweetheart. You be good to him, Lyn, y'here?""Ah… Y-Yes, of course!" she answered, though she soon paused to consider her words. '... Wait, what did she mean by - '"Anyway, can I get y'all started with somethin' to drink?" the waitress offered with a friendly expression. "The boss is pushin' this new drink called 'Merry Cranberry', but I personally prefer cherry vanilla myself."Lyn perked up with a gleam in her eye. "That sounds lovely. What about you, Robin?""Make that two, please!""Awesome! I'll be riiight back!"Margaret winked at the tactician before leaving, and Robin smiled back out of politeness. He was more than a little surprised to see a decidedly unimpressed expression on Lyn's own face. "... What?"At another table across the eatery, Ricken and Vaike hid behind their menus as Maribelle and Lissa observed the scene frightfully. This could only go so well...The rest of the dinner date was moderately eventful. At Robin's suggestion, Lyn had decided upon a delectable steak, thankfully not made of bear, with a side of beans and cheese. Robin himself had settled on getting his usual choice of bear stew, much to the Sacaean's amusement. They ate and chatted some more about the "old times" as Lyn put it, and the tactician was once again enraptured by her tales. He still couldn't believe that there was an entire world out there that he had experienced yet had no recollection of.As he continued listening to Lyn's recollections, Robin took note of how lovely her smile was. Perhaps it was due to the orange glow of the sunset permeating the window near their booth, but... There was something strangely heartwarming about the sight all the same. The way her eyes shifted off to the side as she told him about their various misadventures as "Lyndis's Legion", the way her laugh made him think about the birds in the sky, how a loose strand of deep green hair hung in front of her face in a perfectly imperfect manner...Robin felt his heart rise as he sank into a daze, and he lazily moved his hand forward to brush the strand behind her ear. Lyn watched with wide eyes and a heavy blush, but she did nothing to stop him. Part of her screamed internally with joy, but the rest of her subdued it and allowed her to maintain her composure... Mostly. "Heh... Heheh..."Ricken and Maribelle watched the scene unfold with a smile before inadvertently meeting each other's eyes with the same dopey expression. The teens snapped their attention to their own table as Vaike chortled. "Heh... Man, that's cheesy. You'll never see The Vaike doin' such sappy crap! Not now, not ever!"Lissa pouted and stood up from the table in a huff, heading for the bathroom. Ricken and Maribelle exchanged knowing looks as Vaike glanced at them cluelessly. "... What?""... You know, I really appreciate being able to spend some more time with you, Robin," Lyn admitted, staring into his brown eyes with satisfaction. "Don't get me wrong, the Shepherds are good people and all, but...""I know," he said, resting a tender hand on her own as he grinned back. "I feel the same way..."Perhaps it was far too soon to be throwing around such strong words, but they both knew in their hearts that there was something there. Even if it was the smallest of sparks... Even if it was but a budding rose... Perhaps they could grow alongside each other and learn something new about themselves in the process. Plegia was still an impending threat, but right now, in this single moment... They had found peace.If only a minute could last an eternity."So," Gangrel mused with a devious grin, "they've decided to take refuge up in Regna Ferox. Clever… Very clever."The Mad King was currently reclining in his golden throne, a guard on either side of him as a servant massaged his gangrenous feet. The Plegian messenger looked on in silence, discomfort written all over his face. The sun was setting on the horizon, filling the throne room with a magnificent orange hue."Yes, er… Quite clever. How shall we proceed, milord?" the messenger asked. "I believe that Rosannean bounty hunter arrived at the royal palace not too long ago…"Gangrel nodded, his face still contorted in a sickly smile. "Good, good… See him in at once.""Of course, milord."The messenger left the room and returned a few minutes later with the aforementioned bounty hunter in tow. He was adorned in sleek black armor, complete with black boots and talon-like gauntlets. Long brown hair was pulled into a tight braid behind him, and he wore a smooth mask that obscured all but two piercing blue eyes. Gangrel's guards shifted uncomfortably at the sight of the man while their king merely nodded again in satisfaction."Well, you certainly look the part," he remarked, chuckling. "What's your name, tiger?""Do you have the coin?"Gangrel's face melted into a scowl instantly before he beckoned another servant forward. "It's always about the money with you lot, isn't it? Whatever happened to just making pleasant conversation?"He sucked his teeth and directed the servant to deliver the payment. They fumbled around a bit before dropping a modestly-sized pouch at the bounty hunter's feet. The man merely looked at Gangrel and tilted his head."... What?""You're the king of a historically wealthy country. I know you can do better than that."Gangrel gasped dramatically, a wretched hand over his wretched heart. "How dare you?! I'll have you know that I painstakingly counted five thousand gold coins in that single pouch, good sir!""Seems like a paltry reward in exchange for the Exalt herself, no?""Mrg… Fine. Ten-thousand!""Twenty-thousand.""What?!" Gangrel roared, standing from his chair uproariously. The nerve of this stranger. The absolute, unadulterated nerve! "See here, you extorting conman! I am the king, and my word is law! Why, I'm well within my rights to have your head on a silver platter, and your balls roasting on an open fire for this audacity!""Do it," he challenged, folding his arms nonchalantly. "Bet you won't."The sheer arrogance of the bounty hunter was enough to make Gangrel stamp his feet as he imploded with rage. "You're going to regret making an enemy of the Mad King! Seize this man, you two! Seize him, I say!"The two guards that were present rushed at the masked man instantly, spears at the ready. The first thrust his weapon forward only for the bounty hunter to move to the side and grab it. The weapon was sliced in two by his free claw, and his thumbs soon found their way into the guard's eye sockets.A perverse grin rose to Gangrel's lips as the bloodcurdling screams filled the room, calming the Mad King down considerably. The second guard, nauseated by the scene, threw his lance down and held his hands above his head, struggling not to vomit as he averted his eyes from the messy spectacle. Gangrel's servants, meanwhile, averted their eyes and did their best not to show any signs of discontent.The Mad King cackled and applauded as the bounty hunter wiped his gauntlets off on the mutilated soldier's still body. "Good, good! That's what I've been needing around here all along! A man other than myself who's more than willing to get his hands dirty! I love it!""... Twenty-thousand," came the curt reply. "Take it or leave it.""... And twenty-thousand you shall receive, my friend," Gangrel promised as he leaned forward. "That's nowhere near as much as what I pay Vasto or the others on a monthly basis, but mark my words… As long as you bring the Exalt to me alive, I will reward you in a most handsome fashion. Kill everyone else present, be they man, woman, or child! Kill them as brutally as that poor sod there, and I might even give you a bonus. But bring Emmeryn to me alive! I have much to discuss with the Exalt before I choke the life out of her."The Rosannean bounty hunter turned his back to the Mad King. "Then have her you shall. I'll be back with her by tomorrow at noon. Have my money by then.""M-milord," the surviving guard gasped, gesturing to the bloodied corpse on the floor. Once he was sure that the masked man was well out of earshot, he asked, "... Are you sure he can be trusted?"Gangrel tapped his chin with a sharpened fingernail for a moment, seemingly thinking. "... Yes. Yes! Bounty hunters don't care who they take orders from as long as they're paid well enough, and this one in particular is going to walk out of here a very wealthy man by the time this is all over!"With a sigh, the Mad King sank back into his throne in satisfaction. Emmeryn's father, that Chronos bastard... He had taken everything from him. And now it was Gangrel's time to return the favor. "Meh-heh-heh... Yes... Once I have that blonde wench in my grasp, I'll take everything from her. Her home... her family... all of it. She will know what it's like to be the last of her ilk, and when all is said and done... when her life has been ruined beyond salvation... I'll take that from her too."The guard took one last look at the corpse before looking back at his king, the madman continuing to ramble to himself. This war would surely end in the deaths of them all... yet he could do nothing but watch.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
By the time Lyn and Robin had finally left the restaurant, the sun had long since vanished from the sky and allowed its counterpart to take over. The accompanying darkness was considerably overwhelming; had it not been for a spare (and thankfully, weak) Fire tome inside Robin's cloak, they might have stumbled about in the darkness like a pair of drunken fools."When the night has come," Robin crooned merrily."And the moon is bright," Lyn joined in, slightly off-key."And the stars above sparkle just for you and me!" they sang in unison.… Well, perhaps the wine was a little strong…After a few more minutes of singing and swaying, the pair made their way back to Castle Ylisstol. Robin shut his tome and gave the guards stationed at the gate a friendly nod before leading his companion into the castle proper. The main hall was mostly silent, with only guards and the occasional maid present."Do you remember where the ladies' wing of the barracks is?" Robin asked. "If not, I could always walk you there."Lyn's brow quirked as a mischievous grin made its way to her face. A bit more bold than usual, she quipped, "Is there a particular reason why you're so knowledgeable about where the female soldiers sleep?""Wh-what?!" he blurted, completely floored. The color rushed to his face in an instant, and Lyn could have sworn that she had spotted a complementary bead of sweat materialize."Oh, I'm just teasing!" she said in between bouts of laughter.Robin frowned at her. "I thought jokes were supposed to be funny!""Peace, Robin. I know you're not that kind of man," Lyn asserted, a good-natured smile crossing her face. "You're no Sain, after all.""Ha! Or Virion," the tactician joked. "Gods help us if he ever has a son one day…"The duo laughed at the thought before reluctantly making their way towards the barracks. They walked down the torch-lit hallway without another word, taking in the rare silence of their surroundings. During the trip, Lyn would occasionally bump shoulders with Robin. He took great care to avoid contact while she almost went out of her way to do the opposite, and Lyn smirked to herself with each successful bump.From a distance, two friendly figures watched them with varying expressions."Oh, Chrom, aren't they just the cutest?" Sumia cooed, hands to her reddening face as she admired the budding couple."They seem to get along well enough, yes," he admitted, though his brow was furrowed. "Frankly, I'm just glad that Robin gets to relax for a change. So much has been going on recently, and I fear it won't get any easier on him…"The junior pegasus knight turned to her leader and friend with a slightly crestfallen expression. Though he remained oblivious, her lips parted under the glow of the wall-mounted torches as she absorbed the concern in his eyes. "Chrom…""... Sorry. A lot's been on my mind lately. Plegia's trouble enough already, but… What about that Marth girl? She disappeared again before I could even get a chance to talk to her," he said with a weary sigh. He leaned against a nearby wall and folded his arms. "I don't distrust her for even a second, Sumia, but… I have so many questions…""I'm sure we'll see her again," Sumia claimed, beaming confidently. "She's elusive, sure, but… Well, if anyone can solve the mystery of Marth, it's us! In the meantime, though, we should all strive to do our best for Ylisse! So please try not to worry too much, okay?"Chrom let out a laugh and shook his head before meeting her gaze. The pegasus knight's legs nearly gave out from under her in response. "Yes, I suppose you're right... Thank you, Sumia."She gave a quick nod in response, praying that the prince wasn't perceptive enough to spot her rapidly reddening cheeks. "O-of course…"Meanwhile, the pair from Elibe had already reached the door leading to the women's barracks, their steps slowing to a reluctant halt."I… I had a great time tonight, Robin," Lyn admitted, rubbing her arm and looking away. Part of her wanted to scream at herself for acting so giddy and nervous around Robin, especially after her had done so much for her… But maybe it was because he had done so much for her that she felt the way she did. The bow, the dinner… Of course, he had always been kind back in Elibe, but tonight… Tonight felt different.And Lyn had loved every minute of it.Robin smiled wholesomely, oblivious to the effect he was having on her. "I'm glad. I can't imagine how hard it was for you to drop everything just to make sure I was okay. Your friends and family must be worried sick, Lyn!""I… Well, at least one of those things is true.""... Oh. Oh, no," Robin moaned, a hand over his mouth in shame. "Lyn, I… I'm so sorry. I forgot all about - "A thin, battle-calloused finger made its way to his lips. She met his gaze and smiled somberly. "... It's alright. I came to terms with my family's deaths a long time ago. They wouldn't want me to spend the rest of my life in mourning. All I can do now is keep marching forward. Not just for myself… but for them.""I… I see. That's… a very mature way of looking at it all," Robin noted as he nodded slowly. He seemed to ponder over Lyn's words for a few more seconds, eyes shut in contemplation. "I can't remember ever losing a loved one before, but… I don't know if I could handle that kind of heartbreak..."Silence. Truth be told, Lyn wasn't sure how to respond. Part of her wished to rip the bandage off then and there, as death was a universal inevitability, but… Even after all this time, she still wanted to protect Robin to some degree.Emerald eyes darted back in his direction, taking note of how beautiful he looked under the glow of the torches. Such a pure, innocent soul… Perhaps everyone was fated to become corrupted someday, but Lyn wished to hold onto this moment for just a little while longer. She felt herself lean closer and closer to the ever-contemplating tactician and, before either knew it, the Sacaean pressed her lips to his cheek softly.Robin froze on the spot. What was he supposed to say to that?! At no point during Vaike and Virion's "lessons" had there been any talk of kissing! Not that he particularly minded, but -'Say something, Robin, you fool!'"... Well, uh… It's gotten rather late," Robin barely managed to choke out, tugging on his collar.Anxiety made its way to the Lorca woman's face, and Lyn was nearly overcome by the urge to kick herself a thousand times. There was no doubt in her mind that Robin was adorable, but… What was she thinking?! If anyone had spotted her little display, she'd never hear the end of it. "Ah… Y-Yes, I suppose it has…"Robin took note of how Lyn seemed to shuffle nervously, refusing to meet his eye after her little stunt. He felt the corners of his lips move upwards as a weight rose from his heart and shoulders. "Still… I had fun. We should do this again sometime.""Absolutely!" Lyn blurted, suddenly making eye contact. She cleared her throat and recomposed herself. "Er, I mean... Yes, we definitely should.""Wonderful! As it stands, Emmeryn's ordered the Shepherds to remain at the castle tomorrow while she flies out to Regna Ferox. Maybe we could train with the others?"She nodded swiftly, her forest-green ponytail bobbing behind her. "That sounds wonderful. In any case, I'd better hit the hay.""Right! I'll leave you to it, then. Good night, Lyn," Robin greeted, smiling.Lyn gazed back at him with a similar expression as she opened the door to the ladies' sleeping quarters. "... Good night, Robin. Sweet dreams."Once they were both alone, they celebrated the day's events in different ways. Lyn carefully stored her weapons in a chest beside an empty bed before plopping down onto the sheets. An exhausted yet relieved smile made its way to her face, a hand over her heart. She had no idea why she had decided to plant one on him, but it didn't seem as though it had damaged their relationship in the slightest. It couldn't have if he insisted on spending more time with her, right?Robin, meanwhile, walked away from the door with the intention of getting some well-needed sleep. He looked over his shoulder and, once he was certain no one was watching, proceeded to do what could only be described as a love-struck strut. Robin was no stranger to body language, and a kiss on the cheek could only imply great things! He only hoped that future outings with Lyn would prove to be so uplifting.In his haste and elation, the tactician found himself bumping into someone as they rounded a corner simultaneously."Oof!" he cried, stumbling backwards. Taking a moment to regain his bearings, Robin soon realized that he had come face-to-face with none other than Hierarch Joseph. "Oh! I'm terribly sorry, Hierarch. What are you doing up at this hour? Aren't you and Emmeryn supposed to be up early tomorrow?"The elderly, bespectacled man remained silent, eyes darting all around as he struggled to say something. With a curt nod, he fled the hallway, leaving Robin alone and befuddled."... Was it something I said?"The sun had barely crept over the horizon by the time the Ylissean Flight Squadron had gathered by the stables. Their journey north would be strife with wind and chill, perhaps even snow; as a result, the pegasus knights were instructed to wear an extra layer of clothing or two underneath their normal attire."A frosty knight is a faulty knight," as Phila had once said.As the fifteen-or-so knights tended to their mounts and weapons, a single scarlet-haired soldier stared out into the towards the horizon idly. She and the other fliers had returned from a bandit raid the night before, and she was still a bit fatigued as a result, but all of that paled in comparison to the weight of this next mission. Doubly so since she was personally responsible for protecting one of their passengers."Well, if it isn't Cordelia," one of her colleagues remarked as she walked by, her voice dripping with venom. "Ready to show us up yet again?""Good morning, Morticia," Cordelia said through grit teeth, doing her best to smile. Though many of the knights had taken part in mocking her over the past couple of years, Morticia was by far the worst offender. She seemed hellbent on making her life more difficult at every turn, right down to spreading the rumor that Cordelia's talents were her way of "compensating for something"."I don't see why the rest of us have to come along for this," another knight groaned as she polished her lance. "Little Red here could probably take on all of Plegia by herself!""You know, I hardly think that's a fair assessment to make...""Pah! You and your false modesty," Morticia chided. "Honestly, you're such a - ""A what?" Cordelia challenged with a raised eyebrow and just a hint of vitriol in her voice. "Go on, say it!"Before things could escalate any further, Phila arrived at the stables with the knights' escortees close behind her. Emmeryn and Hierarch Joseph both wore thick cloaks to keep them warm, and the Ylissean fliers bowed respectfully as Phila addressed them. "Good morning, everyone. I trust that you are all prepared?"No objections, as usual. "Good. We'll be departing shortly, so make sure your things are in order. This is a very serious mission, so I trust that none of you will allow any feelings of hostility to endanger the Exalt or Hierarch's lives."The Air Commander seemed to shoot a subtle, pointed gaze in Cordelia's direction, and the scarlet soldier's cheeks burned with shame as. It was almost as if she were a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar, and this slip-up of hers would undoubtedly torment her for nights to come.At Phila's discretion, the knights silently mounted their pegasi and waited until both Emmeryn and the Hierarch were properly seated on either Phila or Cordelia's steed. Their leader was about to give the order to take flight when a certain junior recruit stumbled onto the scene."Ah! Sorry I'm late, everyone," Sumia apologized, bowing. Several of the other knights grumbled as Cordelia stared at her childhood friend with wide eyes."Sumia… What are you doing here?" Phila asked quietly, red eyes scrutinizing her form.The brunette blinked innocently as her pegasus munched on some hay behind her. "... Huh?"More murmurs and snickers filled the air as Emmeryn exhaled softly. Cordelia, meanwhile, could only scowl at her colleagues' behaviors. So what if Sumia was a little uncoordinated and inexperienced? It didn't make her any less of a human being. 'Still… This is a pretty big mission…'Fortunately for everyone involved, Phila stood from her mount and led Sumia off to the side, an arm wrapped around her shoulder."Sumia," she began once they were far enough, "I… just don't think you're ready for this sort of mission.""... Oh," Sumia mumbled, her once-cheery expression gone."This is nothing personal, I assure you. It's just… Well, you only became a pegasus knight a few months ago, and… Well, it is simply imperative that we succeed in delivering Emmeryn to Regna Ferox unharmed. We just… can't afford to take any risks this time around."She nodded in understanding, though Phila could have sworn she spotted her blink back tears. "I understand. Um… I-in any case, good luck out there! I'll stay here with the Shepherds until you guys get back.""Sumia..."The junior flier fled into the stables, but not before flashing her superior a kindhearted grin. Phila shut her eyes and sighed internally. "One day, Sumia… You'll get there. I promise."Shaking the emotions from her head, the Air Commander rejoined her fellow soldiers and mounted her longtime steed. Within a few minutes, they were off in the skies above Ylisse, their sights set on the Feroxi border.As the minutes became an hour, Cordelia silently thanked Phila for making them all bundle up for the journey. Pegasi had relatively thick coats of fur to shield them from the cold, but their riders themselves had no such luck. Hierarch Joseph clung onto the saddle for dear life but was otherwise silent as they pressed onward.As the pegasi neared the Ylissean-Feroxi border, a masked man in black armor stalked them from a distance with binoculars. The flying horses, largely white in color, proved difficult to spot against the falling snow. Their riders, however..."Ya g-g-got a lead, Alain?" a Plegian flier stammered through the cold, sitting atop his wyvern. "These lizards m-might be able to fly, but they're not very warm…""... Yes," came the gruff reply. He still had no idea why Gangrel had been so adamant about sending him with a small fleet, but he knew better than to complain. Gold was gold, after all, and Plegia had lots of it.The bounty hunter climbed onto his own wyvern, a colossal black brute covered in scars. He picked up his bow and gave it a few test draws. "... This will suffice. Let's move."With those words, an entire gang of wyverns had taken to the frosty air in pursuit of their Ylissean counterparts. According to Plegian intelligence, the Ylissean fliers were strong, but frail. If he could catch them unawares and force them to land, they'd be easy pickings.Cordelia, adept at flying as she was, couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease and suspicion within her. She flew closer to Phila and asked, "Are you sure no one else knows about route, Commander?"Morticia, ever the comedian, snorted from her own steed. "Pfft! Of course she's sure! What, you think you're smarter than Phila now? Typical Cordelia. One day that attitude of yours is gonna be the death of you - "The snotty pegasus knight barely finished her sentence before an arrow found itself buried in the back of her neck. The arrowhead protruded from her throat, and gasps of surprise and horror could be heard as Morticia fell off of her mount with a bloody gurgle, hitting the snowy banks below. Her mount cried out as several more arrows pierced its hide, causing it to plummet to the earth alongside its former master."It's an ambush!" Phila cried, waving one of her arms in the air. "Everyone, prepare yourselves for battle immediately! Hold on tight, Your Grace! Hierarch Joseph, you too!"Emmeryn and Joseph latched onto their respective pilots as the frozen border devolved into chaos. Many of the Ylissean fliers were attacked left and right by a barrage of axes and spears, forcing most of them to either land or attempt to outspeed their assailants. Cordelia flinched as an arrow whizzed past her head, and she managed to refocus herself just in time to hurl a javelin at a wyvern rider's unexposed neck."Gack!"'Gotcha. Now to find the others…'The wind and snow had picked up considerably, but the Plegian wyverns' dark scales contrasted the environment, making them easier to see. Cordelia flung a few more javelins at the unsuspecting fliers before turning her attention to her comrades. Through the chaos, she could just barely spot Phila and several other pegasus knights on the ground below."It's too dangerous up there, Your Grace," Phila rationalized as she helped the Exalt get down. "You'll be safe here, and we'll pick them off as they come to us."The Exalt's eyes closed as she took a deep, visible breath. Mournfully, she uttered, "... We have lost. Phila, rally the survivors and get out of here."Phila gave her an incredulous gaze. In the skies above them, most of the other knights were attempting to ward off their counterparts with unfavorable results. "What?! No! Absolutely not!"Up above, Cordelia's lance met the heart of yet another wyvern rider. He coughed and briefly grasped onto the weapon before sliding off of his mount, and the wyvern itself was soon downed by a few other pegasus knights."Th-This is all much too violent for me!" Hierarch Joseph protested, still clinging to Cordelia's saddle. "Please, my lady, put me down!"Cordelia relented and gave her pegasus the orders to descend. Soon, the Exalt and Hierarch were reunited as Phila and a few other devoted knights formed a defensive circle around them, all of their pegasi dead."... How many of us remain?" Phila questioned over the snowfall. Though she maintained a straight face for the most part, her eyes were large and unreadable."... Seven," Cordelia answered mournfully, having done a quick mental count of the surviving knights in their midst. "I…"The Falcon Knight, still on her steed, looked ahead into the skies. In spite of their supposed advantage, the surviving wyvern riders seemed to retreat into the blizzard. Cordelia and the others watched the scene with a slight sense of relief."I… I think they're gone. I suppose we should have just tried to out-fly them, right?"Emmeryn spoke up, standing next to a concerned Hierarch Joseph. "I'm not so sure… We could have gotten lost on the way to Regna Ferox if we tried to shake them. I just hope the storm clears up soon. We need to return and bring the fallen back home to Ylisse."Everyone paused, taking a moment of silence for their recently-deceased friends. Cordelia in particular could feel her heart threatening to break in two, even as she shed not a single tear. Even Morticia didn't deserve her fate in the crimson maiden's eyes, and she would be mourned along with the rest when the time came."... We should go," Phila said sternly. "This route has been compromised - ""Phila, look out!"Neither she nor Cordelia had time to react as an arrow sailed through the frigid air. The projectile found its mark directly in the throat of Phila's pegasus, and the poor creature let out a heart-wrenching neigh as it reared up. Phila was thrown onto the frozen ground in the process, and the rest of her knights assumed a defensive stance before them as she crawled over to her dying steed."Shh," Phila cooed softly, though her heart had leapt into her throat and refused to leave. She stroked her longtime partner's mane and face gently, and the pegasus let out a few more whimpers before finally letting go. "I'm sorry, old friend…"Emmeryn held her hands over her mouth, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "Phila… I'm so sorry...""As am I," Hierarch Joseph contributed, though in a decidedly less-empathetic manner.Emmeryn and Phila both looked back at him in confusion, and the elderly man let out a loud whistle. Through the sleet, a dark wyvern landed on the ground before them, spreading its wings and roaring triumphantly.It was this sudden appearance, in addition to the tragic turn of events, that distracted everyone long enough for the Hierarch to lunge forward and seize Emmeryn. He forced a dagger to her throat and glared at the knights, raising his voice. "Lay down your arms. Now."The surviving knights' hearts filled with hatred, dismay, and shock at this sudden betrayal. The black-clad warrior stepped off of his ride and slowly made his way over to them, a mask obscuring all but two eyes devoid of soul. "... So this is the Exalt. Riveting.""What is the meaning of this?!" Phila shouted, her eyes ablaze as they darted between the bounty hunter and elderly man."Hierarch Joseph," Emmeryn began in a small, wounded voice. "What… Why are you doing this...?"She didn't even struggle in his grasp as he kept the blade to her neck, and he let out a raspy laugh. "Ah, yes, the Hierarch. Such a lovely fellow, wouldn't you agree?""What are you talking about?" Cordelia spat, still clutching her spear with narrow eyes. "... Who are you really?""It's always 'Who are you?' and never 'How are you?', innit?""Answer me, you wretch!" Cordelia screamed over the howling winds. Every fiber of her being flared up as she trembled violently, and she cursed herself for being so damn useless. How did she not see this coming?!"You are in no position to be barking orders," the supposed Hierarch reminded, the tip of his blade still resting on Emmeryn's throat. "... But, since you've been such a nice audience up until this point, I think I'll indulge you."The knights watched in bewilderment as his face began to shift and contort in a grotesque fashion. The spectacles he once wore fell to the snow-laden ground with a soft crunch, and his face soon became that of a teenage girl. Short hair became longer and white as mismatched eyes seemed to taunt the knights maliciously."What… the hell," Phila rasped. "What sorcery is this?!""It's not important," Alain brushed her off, walking towards his prize. He cupped Emmeryn's cheek and ran a clawed thumb over it as she winced in disgust and fear. The shapeshifting girl merely grinned in response."Get your hands off of her!" Phila barked, clenching her teeth and brandishing a silver lance. "Both of you! Right. Now.""Ah-ah-ah," the shapeshifter taunted. "It would be incredibly easy to off her 'ere an' now, luv. Better to not chance it, eh?"Emmeryn sighed in defeat, more heartbroken over the deaths of the pegasus knights than her own potential demise. "What do you two want with me? Hasn't there been enough death on this day?""Not according to that raving lunatic, no," Alain snarked. He made eye contact with his unlikely accomplice before speaking again. "... Tanya. Take her to one of the men's wyverns. Any sudden moves and the Exalt dies here and now."Phila, Cordelia, and the remaining five knights glared in silence as the shapeshifter began to move towards the middle of the road where a wyvern and its rider had descended. Their instincts were screaming at them to do something, anything, to save their Exalt, and yet... What could they possibly do that wouldn't result in her dying horribly?At last, Tanya reached the spare wyvern and forced Emmeryn onto its saddle. The rider bound her wrists and ankles together with harsh rope before letting the shapeshifter on, and all three flew off into the sky with the rest of the surviving wyverns. Alain's wyvern, on the other hand, crept forward so that it loomed behind him menacingly. Phila, Cordelia, and the others glared at him in silence as they drew their weapons once more.The bounty hunter chuckled. "That should do it. Now, ladies, Gangrel's orders were very clear," he announced, crouching with a jagged knife in either hand. "... Who wants to die first?""Monster," Phila whispered to herself as she and the rest of the knights prepared to pounce. Cordelia seemed especially eager if her scathing gaze and grit teeth were any indication. "Monster!"One of the knights let out a cry as she lunged towards Alain with her spear outstretched. The bounty hunter rolled off to the side and allowed his monstrous wyvern to lunge forward and snatched her up in its putrid maw. She screamed and hollered as she was shaken around like a mere toy, the fangs ripping and tearing through her armor, and Cordelia froze in her tracks at the grisly sight."Cordelia!" another knight yelled. "Move!"Alain dashed forward and slashed at her three times. While the first two hits landed on her abdomen, she managed to deflect the third with her spear and thrust it forward. The steel weapon bounced off of his plating, and he crept backwards slowly, almost daring her to try again.His wyvern had grown tired of playing around and swung its tail forward, flooring several people including Phila. It approached the squadron leader with snapping jaws before being jabbed at by a few of the survivors, and so it turned its teeth in their direction instead."Nghh!" Cordelia grunted as she parried another attack, having taken a couple more shallow slashes to the arms. She should have had the upper hand regarding range, but the bounty hunter was just too fast. While the occasional stab landed, it never seemed to do enough damage to halt him permanently.Out of desperation, she jabbed her lance forward only for it to recoil off of his mask. A noticeable scratch formed, and Alain retaliated with an animalistic flurry of slashes that ended with a harsh kick to the stomach. Cordelia staggered backwards and coughed, some blood painting the snow at her feet a deep red."Gg… Gah!""You disappoint me, mon petite ange," he taunted, his dark braid swaying behind him.She panted heavily, clutching her bleeding side. Her mouth was filled with a familiar metallic taste as she heaved and tried to make sense of his words. "Wh… What?""Cordelia!" Phila cried out, grimacing at the state her younger comrade was in. "You have to leave at once!""I… N-No! I… I can still…"She locked eyes with her opponent, and he stepped backwards in an infuriatingly arrogant manner. "Do it.""... Huh?""Fly away, little bird. All the way home to Ylisstol," the bounty hunter taunted maliciously, waving a hand for emphasis. "And do send Virion my regards. After I'm done here, that fop is next on my list.""No," Cordelia refused, a defiant frown crossing her face. She rose to her feet and brandished her spear yet again, spitting out some blood on the side. "I… I can do this!"Despite her words, it seemed as though all was truly lost. Aside from Phila, Alain's wyvern had made short work of the surviving knights and had stopped to feast on some of their bodies. Phila fought the bile rising in her throat as she stood between Cordelia and their enemy. She faced Cordelia and somberly said, "No… No, you can't. You need to leave.""I'm not leaving!" Cordelia yelled with tears in her eyes. "I can't! Not… not now…"Ignoring her commander's words, she raced towards the masked bounty hunter with her lance outstretched and let out a primal scream of rage and sorrow. "You'll pay for this, you bastard!"Alain responded by hurling one of his knives at her leg. Cordelia cried out as she felt the blade penetrate her flesh, and her assailant used the opportunity to backhand her across the face. Her back hit the cold, lifeless ground, and the bounty hunter snatched her lance before hurling it over his shoulder and well out of her reach.As he moved in to close the distance between them, Phila stabbed him in the side with her lance. He growled in pain before turning to the emboldened commander with a vicious glare. "Rrgh… You… You sneaky little thing, you...""Run, Cordelia!" she yelled, withdrawing her weapon. "Chrom must hear about this!"The crimson maiden coughed up some more blood. "B… But…""GO!"Ignoring the wishes of her inner voice, Cordelia pulled herself to her feet and sprinted away from the bloody battlefield. Her pegasus stood at the side of the road, clearly distressed but more than willing to assist her. Climbing onto her trusty steed, she took one last look at Phila and their unfortunate friends before pulling on the reigns."Yah!"Phila took a defensive stance and blocked several more dagger strikes before Alain's wyvern swept at her legs with its tail, forcing her to the ground. The monster yanked the lance from her and chewed it in half before spitting it out and growling. As Phila looked up at the sky and saw a trail of scarlet fly away, a spark of hope ignited in her troubled heart. "Ha... Haah…""Such a waste. You put up more of a fight than your friends over there. Could have made one hell of a partner.""I'd… never, turn to such… such villainy," she spat venomously, getting some blood on the bounty hunter's boots. She trembled as she rose to her knees, though she refused to look up at her rival. "Killing for gold… You're truly the lowest of the low…"Beneath his damaged mask, Alain rolled his eyes and began walking away from her. "Oh, spare me…"His wyvern lurched over to him, its scales having accumulated a fair amount of blood and frost. The bounty hunter noticed and began stroking its snout in an almost loving manner. "It's alright, Michalis. We're nearly done here."Phila stared at him in disbelief before turning her gaze towards the rest of the environment. Many bodies, some Plegian and most of them Ylissean, lined the side of the road as the snowfall slowed to a halt. Soon, she turned her weary gaze back to him. "... I can't believe this. All of our hard work… all those years… All for nothing…"When she noticed that he wasn't even paying attention to her anymore, she grew livid. "... Well?! Don't you have anything more to say for yourself?! Anything more to take from me - from us!?"Alain looked her over. She was bleeding from several wounds on her torso and legs and, by his understanding at least, wouldn't last much longer. "... No.""... What?""You're as good as dead out here anyway," he rationalized, climbing onto his cold-blooded cohort. "If the blood loss doesn't get you, the frostbite will. Farewell."Phila's breath hitched in her throat as she saw him fly away without another word. As she lay in the snow, alone and growing ever colder, all she could think about was how she had failed.How she had failed her peers.How she had failed her countrymen.How she had failed the Shepherds.How she had failed Frederick.How she had failed Emmeryn.Phila bitterly wept, the warmth of her tears being her only comfort in this barren existence she was leaving behind. She choked and sobbed, surrounded by the bodies of those who once looked up to her. "Oh… oh gods… I'm so sorry, everyone… Emmeryn… Frederick… I've failed you… I've failed you…"Completely ignorant of the tragedies that had just taken place, the Shepherds were spending the day lazing about in the castle's training room. While Frederick ordered everyone to remain vigilant in case of another break-in, most of the soldiers were content to just relax for the time being.Chrom and Vaike, however, were not among them."Ha!" Vaike laughed, blocking a punch from his longtime rival. "Gonna have to do better than that, blueblood!""Damnit! It's like punching a stone wall!" Chrom shouted. With a smirk, he added, "A very stupid stone wall.""What'd you just say?!"As the two continued to spar, some of the others observed them from across the room. Lissa seemed particularly concerned, flinching at every blow. Sparring was normal amongst the Shepherds, but this…"Man, those two are really going at it," Kellam commented, stretching in his lighter and more comfortable training gear."Indeed," Frederick said, watching Chrom land a powerful kick to the side. "Vaike hits with the strength of an ox, but Chrom moves with all the swiftness of a panther. Perhaps they could learn a thing or two from each other."Sully walked over to them, wiping her forehead with a towel. "Man… Gotta hand it to 'em. They've got stamina in spades. They've been goin' at it all moment!"Kellam glanced over in her direction and felt the blood rush to his face. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Hey, Sully, I feel like I've gotten a bit rusty lately… Wanna spar with me in a little bit?"She chortled and folded her arms. "You bet your ass, tin man!"Lissa gasped in mock horror, complete with a hand flying to her heart. She pointed and yelled, "Frederick! Sully said a bad word!"This had the effect of making everyone except Frederick laugh, and his expression only grew more stern. It was true that they were at war, but the great knight still considered he and the Shepherds role models… Or at least thought they should act the part.And that especially extended to swearing in front of royalty.After what felt like ages, Chrom and Vaike's fight ended in a draw. Both were considerably bruised, and Lissa cringed at the sight of their bloody noses. She made her way over to them irritably with a staff in her hand. "Seriously, you two? Ugh!""What?" Vaike shot back, wiping his nose. "This… This ain't nothin'!"The cleric sighed in a manner not entirely dissimilar to a disappointed mother. "I get that you're practicing, but…"Chrom coughed, silently thanking his sister for choosing the staff over the sword. "Sometimes we just… need to get the blood pumping, you know!""Blood is supposed to stay in your body, dummy!""Mrg…"Once the two were finally patched up, Lissa let out a sigh of relief. "There. Take five, you two. I mean it this time!""Yes, Mother…" came the unified reply.As Vaike sauntered off somewhere else, Chrom stood off to the sidelines to catch his breath. He gazed around the training room and spotted various Shepherds and allies doing their thing. Lyn was sparring with Lon'qu as Virion showed Robin how to fire a bow, Anna and Gaius were practicing their swordsman ship in front of a very impressed Donnel, and Sumia was…staggering towards the prince himself with three considerably large books in her hands."Sumia? Do you need some help with those?"She huffed and puffed as she set them down on the ground next to him. "Phew! No need, Captain! I've got everything under control.""Chrom," he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just Chrom, okay? We're all equal on the battlefield, and I don't consider the training room to be entirely different."Sumia's heart fluttered at his words. "Oh… Well, okay!""What have you got with you, anyway? Some sort of encyclopedias?""Hee hee… Nope! They're just novels."Chrom's eyes nearly bugged out of his head as he observed the thickness of the books. "Gods have mercy… It must have taken forever to write these! How did you even manage to carry these here?""I'm a lot stronger than I look, you know," Sumia chimed, winking. She lifted the first book from the pile and showed it to him. "What do you think about this one? It's about a clan of vampire hunters that have to fight their ultimate nemesis every one-hundred years.""That… sounds kind of interesting," Chrom said with a tiny grin. "What about the others?""Glad you asked!" she chirped, leaning over to grab the second novel. "This one here's about a snarky but lovable thief that gets roped into joining a young merchant and her six allies as they traverse dangerous lands and find true love!""A young merchant, you say?" Anna asked, barging into the conversation as she walked over to the pair. Gaius followed her quietly, savoring a delicious lollipop all the while. "And a lovable rogue? Sign me the hell up!"The orange-haired thief removed the sucker from his mouth and scoffed. "Pfft, sounds lame. Who would even write something like that?"Sumia's face fell slightly, but perked up once she noticed Chrom glare at him silently. Finally, she picked up the last of the three books. "This last one's really something. It's the story of a princess who's born into one kingdom but then whisked away by the other, and then she has to make the ultimate choice; blood, or family?""Stupid," Vaike criticized as he walked over.The pegasus knight became fed up and hurled the book right at his face in response before storming out of the room. "You're stupid! You always have been, Vaike! Ugh!"Chrom, Anna, and Gaius all gaped as Vaike was rendered unconscious by the projectile, a doofy smile on his face all the while."Heh," Gaius chuckled. "I guess knowledge really is power after all.""...""Booooo!"On the other side of the room, Lyn and Lon'qu were crossing blades with Robin and Virion as their main spectators. While they had once fought alongside each other in the arena, fighting each other was another thing entirely.Lyn couldn't help but take note of how Lon'qu seemed to be going on the defensive, always watching her closely. Naturally, this meant that it was up to her to initiate combat. Sully had mentioned that Lon'qu had a thing against interacting with women, and this initially offended Lyn before she realized that his issue was rooted in fear, not prejudice.Still… He was no slouch in battle, and she intended to prove it."Come on!" she challenged impatiently, now brandishing both of her famed swords. "Show me the real Lon'qu!""... Hmph. As you wish."To anyone else watching, it would have just looked like several brown and green blurs. To Robin, however, Lyn moved with the grace and strength of a beautiful wildcat as she sidestepped numerous blows and retaliated with her own."She is truly one in a million, no?" Virion asked the tactician. "I can see why your heart is set on her, my friend."Robin blushed, refusing to meet his eye. "I didn't say that.""Actions speak louder than words, and your actions seem very much in line with someone who's in love!""Can you not say that so loudly?!" Robin whispered back in a harsh tone. He deeply resented the smug look on the noble archer's face, and his tone was not helping. "And stop with the 'L' word. It… It's much too soon for that.""Hmph. As you say."Soon, Lyn felt frustration and exhaustion overtake her senses with how often she seemed to miss. Neither she nor her sparring partner could touch the other, and so the match ended in a draw."Ha… Heh," Lyn uttered with a gasp. She sheathed her swords and walked over to her equally sweaty opponent, extending a hand. "Good match, Lon'qu."He flinched at the motion, and it took her a moment to register why he did so. "... Ah, right. Sorry, haha...""Do not apologize," he said calmly, his face red from the blood pumping through his veins. "No one is to blame for this but me.""Hm… You know, I have a childhood friend back home that acts very similar to you. She's shy in general, but men just scare her for some reason…""I would hope that her reasons are different from mine.""Lon'qu?"The dark-haired swordsman shook his head and turned away from her. "... It's nothing. Thank you for the match, Lyn."She watched him leave with a slight frown. "Hm…"Robin walked over to her with a towel in his hand. "You two gave each other quite the workout. I hope I can keep up with you someday, Lyn.""Thanks!" she chirped, accepting the towel and wiping her forehead with it. Virion watched the exchange from afar with a knowing smile. "And hey, I didn't get this physique and skill overnight, you know.""I could imagine. It must have taken at least two nights. Maybe three."Lyn rolled her eyes and gave him a playful shove as she grinned. "Oh, stop…"She turned her gaze back to him and on a more serious note said, "You know… You used to watch me train all the time back home. You were never really one for the sword, but you did ask me to show you how to use a bow one time… Any recollection of that?"He lamely shook his head."... I see," Lyn mumbled with closed eyes. "In any case, Robin… Once this whole mess with Plegia is over, maybe we could try and get some help in getting your memory back? That mage, Miriel; she seems smarter than even Canas! If anyone could look into this, it's her."Robin clammed up. In truth, he didn't even know if he could recover his memory, and yet… The prospect intrigued and frightened him all the same. What if there were memories hidden away that he didn't want to remember? Death, famine, horrid things of that nature… He knew that this world wasn't exactly squeaky clean, but these past few months had been relatively calm. The worst thing he remembered outside of Sully's cooking was the appearance of the Risen, but… Could there be worse things hidden within the recesses of his mind?"Robin," Lyn said sharply. "You've been staring for awhile now… Are you okay?""Y-Yes!" he lied. "I… I'm okay. Truly."The Sacaean raised an eyebrow, but decided not to force the issue. Instead, she rested a reassuring palm on his shoulder and rubbed her thumb in circles soothingly. "Well, okay… You know I'm here for you though, right?""Didn't you come to this world specifically for me?""That's not what I meant! I mean, that's technically true, but… Well, we're friends, aren't we? And friends stand by each other through thick and thin!""... You're right," he agreed, a smile growing on his visage. "I can handle whatever comes my way as long as I have you by my side, Lyn."She grinned and felt a weight rise off of her shoulders, even though a small part of her mind resented her for being so selfish. "... That's my little bird.""I… What?" he blurted, blinking. "... Oh, I get it. Har har, very funny."The couple shared a laugh as many of the other Shepherds grinned at the sight. Even Frederick appeared as though the corners of his mouth had risen, but only by a smidgeon.All the mirth came to an abrupt halt as a messenger rushed into the room, out of breath. "P-Prince Chrom! Sir Frederick! I bear urgent news!"This caught everyone's attention. Chrom, naturally, was the quickest to speak. "What is it? Speak, man!"The messenger panted, hands on his knees, but managed to shake the exhaustion off. "It… It's Cordelia… She's in the main hall!""What?" Chrom questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Why would she…"His heartbeat sped up as he quickly put two and two together. "... Oh, no."Lissa's head snapped towards her big brother instantly, gray-blue eyes widening. "What? What do you mean?! What's wrong? What happened?!"Though Frederick shared similar concerns regarding the safety of his liege and her companions, he managed to remain stone-faced for the time being. "... We should see Cordelia at once. Come, everyone!"Chrom, Frederick, and Lissa rushed out of the training room with the rest of the Shepherds close behind. When they reached the main hall, they found Cordelia being tended to by Maribelle and one of the castle's clerics. Several cuts and bruises marred her usually flawless skin, and she leaned on two guards as she heaved. Chrom's nose wrinkled slightly as he and the others caught a whiff of the blood on her person."Cordelia!" Sumia shouted, tears welling up."By the gods," he said quietly, looking her up and down. "What happened to you, Cordelia? Where is everyone?"She panted, struggling to catch her breath for multiple reasons. Finally forcing herself to meet his eye, she said, "We… I've failed you, Chrom…""What?""... Our route was compromised," she admitted, fighting back tears. "Joseph, the Hierarch… He was an imposter this whole time. A Plegian shapeshifter…""What?""A shapeshifter?""That's insane!""I… I don't understand," Lissa admitted, the anxiety rising with every word. "Then where's the real Hierarch? And where's Phila and the others?! And what about Big Sis?! Cordelia, please tell me they're all okay!""I… oh, gods," Cordelia choked as Maribelle ran a second glowing staff over her arms, legs, and torso. "They… Plegian wyvern riders ambushed us… We f-fought to protect her, but… They took Emmeryn away, and everyone else…"She averted eye contact and finished in a voice barely above a whisper. "... They're dead."There was immediate outcry among the Shepherds and castle staff present."They kidnapped the Exalt?!""All of the Ylissean Flight Squadron... dead?! No! Surely you jest!""Those bastards," Vaike swore, slamming his fist into the palm of his hand bitterly. "Those Plegian bastards!"Though the news greatly alarmed and disturbed everyone, Lissa took it the hardest. She held her head and whispered, "No… no, no, no, no, no! This can't be happening, Chrom! It can't be!"Chrom said nothing, but his brow furrowed considerably as he glared at the floor. "Gods… Damn them! What are we going to do now?!"Frederick allowed a grim frown to cross his face as he shut his eyes. The Exalt's life was in grave danger, and Phila and her comrades were outright murdered… and he had done nothing. "... This is my fault. I should have strongly urged the Exalt to head for the eastern palace instead.""Frederick!" Lissa exclaimed, her eyes wet. "It… It wasn't your fault! Not… hic… not at all…"As most of the other Shepherds began consoling the weeping princess and discussing various actions to take, Robin and Lyn mourned in silence. Lyn hadn't had much interaction with Emmeryn nor Phila in the short time she had been a Shepherd, but their fates hurt her deeply. Perhaps Emmeryn could still be saved, but…"Damnit," Robin cursed, running a hand through his hair. "This… This is all wrong! They weren't supposed to know about that route! How could - "The tactician halted as his thoughts traced back to the shifty-looking Hierarch he had encountered last night. He hadn't put much stock into it at the time, but with the revelation that he was apparently a shapeshifter this whole time…"Robin?" Lyn whispered, grabbing his arm. "What are we going to do now?""I… I don't know," he mumbled as he felt the guilt wash over him. "I… I could have stopped this…"Frederick watched the pair interact with a sudden, harsh gaze. His heart was all over the place, and as his fingers found the ring in his pocket, he felt a powerful rush of apprehension and anger rush through his body and mind. He would have some questions for Robin later, no doubt, but an outburst here and now would solve nothing. For the time being, his duty was to protect Chrom and Lissa from harm."This isn't helping. We need a plan," Chrom urged his friends and allies. He turned to the trembling tactician and questioned, "Robin, what do you propose we do next?""I… I don't…""Sir," a castle guard interrupted, standing by the door. "I'm afraid that's not all…"The guards stepped off to the side, allowing Chrom and the Shepherds to get a good look at their new visitors. An older man with red hair staggered forward, carrying a small girl in a brown cloak. Both of them bore some nasty injuries, and the girl seemed to be completely unresponsive. The man collapsed on his back as some of the Shepherds rushed to his aid, and the girl fell off to the side as others moved to help her. For some reason, she clutched a small blue stone to her chest as she slept.Cordelia's eyes grew large at the sight of the mysterious pair, but she remained quiet as Chrom asked what everyone else was thinking. "What happened to you two?""B-Bandits," the older man said, coughing. "Creepy men in robes chase little girl… Gregor do his best, but…""It's alright," Maribelle said as she, Lissa, and the castle's clerics divided themselves between the three injured people in their midst. "You need not exhaust yourself any further, kind sir.""Creepy men in robes?" Lyn repeated aloud. "But who could…?"Chrom suddenly sprinted out of the castle and through the gates, Frederick close behind. Robin and Lyn followed them and followed their gaze to the skies above Ylisstol. Upon squinting, they could see a man standing atop his magnificent wyvern as many others followed suit."Ya smell that, boys?" he questioned his men, howling with laughter. "That right there is the stench of glory!"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"E-Emmmm!"
The sound of her younger sister screaming outside her office caught the Exalt's attention. Still in her teen years, Emmeryn had adapted to being Ylisse's leader decently enough. Reconstruction and reparations were in order, and the people seemed more willing to accept her as their Exalt and technical Queen. At least they no longer threw rocks at her.
Emmeryn sighed and set aside her paperwork as a tiny girl with blonde hair let herself in. "What is it, Lissa?"
"Ch-Chrom." Her lip quivered, eyes watering. "He hit me!"
"I did not!"
The Exalt looked past her youngest sibling to see her brother and the middle child of the family, Chrom. Lissa had been far too young to remember their mother, and their father hardly spent any time with her as is, but Chrom... Chrom was different. He'd taken their parents' deaths especially hard, devoting himself almost entirely to the sword as a result. It'd been a few years since little Emmeryn made the controversial decision to disband the Ylissean Army altogether, and Chrom spoke often of leading his own band of soldiers someday.
Emmeryn stood from her desk and walked over to her kid sister. Lissa practically threw herself into her arms, trembling, as the older girl gave their brother a stern look. "Really, Chrom. I won't ask you to stop roughhousing with the other children, but must you involve your poor baby sister in it?"
"Hey, that's not fair!" the blue-haired boy argued, pointing. "She's the one that followed me and Sully into the woods when we wanted to go train! It's not my fault she got hurt!"
"You went into the woods unsupervised?!"
"Frederick came with us..."
"And I can imagine he'd be quite displeased with your behavior, just as I am," she said, rubbing Lissa's back in gentle circles. Thankfully, the tears had stopped altogether. "Chrom, I understand how you feel. Truly. Just... be a little more empathetic, yes?"
"Empa... What?" he asked, tilting his head.
She shook her head. "I'm surprised Miriel hasn't taught you that word yet. Chrom, empathy means being sensitive to the feelings of another. Take your baby sister here for example. Regardless of whether or not you meant to hit her, she still feels pain, does she not?"
"Y-Yeah..." Chrom shifted in place, refusing to look at either of them. "B-But...!"
"Chrom, look at me. Look at us."
He reluctantly complied as she continued to lecture him. "I understand that you would never hurt her on purpose; that's not you. Even so... Try to understand that words and actions alike can hurt people even if you don't mean for them to."
"I..."
"I might be here now, but that might not always be the case. If something should happen to me, I need you and Lissa to take care of each other," she said, her voice lowering. "Mother and Father left us quite the mess to clean up, but I have faith. As long as we stick together as family, we can overcome anything the world throws at us."
"A-Anything...?"
She smiled, nodding. "Yes. So, please... Be more careful with those you love."
"I... I'm sorry, Lissa," Chrom apologized, looking down at his feet.
The small princess broke away from Emmeryn only to throw herself at Chrom instead with a tearful expression. "B-Big Broooo!"
"Ack! Hey!"
Emmeryn gazed at her younger siblings with a smile. She then stared at the large painting above her desk. Four figures were depicted: a younger Chrom and Emmeryn stood side-by-side against a burgundy background. Behind them stood a blue-haired man with a mustache, the only one of the four to be frowning. At his side stood a pale blonde woman in regal robes, smiling gracefully.
'If only they could see us now. Mother... Father... We'll make you proud.'
When Emmeryn finally came to, it was not in the comfort of her plush bedsheets. She sat up from her position on the cold, hard floor and took a long look around her. The room was dark, with only a few torches mounted on the wall haphazardly. Iron bars slightly obscured her vision of the rest of the dungeon. Her hairpiece and regal robes were gone; dirty and tattered rags had taken their place, and the Exalt felt an overwhelming sense of dread wash over her. The sounds of anguished screaming in the distance did little to comfort her."... Where am I? What happened?"Suddenly, it all clicked. The morning's brutal and bloody trials replayed in her mind over and over again; the initial ambush, the deaths of the Ylissean Flight Squadron, the Hierarch's betrayal…"... Wait. That wasn't Hierarch Joseph," she whispered. A throbbing pain seared in the back of her head, and Emmeryn lifted up a hand to gingerly feel the bump. She winced before turning her attention back to her longtime friend. "But… Where is he, then? And what about Phila?""There's that altruism of yours again. How disgustingly noble!"She turned her head towards the source of the voice. A familiar figure stood outside the cell wearing a sickening, snake-like smile. On either side of him stood a torch-bearing guard, neither particularly pleased to be here."... Gangrel," Emmeryn spat, narrowing her eyes at him."Why, if it isn't Ylisse's prized Exalt and Queen!" he announced in a mocking manner, bowing theatrically. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Your Majesty?"The mere sight of him made her stomach turn. Emmeryn felt her heart begin to constrict as if it were bound in rope. "... What have you done with the Hierarch, Gangrel? The real Hierarch."The Mad King stroked his chin for a moment, pretending to think. "Mm... From what Aversa and her intelligence wing tell me… Well, your precious knights are unlikely to find all of him."She released a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "... Why are you doing this? Haven't both sides suffered enough already? Why…?""If you want to be point the finger at anyone, point it at that bastard Chronos for starting this mess in the first place!""I know my father was a horrible person!" Emmeryn yelled, her voice breaking. This caused them to flinch. A single tear fell from her eye as she continued in a more subdued voice. "... Why do you think I've sought so hard to mend our relations in the first place? All I ever wanted was to bridge the gap between Ylisseans and Plegians… To heal the wounds he left in his wake…"She sighed, turning her head away from the madman so that she was staring at ah wall instead. Her eyes, once radiant and full of life, were now dull and empty. She mumbled, "Too long…""... What?""Too long have I attempted to walk the path of peace with no desire for retribution despite the many atrocities you've committed," she uttered scathingly, still refusing to meet his gaze. "Gangrel, I am truly sorry for what my father did to your people, but this… This is far from a proper solution. I know it. You know it."As she continued to speak, Gangrel made one of the guards unlock the cell door. They entered the cell and crept closer to her until they could see the gray of her eyes, illuminated by the torches. "Time and time again, I've offered you nothing but peace and reparations. I wanted nothing more than to bury the hatchet between our peoples and live in harmony. Yet you've slapped my hand away at every opportunity, killed some of my closest friends and allies, and you still show no signs of change."His jaw dropped at her unrelenting speech, and the guards exchanged uneasy glances behind the Mad King. Gangrel certainly never expected to hear that, but he quickly recomposed himself with a bitter scowl. "And why should I change, exactly?! Will change bring back my people? My family?! No… No, it won't.""I'm sorry about your parents, Gangrel," she said with a softened gaze, "but killing me won't bring them back either."The truth of her words was too much for the tyrant to take. The back of his hand met her cheek instantly with a resounding smack, an act that left his guards stunned. "Bite your tongue, you Ylissean worm! You know nothing about me!""But I do," she replied, not the least bit fazed by the strike. "Throughout the years, I've always suspected that you were personally wounded by the Crusade, and rightfully so. Now that we're both here, however… I can tell you're hurting. I can feel it. Your sorrow is my sorrow, Gangrel - ""Shut up! Shut up! SHUT. UP!" he bellowed, striking her again and again. The nerve of her, the absolute nerve! Who the hell was she to sit there and tell him who he was?! She didn't know the first thing about him!He was more than a little incensed when she stared back at him with an almost motherly smile. Her face was a harsh red from where he had slapped her, and her words came out like honey mixed with snake venom. "Gangrel… You are truly reprehensible. You have allowed your pain and suffering to extend outward to others, all while pointing the finger at everyone but yourself. You disgust me."The words struck him like a blade to the heart. Never before had he seen nor heard such bitterness from the supposed "paragon of purity", and yet… It did him as much joy as it did pain. He took a step back, trembling as the realization hit him."Hee hee hee hee… Hahahaha… AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He threw his head back as his hyena-like laughter rang throughout the cell. " I finally did it! I broke Emmeryn the Angel! Ahahaha-ha!"Emmeryn gave him a weary smile. The resentment she had hid so well for years had finally rose to the surface, and she no longer had any reason to pretend otherwise. "Laugh off the pain, Gangrel. Just know that when I'm gone, Chrom will have no reason to take the peaceful approach as I have.""Ehehe… Huh?""He's wanted to skewer you for years now, thinking it would magically solve everything. In spite of that, I've stopped him at every turn, always believing that there was at least some good still inside of you… Heh. Now I'm beginning to suspect that perhaps there was some merit to his words…""See? See?!" Gangrel erupted as he jabbed a filthy finger towards her. "You're not so above it all! You might put on a face for the people, but you are not above sin! You are not above hatred! And you… you are not above me."Emmeryn felt a strong surge of pain underneath her sternum, and it took her a few seconds to realize that Gangrel had reached forward and stabbed her. She looked up at him in disbelief and agony as he pulled the knife out in a slow, almost taunting manner. He paused and flipped it in his hand for a moment, seemingly satisfied, before smearing the blood on her pale face."... Fetch her a healer at once," he ordered his men. They left the cell immediately, and Gangrel leaned down so that he was at eye-level with the bleeding royal. She shot him a bitter, defiant glare, even as some blood seeped from the corner of her mouth. "You're not getting off that easily, I'm afraid. First, I'm going to take everything from you. Your pride… your nation… your family. All of it."He lifted her chin with his finger and spoke softly into her ear. "And when it's all over… When everything and everyone you love is dead and gone… Only then will you have my permission to die."Gangrel threw her head away from him and turned on his heel, leaving Emmeryn alone and bleeding on the cell floor. She pressed a hand to her lower chest, feeling the unsettling sensation of her own blood leaving her, and the screams of the prison became white noise as she slipped away into unconsciousness once more."Chrom… Lissa," she called out into the darkness, a tear rolling down her bloodied cheek. "B-Be safe…"Ylisstol itself had seen better days. Though no blood has been spilled yet, it was only a matter of time now that Gangrel's men had arrived on their doorstep. Most of the Shepherds has joined Chrom outside castle, ready for battle, as the leader of the pack smirked down at them from his wyvern. The Plegians' commander was none other than Vasto, a recently-promoted soldier with nothing to lose. Behind him flew several more wyvern riders, armed to the teeth."You gutless cowards!" the prince yelled. "What do you have to gain from terrorizing innocents!?""Money, dear boy," Vasto answered honestly. "It's no secret that our beloved king is rolling in dough, and he's promised me a hefty sum in exchange for the Fire Emblem. Bonus points if I bring the girl to the Grimleal.""What girl?!" Frederick demanded, a lance already in hand. "What would you do with her? Speak, villain!""How the hell should I know? All I know is that they were chasing a little girl with pointy ears when some big guy showed up and butchered a few of 'em." He stretched in an infuriatingly calm manner. "It's usually best not to question the Grimleal when they get like this. Gangrel doesn't, so why should we?"Chrom wrinkled his nose unfavorably, hand resting on Falchion's pommel. "Typical. As long as it's not happening to you and yours, it doesn't even matter, does it?""Don't give me that shit! Things were fine and dandy before your old man came along," Vasto retorted, returning the scowl tenfold. "All those villages…razed to the ground on the mere suspicion of housing Grimleal! Do you have any idea how many civilians he murdered in cold blood? How many families he ruined?! Who the hell are you to talk down to me?!"Many of the Shepherds averted eye contact. Chrom scrambled to find something, anything to say in response, but he found himself speechless as he stared down his opponents. "I..."Vasto held out a hand. "Stop. I don't wanna hear another word from you, Princey. Just… Just make this easy on all of us and hand over the Fire Emblem, yeah? And that girl too… Nino, or Nono, or whatever."Lyn glared up at him in silence, fierce green eyes ablaze with fury. From what Chrom had mentioned just a few days prior, the Grimleal had been responsible for several murders in the form of human sacrifices, with the former Exalt's wife being one of their most notable victims. Hearing their name again caused Lyn's thoughts to drift back to Nergal and the Black Fang. She, Eliwood, and Hector had been too late to save Lord Elbert from their clutches.She would not make the same mistake twice."You know what? No," Chrom answered at last. He drew Falchion and pointed it directly at the Plegians' commander. "You want it? Come and get it!"Vasto practically howled with laughter at the prince's dare. "Well said, boy! Well said…"Robin steeled himself for battle and pulled a green tome from his cloak. They'd be attacking any minute now, and he was almost certain that there would be more enemy forces on the ground. They would no doubt target the city, so it was imperative that the Shepherds save as many civilians as possible. Even so, the castle would still require protection too…"Robin," Lyn whispered, not taking her eyes off of the wyverns. "Orders?""Right. We split our forces in two," he answered loudly enough for the other Shepherds to hear. This earned him some curious looks. "Half of us race around Ylisstol to defend the people from any foot soldiers. The rest of us stay here and keep them from getting the Fire Emblem. Frederick, I want you leading the charge throughout the city. I've seen your fearsomeness in battle; if the Plegians spot you, they're sure to lose morale."Frederick raised an eyebrow at the tactician. "... Are you sure this is wise, Robin? I would give my life for the people, but the Fire Emblem… If Plegia were to get their hands on it - ""They won't," Chrom interrupted. "... I'll see to that myself.""Milord - ""That might be for the best," Robin agreed, turning his attention elsewhere. "Lissa, I want you and Maribelle to take shelter in the medical wing with our wounded guests. If Stahl offers to stand and fight, don't let him; he still needs more bedrest. And… I think it would be best if you took Kellam with you for protection.""Really?" Kellam asked with a small smile. "I… I can be helpful?"The tactician grinned back. "You always are, friend."Lissa shifted in place for a moment, fiddling with her hands, before opening her mouth. "But - ""Understood," Maribelle cut her off, grabbing her by the arm. "Come, Lissa! We must do our part in protecting Ylisstol!""I… Right!"Without another word, the three of them made their way back inside the castle. Ricken and Donnel had volunteered to help them as well, and Chrom saw them off with a nod before focusing on the red-haired pegasus knight in their ranks. Though she had been healed considerably, several cuts and bruises were still visible on her body. And considering what she had just witnessed first-hand... Would she really be alright?"Cordelia…""I... I'm okay!" she reassured him as she stood up straight. In stark contrast to her behavior just a few minutes prior, Cordelia was now completely composed and ready for duty. If anything, she almost looked as though she was itching for a fight. "I… I'd like to ride with Frederick and the others, if that's alright with you.""But… you're still…""Please, Chrom… Let me be of use."Chrom and Robin made eye contact for a moment, and the strategist nodded quietly. "... Alright. We could use all the help we could get out here. Just… Be careful, okay? And take Sumia with you for support.""M-Me?"Cordelia perked up, grabbing her colleague's arm. "Roger, Captain! C'mon, Sumia!""R-Right!"As the Shepherds began to mobilize on the ground, the Plegian commander sat back in his saddle and observed them with a satisfied grin. They had no hope of winning, Vasto had assured himself. In his eyes, they had lost the moment he was appointed to lead the attack. Orton, that poor bastard... Well, at least his death wasn't a complete loss."Uh, Vasto, sir?" a wyvern rider beside him asked. "Aren't we gonna do anything? We've been watching them for some time now, and it doesn't look like they're gonna surrender…"He chuckled maliciously and took a moment to examine his weapon of choice, an axe on a chain. He stretched the chain until it was taut, making an oddly satisfying sound. "Patience, my boy. Nothing wrong with giving the disadvantaged a little head start, is there? In any case, we'll be back in Plegia with the Fire Emblem before sundown. Guaranteed!""But…""Oi! Who's in charge here, grunt?""Y-You are, sir…"Vasto grinned. "Damn right. Since you're so concerned, though… I want you to rendevouz with our ground forces. Let Henry know to start lobbin' fireballs. Nothing says we mean business like smoke and fire!""Y-Yes, sir! Right away, sir!" He made himself scarce as his commander and the other Plegian fliers prepared to assault the castle from the skies."Hahahaha!" Vasto cackled and raised his weapon high above his head. "All units, let the slaughter begin!"The wyverns let out a harsh screech as they began to spread out in the skies. A few brave souls chose to dive down directly towards the castle entrance where Robin was waiting with a powerful wind spell. The magic tore up the wyverns' wings, sending them plummeting to the earth along with their riders."Virion, Miriel!" Robin called out towards the pair. His eyes fell upon his oldest friend. "And Lyn. I'm going to need your bows and your spells on the roof. Are you with me?"The three of them nodded and began following him inside, launching a few arrows and fireballs behind them as cover. Lyn felt the familiar pleasure of nocking an arrow and tugging on the bowstring before letting the projectile fly. It sailed through the air before making its mark in the chest of an unlucky flier."Close enough," she breathed, turning and sprinting after her comrades.By now, Chrom and some of the royal guards had formed a barrier in front of the castle's main entrance. Frederick, not one to waste time, hopped on his horse and rode down the hills leading to the city. Sumia and Cordelia soared through the skies, dodging the occasional wyvern, as several more Shepherds accompanied the great knight below. Among them were Sully, Vaike, Lon'qu, Anna, and Panne who trailed a fair distance behind them at Frederick's insistence.Chrom cut down another emboldened wyvern, impaling the beast's head with Falchion before dispatching its rider in a less brutal fashion. He looked towards the city and grit his teeth upon seeing the rising smoke. "Gods, save us all…"Deep in the heart of Castle Ylisstol, Lissa and Maribelle had managed to arrive at the medical wing with their party of seven. Kellam, Donnel, and Ricken had helped them carry the unconscious little girl and older man that had stumbled into their midst. The man was brought into Stahl's room and placed on another bed, and Maribelle had the girl placed in the room next door. Kellam stood between the two doors, vigilant as always, as Maribelle began treating the little girl's wounds. Lissa, after doing the same to the unconscious man, checked up on Stahl."Hey, buddy," she greeted softly, running a cool hand over his forehead. "Mm… No fever, huh? Well, that's a good sign at least!""I'm telling you," Stahl insisted from his bed with a cough, "I'm feeling much better now! Honest! I can still swing a sword and everything!"Lissa rolled her eyes, fetching her staff. "Yeah, right! After what you've been through? No, you need at least a few more days in bed.""Tch. This sucks…"Lissa took the opportunity to assess his condition. His wounds had closed up miraculously between the castle break-in and now, but there was still the risk that they could reopen if he pushed himself too hard. Magic and stitches combined were certainly a force to be reckoned with, but they weren't perfect.In the hall, Kellam shuffled nervously. The knight had faith in his friends' archery and magical abilities, but… Never before had wyverns threatened the royal castle. His armor could definitely survive a few bites, but the thought of facing them close-up… Brr. To say nothing about how they were said to breathe fire like the dragons of old...Maribelle, meanwhile, hummed to herself as she finished treating her sleeping patient. The small girl before her, while being largely covered in a brown cloak, intrigued her. Light green hair was uncommon as is, but… Pointy ears? To say nothing of the object in her clutches..."Golly," Donnel awed, eyeballing the bright blue gemstone. Just looking at it, it seemed to shine and pulsate with a mystical aura. "I ain't never seen such a pretty thing in my entire life…"Ricken coughed, eyes darting between the vigilant Maribelle and their inexperienced companion. "Er… The stone, or the girl?""H-Huh?! The st-stone, of course!"A sudden explosion rocked their side of the castle, causing them to jump. Lissa scrambled over to their room in an instant. "Maribelle! Everyone! What was that?! What happened?!""That's what we'd like to know!" Maribelle shot back. She poked her head out the door and addressed their defender. "Kellam!""I... I dunno! They must've blown a hole in the wall or something!""What do we do now?!"Kellam took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever manner of unpleasantness might be headed their way. He heard the faint sounds of Plegian soldiers laughing and talking in the distance, with the unholy screech of a wyvern close behind. His heart tried to leap out of his throat at the implications, but he kept his mouth shut and glared ahead."... Kellam?""Wait inside," he told them quietly. "If they come here… I'll be ready.""B-But…""No! I... I can do this..."Reluctantly, Lissa and Maribelle shut themselves in their respective rooms with their patients. Donnel and Ricken accompanied them, and all the healers could do was look over the people under their care. The older, red-haired man did not stir in his sleep, his chest rising and falling slowly. The little girl, however, seemed to toss and turn and twitch. Maribelle turned and began searching for a staff that treated spasms, ignorant to the violet eye that had forced itself open...Within mere minutes of the Plegians' arrival, Ylisstol had quite literally come under fire. Numerous civilians screamed and fled for their lives as Vasto's foot soldiers entered the city. They wasted no time in setting buildings on fire at random, and the resulting clouds of smoke marred the once beautiful blue skies of the city. Frederick, Sumia and Cordelia had taken it upon themselves to escort the civilians to safety. Anna, staff in hand, was more than happy to keep everyone alive with her healing magic. The rest of the Shepherds focused on taking out as many threats as possible."Hyah!" Vaike shouted from Sully's horse, nailing a soldier in the chest with a hand axe. "Yeah! Serves ya right, Plegian dog!""Ylissean filth!" another soldier yelled, swinging a hand axe of his own on a chain. "Try some of this!"He nearly hurled the weapon at Sully's horse before Lon'qu intervened, slashing at the man's wrist. He cried out, clutching his bloody wound, before the myrmidon impaled him through the chest with his blade. Lon'qu swiftly withdrew his weapon and held it in front of him as he crouched. "Who else wants some?"More Plegian soldiers began to make themselves visible through the fire and flames. Lon'qu, Vaike, and Sully stood in a circle with their backs facing each other's. There didn't seem to be any more civilians in the immediate, and so the enemy set their sights on them instead. Vaike snatched the chained hatchet from the dead brigand and brandished it with grit teeth."Yer precious knight can't save ya now, rookies!" an axeman jeered."Come on!" Sully challenged. She jabbed the air ferociously with a spear, almost goading them to attack her. The flames that currently raged throughout Ylisstol were no match for the fire in her eyes. "Well? We ain't got all day, ya know!""Bah! Men, have at them!"The battle was over as quickly as it began. Sully gutted anyone bold enough to approach them while Vaike kept the rest at bay by swinging his chain high above his head like a madman. A few of the enemy soldiers were put off by the display and fled, and Lon'qu made quick work of anyone that got past his allies."Oh, yeah!" Vaike yelled, pumping a fist into the air. "Vaike time, baby!"Sully rolled her eyes from atop her horse. "Don't get too cocky, Vaike. Tall order for someone like you, but we're not done here yet.""Oh, puh-lease. Did you see me out there? I was awesome! Those Plegians will think twice before showing their ugly faces back here again!"A cheery voice interrupted them from out of nowhere. "I wouldn't say that just yet. Nya ha ha!""Who the?!"A sizable murder of crows began to form amidst the smoke and flames. Sully and Lon'qu held their weapons in front of them, glaring, as Vaike kicked himself for speaking too soon. Some of the birds began to peck at the Shepherds and were promptly swatted away for their troubles."What the hell?!" Sully barked. "Who... or what is this guy?"Finally, the cloud of crows dissipated to reveal a silver-haired Plegian boy. Strange, ominous eyes adorned his purple collar, and he smiled at his opponents without a care in the world. Strangely enough, his own eyes seemed to be completely shut. "Hiya! I'm Henry. Wanna see my scars?"Lon'qu's body stiffened. "... This is no place for a child.""He's not just any kid," Sully said, eyes running up and down his form. "Look. I'd wager he's a Grimleal...""Boy, you sure are perceptive!" the boy cheerfully noted. He snapped his fingers, forming a fireball in his hand. "You know, it's kind of a shame I have to kill you now. I'm sure we could've been the best of friends! Nya ha ha! Oh well."The Shepherds braced themselves to dodge the impending magic, but it never came. A sudden growl caught everyone's attention, causing the fireball to dispel as Henry lost focus. A large, monstrous rabbit stood upright atop a nearby building. Her eyes glowed a deep red as she roared, and she jumped down so that she now stood between her human allies and the Plegian."Is that you, Panne?" Henry inquired with a grin. "Aww, cool! How ya been, pal?""I am not your 'pal'; your actions here have seen to that.""Wait," Vaike cut in, "you know this guy?"The taguel turned back to her allies, sighing. "Unfortunately, yes. You would not believe it, but he is the one who convinced me to help save the Exalt's life in the first place.""Woah! Seriously?!"Henry chuckled, raising a finger. "Right-a-mundo! I'm honestly surprised she fell for that sob story, though. Aren't taguel supposed to be able to sniff out lies?""Enough!" Panne roared. She stood on all fours, hunched over with bared teeth and claws at the ready. "I am more than capable of handling this cretin alone. The rest of you focus on aiding you people!""Panne, are you sure you can - ?"Before anyone could react, the taguel curled herself into a large furry ball and propelled herself at the mage. She rammed right into his chest, the impact sending him hurtling into a nearby wall."... Okay, she can handle it." Vaike shrugged before taking off in the opposite direction. "C'mon, Team!""Right behind you..."Amidst the rubble, Henry sat up with a slightly faltering smile. He stared at his now dislocated shoulder with great interest, poking and prodding it. "Mrg... Ouch! That... actually hurts, haha... Knew I should've used the diamondskin hex..."Panne prowled towards him menacingly with a low growl. "Leave. Now.""Okay, okay, sheesh." Henry stood up, clutching his injured arm. He gazed around and saw that the fires he set were beginning to die down. Well, no matter; his work here was done, and Vasto was sure to be happy with him!"Get lost, cretin. You don't even deserve to be called a man-spawn.""Heh... Just you wait, Panne; next time will be different!"She watched as the injured Plegian stumbled out of sight. Once she was certain that he'd no longer be a threat, Panne raised her head in the air and began to sniff out where her allies might have gone. Frederick had ordered her to trail behind them, both out of his own discomfort of her and due to how the civilians might respond, but her newfound friends would want her to help regardless."Lyn... Stahl... Pray we are successful."Up on the rooftop of Castle Ylisstol, Robin and Miriel took turns sniping at the approaching wyverns with wind magic as Lyn and Virion followed up with a barrage of arrows. The wyverns reacted rather violently to being struck with such attacks, flailing about and plummeting to the earth with their masters. Some wyvern riders managed to survive being thrown off only to be finished by an arrow to the throat.It had been quite some time since Lyn herself had properly used a bow, but she couldn't deny how her heart raced whenever she released an arrow. Pulling the bowstring back and nocking the arrow in such a tense situation really got the blood pumping, and the catharsis she felt when her arrow made its mark was unparalleled. Shooting another rider down, she looked to her left and saw Robin blasting spell after spell. Blood began to trickle from his nose, and he drew ragged breaths as sweat rolled down the side of his face.She was brought back to reality by the wretched sound of screeching behind her. A stray wyvern lunged at her, jaws agape, only to be distracted by an arrow to the eye. Lyn took the time to strike it down with the Sol Katti before dealing with the soldier atop.Virion sighed, his efforts clearly having gone unnoticed. "You are welcome, my dear!"Vasto, who had been observing the battle from a safe distance, groaned and buried his face in his hand. Whatever happened to Gangrel appointing his "best men" to accompany him? Looking into the distance, he saw that the fires Henry was supposed to start had already began to recede. That... wasn't like Henry. The boy was young, yes, but he usually reveled in spreading death and chaos! This could only mean..."Damn kid," Vasto grumbled under his breath. Mulling over his options for a few seconds, he finally addressed his wyvern, stroking her chin. "Bruta. I need you to fly me down to the roof. Once I'm in there, you be sure to find Henry and drag his scrawny ass back to Plegia! Carry him in your mouth if you have to! I'll... I'll find my way back, but you have to get him outta here! Understand?"A low rumble escaped the beast's throat as she reared her head to meet her master's eye. Vasto returned the gaze softly. "... I know, girl. I know."As more wyverns fell left and right to Robin's squadron, Vasto's wyvern flew towards a glass window on the top floor. The Air Commander kissed his longtime partner goodbye before leaping through the glass pane with a cackle, axe in hand. The shatter caught Robin's attention, and the wyvern quickly made itself scarce."... What was that?"The harsh clang of metal rang through the halls of the medical bay. Kellam was nearly knocked to the ground by a harsh tail swipe. Sure enough, some of the Plegian soldiers had blown a hole in the side of the castle with one of their wyverns, and the scaly beast toyed with Kellam like a cat with a mouse. Its tail nearly whacked him in the head, the knight raising his shield up to protect himself. Heeding its master's orders, the wyvern backed up so several men could circle Kellam with axes and spears. If only Sully were here!"Give it up, tiny," a Plegian grunt taunted. "All we want is the Fire Emblem. If you tell us where it is, we'll leave you and your little friends alone! Honest!""...""Hey! Didn't you hear what I just said?!""Loud and clear," Kellam said with a steely gaze, "but it'll be a chilly day in Hell before I help the likes of you.""Tough guy, eh? We'll see how tough you are once we carve you out of that armor! Get 'im!"A slash parried by a shield. A swing of his mighty spear in an arc before him. An axe in his side. By now, the wyvern loomed in the background silently, awaiting its next meal with a swaying tail. Kellam felt the handle of a spear hit his chin, and the attack was enough to send him staggering backwards. An axeman let out a primal scream as he charged forward with his weapon high above his head. Kellam refocused long enough to stab him in the gut with his spear. The assailant slid off the weapon and onto the ground with a wet cough and a gargle.By now, the wyvern had lost its patience and lurched forward. Embers began to form in its gaping maw, and the Plegian soldiers took note of this and stepped off to the side. Seeing this, Kellam turned his head away and held his shield out in front of him as a stream of flames erupted from the beast's mouth. The knight was fortunate to have protected his face, but the air around him... the heat surrounding his ears... It was if he had walked through the gates of Hell itself.The fiery onslaught halted just in time for Kellam to regain his bearings, but a harsh tail swing at his legs sent him to the ground. He tried to push himself to his feet, but a scaly foot forced him back down. A large soldier stepped forward with a malicious grin, a glint in his eye as he raised an axe."D-Damnit," he swore, coughing. "I… I'm sorry, everyone... ""Hey!" a shrill voice called out.To their surprise, a small girl had emerged from one of the rooms and stood a fair distance behind Kellam, hands on her hips. "You stupid bullies! Leave him alone!""Oi! That's the girl wot escaped from the Grimleal!" A soldier pointed at her. "Look! Pointy ears an' everythin'!"The axeman standing above Kellam directed his attention towards her, as did his wyvern. "... Well, what are you lot waiting for?! Nab her already!""You asked for it!" The little girl raised her gemstone high above her head and concentrated. Her entire body began to glow a radiant blue, matching her stone, and the two were enveloped in a bright flash of light that left everyone momentarily blinded. When the light cleared, the girl was gone, and in her place stood a magnificent yellow-green dragon that towered over the enemy. Smoke rose from its nostrils, and it threw its head back before roaring tremendously."What the hell?!""That's no girl! That's a bleedin' dragon!""I didn't sign on for this!"The Plegians' wyvern roared back, flying towards its newfound rival as the soldiers followed them. Kellam crawled off to the side and into one of the doorways where a familiar healer in pig-tails was waiting for him with harsh eyes. "Kellam! What were you thinking?! You could've gotten killed out there!""B-Better me than you." He coughed, clutching his side. "Oww...""Holy smokes," Donnel whispered as he witnessed the scaled creatures clash in the hallway. The wyvern bit at its adversary's long neck only to receive a harsh swipe to the eyes. It recoiled, screeching, before being blasted away by a ball of blue flames. A soldier jabbed at the dragon with a spear only for her to snatch him up head-first in her jaws. She shook him around violently, teeth gripping down on him hard, before flinging the mangled corpse into a nearby wall. Several soldiers made the wise decision to flee as others stayed, driven more by pride than anything else at this point."Monster! Abomination!" an axeman cried. He poised himself to attack only to be flung away by a tail, and the dragon grabbed another soldier in her fangs before ripping and tearing at him with her claws."Ack! H-Heeelp!"The massacre went on for a few more minutes, the Shepherds staying inside their rooms quietly. Some of them curled up into protective balls, hands over their ears as they shut their eyes. Kellam bravely peeked his head out the door when the screaming fell silent. In the middle of the hall stood the little girl, alone among the corpses. She was caked in blood from head to toe. Her breathing was sharp and ragged, and her eyes widened as she got a good look at herself and her surroundings."What... Did I... do all of this?"Kellam gulped, holding a hand in front of him gently. "Um... I-It's okay..."Her eyes widened further when they met his, and she took a few steps backwards before sprinting away altogether, sobbing. "H-Hey, wait!"He sighed as she disappeared. "That can't be good..."On the other side of the castle, Vasto grinned as he sprinted through the halls. Any guard that attempted to accost him was immediately met with an axe to the chest in response. The Shepherds could put up a fight, but the alleged royal "guards"... not so much. Disbanding the Ylissean Royal Army... How stupid was this Exalt anyway? Not that it mattered now; she was in Gangrel's clutches, Ylisse's capital was crippled, and Vasto himself would walk out of here at least twenty-thousand gold coins richer.After more sprinting and slaughtering, Vasto finally made his way to the Royal Vault. Chrom's forces must have spread themselves too thin if they couldn't afford to have even a few measly guards stationed here. Did their entire plan really hinge upon keeping them out with nothing else standing between them and victory? How stupid were they?!"So much for giving them a head-start." Vasto shook his head before getting to work with his axe. A skilled thief could probably lockpick the doors, but the Air Commander would have to settle for chopping them down instead. A few well-placed chops around the edges were all it took before he could simply kick them open. "Perfect..."The coffers lining the wall were nothing to write home about - Gangrel probably had more gold in one chest than all of them combined - but a white marble pedestal stood in the middle of the room. Atop a velvet pillow sat the shiniest shield he had ever laid eyes on, missing all but one of its esteemed gemstones. He'd heard about the various titles it had been given over the years: the Shield of Seals, the Pedestal of Flames... Hell, one dope even called it the Seal of Flames at some point or another. All those fancy titles meant nothing to Vasto, however; he knew it by only one name.The Fire Emblem."Oh, this… This is beautiful." He walked forward, admiring the treasure before him. "Yeah... No wonder Gangrel's had his eye on this baby. Eat your heart out, Orton; this is my time to shine now, baby!""That's far enough."Vasto turned back to see Chrom standing just outside the royal vault with a hard glare. The Plegian took note of how Falchion seemed to shine, even when covered in blood. Vasto threw his head back and let out a long, exasperated groan. "Can't you see I'm busy here, blueblood? Gold doesn't grow on trees, ya know!""All of these lives squandered," Chrom said, flicking some blood off of his weapon, "... for gold.""No more talking, blueblood." Vasto stepped forward, dragging his bloody axe behind him before taking a fighting stance. "We both know what you're here for."Chrom narrowed his eyes as he crouched, holding the Falchion with both hands. "... Then it seems we're in agreement. Have at you!"The fight lasted only a couple of minutes. Vasto was strong, but Chrom had the advantage. The former wyvern rider's swings were cumbersome and powerful, but largely predictable. Chrom evaded the attacks with ease and delivered a few slashes to Vasto's chest and arms. The battle came to an end when Chrom leapt into the air and brought Falchion down hard on his opponent. Vasto lifted his weapon to block the hit, but the divine blade cleaved it in two where the axe head met the handle."D-Damn!" Vasto held the remains of his weapon in his hands. The thought of using the chain itself as a weapon barely passed his mind before Chrom raised the Falchion to his Adam's apple. Reluctantly, the defeated commander raised his now empty hands above his head. Despite the position he was in, Vasto still found it in him to crack a smile. "... Heh. So what now? You gonna kill me, little prince? Make an example out of me like your father would have?"Chrom's eyes narrowed as he drew closer, Falchion's tip barely grazing the other man's neck. "I...""Chrom!"He snapped his head in the direction of the voice. Sure enough, Robin had finally managed to catch up with him, Lyn and a few of the other Shepherds nearby. Vasto suddenly swatted at Chrom's hand, knocking the Falchion away, before tackling him to the ground. He slammed his fist into the prince's face a few times before receiving a hard boot to the groin. Chrom rolled over so Vasto was now facing the ground and returned the violence tenfold, relishing the feeling of Vasto's face on his knuckles."Chrom, stop it!" Robin called, rushing over to his friend's side as the beating continued. He reached out and grabbed Chrom's wrist before he could strike again, earning a confused glance."What? He attacked me first!""I know," the tactician agreed. "I know. Still... Maybe we can use him.""I... Huh?" Chrom blurted, staring at him. By now, Vasto laid unconscious at their feet, blood draining from his nose and several bruises littering his face. Chrom gazed at his handiwork for a few seconds before looking at his own discolored hands. He finally turned back to Robin, exhaling from his nose. "... What do you mean?""Think about it. If what Cordelia says is true and Emmeryn is indeed in Plegia's clutches, who better to spill their secrets than an official Plegian officer? We might be able to learn some vital information, like Plegian patrol routes and how to get into the dungeons unseen!""I... You really think so?""It's worth a shot at least," Robin reassured him. "In any case, Lyn and the others have repelled the wyverns from the rooftops. The fires have finally stopped, and the Plegian soldiers have retreated from what I hear. I... I think we've won."The tactician offered his friend a hand, pulling him to his feet. "But... What of the citizens?""... There were some casualties." Robin's face grew dark, closing his eyes. "Many people lost their homes and businesses to the flames. We're lucky they didn't destroy everything, but...""... I see," Chrom replied quietly, scowling down at the floor. "Damn it all..."The room went silent. A few of the Shepherds stepped forward to drag the still-unconscious Vasto to the dungeons. Chrom and Robin, meanwhile, stood before the royal vault, staring at the Fire Emblem still atop the pedestal."... What do you propose we do?" Robin asked. Seeing the confusion on his face, the tactician gestured his head towards Ylisse's most prized treasure. "You know..."Chrom stepped forward, gazing intently at the Fire Emblem with fierce blue eyes. He reached out with both hands and touched the crest, tracing his fingers along each of its five indents. A single, silver gem sat in the uppermost slot, and Chrom's finger finally stopped upon reaching it."... Chrom?""I suppose I don't have a choice." Chrom lifted the weighty shield from its position and turned to face Robin, holding it in both hands. "It's not safe here, Robin. We're going to get Emm back, but the Fire Emblem... I think it's best if we hold on to it for now. I mean... What if Plegia strikes again? What if they send even more wyverns? And how long would we even have until the next hit?""... You're right. It'll be much safer if we're personally around to protect it. Good thinking, Chrom."As the two continued to converse, Lyn watched them in silence, her eyes particularly fixated on the object in Chrom's grasp. This... Fire Emblem... It looked remarkably similar to the one that King Desmond and Queen Hellene of Bern had once possessed. That one was nowhere near as ornate as this world's Fire Emblem, but it fascinated her all the same. Perhaps she'd have to ask Chrom for another history lesson sometime..."Milord," Frederick said, getting Chrom's attention. Cordelia stood at his right, wearing a grim expression. At his left stood a little girl Lyn didn't recognize. The Sacaean took note of her exotic light-green hair and how she seemed to fidget and shuffle about, almost as if she had done something she shouldn't have. Perhaps most disconcerting was the dried blood that covered her once-brown cloak...Chrom looked over at the trio, his eyes lingering on the unfamiliar child in their midst. "Er... Yes?""I would have a word with you. It seems we have much yet to discuss..."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
As the rest of the Shepherds and castle staff tended to their wounds and those of the civilians, Frederick took a small group into one of the castle's war rooms for a meeting. Cordelia and the mysterious dragon girl joined him, as did Chrom, Robin, Sumia, Lissa, and Virion. Everyone else was sent away for the time being, and the group settled into their seats as several maids brought them refreshments.Chrom took a sip of water before breaking the silence. Lissa and Robin sat on either side of him, Frederick standing behind him with folded hands. "So... Who wants to go first?""I think it's only fair to start with the newcomer in our midst," Cordelia announced, gesturing to the little girl with pointy ears. Her brown cloak, caked with blood, had been taken away for cleaning and replaced with a blue and white robe instead. She sunk into her chair upon being mentioned, and Cordelia gave her a bright smile. "There's no need to be frightened, little one. Go ahead and tell us your name; we won't bite."Her eyes darted across the room, taking in the various unfamiliar faces. Her voice wavered as she introduced herself to the Shepherds. "Um… I'm Nowi…""Kellam insists that he saw her turn into a dragon," Frederick said flatly.Everyone's eyes flew open at that, and Nowi sank further into her chair so that her head was barely visible over the table. "Mrg…""A… dragon?" Chrom repeated, furrowing his brow. "I've heard of the manakete tribes of old, but… I never thought I'd actually meet one in person…"Robin quirked an eyebrow. "... Manaketes? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the concept…""I'm not surprised. This is a first for us all," Frederick replied, nodding sagely. "According to our historical tomes, manaketes are beings capable of transforming into dragons. They do this using aptly-named dragonstones to store their tremendous power. Additionally, their lifespans surpass ours by hundreds if not thousands of years.""As you can imagine," he went on, staring down at Nowi, "they're quite powerful. Dangerous, even."Chrom gave him a slight glare. "Frederick…""I believe it!" Lissa piped up. "Those soldiers were giving Kellam a hard time, but when she stepped in… Woah! It was like they had a complete change of heart! All that screaming and roaring and - ""Lissa!"The princess glanced back at him innocently, then at the ever-uncomfortable manakete in their midst, before covering her mouth in shame. "Oh… Oh! I didn't mean it like that, Nowi! You were awesome out there!""I… I dunno," Nowi responded with a sigh, resting her face in her tiny hands. "I mean, I've transformed before, but… That was my first real fight, you know? And I just… all the blood... "She sniffled, wiping a few tears away with her sleeve. The Shepherds barring Lissa remembered their first kill all too well, though they had at least made it past their early teens first. Nowi might have been a manakete, but all the Shepherds saw at the moment was a little girl who had tasted blood far too soon, and all in the name of protecting some of their own.Chrom cleared his throat, not sure how to proceed. It always ate at him to see someone in such a state, age be damned. "In any case, I can't thank you enough, Nowi. You saved the lives of my sister and her companions. We hadn't anticipated that anyone would target the infirmary, but it's a good thing you stepped in when you did. You should be proud.""I… Really?" Nowi's pointy ears lifted slightly as she looked up at him.He nodded with a sincere smile. "Absolutely."Nowi's cheeks began to burn, a small smile growing on her youthful face. "Heh… Haha! I… I never thought about it that way… I was happy to help."Everyone grinned except for Frederick and Robin who was still hung up on the whole dragon business. Lyn had told him that they had faced off against a mighty dragon in Elibe before, but… He still couldn't remember actually being there. To see a living dragon in the flesh, in spite of her human-like appearance... Her very existence was baffling, but welcome all the same."... Hang on. Nowi, was it?" Robin asked. "You look awfully young… Where are your parents?""I… I don't know," she replied softly, looking down at her thumbs. "I haven't seen them in hundreds of years…""You poor thing," Sumia whispered, holding both hands to her mouth. The tears were beginning to well in her eyes, and Lissa wore a similarly saddened expression. Virion, Cordelia, and the others looked on in somber silence as the pegasus knight moved to console the girl, patting her on the back.Chrom said nothing, staring down at the table. His own parents were long gone, but… to live hundreds of years without them, never knowing whether or not they were even alive? Such a long life seemed like immortality to Chrom, and the lack of closure would only drive him mad… He simply couldn't imagine living such a life."Cheer up, Nowi! Maybe we can help you find them when all this is over!" Lissa suggested brightly.Sumia nodded, grinning. "Yeah! We can soar through the skies and try to locate them!""... Huh? You'd really do that… for me?""Milady, that's - ""Oh, calm down, Frederick." Lissa rolled her eyes. "Once we get Plegia to back down, we'll be free to help out those in need!""But what about Ylisstol's citizens?" he argued. This made realization flicker in Lissa's eyes. "... You have a good heart, milady, but it's imperative that we focus on the task at hand.""Mrg…" She slumped back in her seat, thoroughly defeated. "Yeah... baby steps, I guess..."Chrom noticed the heightened tension in the room and decided to change the subject. Clearing his throat, he addressed Nowi. "Still… What were you and that man running from?""Huh?""There was an older man that brought you to the castle. He looked… grizzled. If I met him on the street, I might say he was a brigand.""Oh… Oh! I remember now!" Nowi exclaimed. Her eyes seemed to darken and cloud as she trembled ever so slightly, and the air in the room seemed to change with her demeanor. She took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself, the memories like ribbons constricting her heart. "I remember… being chased by these really creepy guys in robes. They wore hoods and masks and…"Chrom and Robin looked at each other suspiciously as she recounted her tale. "And their leader... His eyes… th-they were all white, and he had a gross laugh. He kept yelling at them, 'Don't let it get away! Master Grima demands tribute!'"A sob made its way out of her throat. "I… I don't even know who that is! What could they possibly want with me?"Nowi wept pitifully, hiding her face in her hands as her shoulders shook. Sumia rubbed her back in soft, gentle circles to console her as everyone else began to put two and two together. Chrom in particular glared down at the table, clenching his fists underneath. Between the arrival of the Plegian wyverns in Ylisstol and Nowi's appearance just a few minutes prior, he had no reason to believe that the events were coincidental. Ambushing and kidnapping the Exalt was underhanded enough as is, but targeting a child was just unforgivable.
Don't forget what they did to Mother.
"Damn them!" Chrom swore. He earned a few surprised looks in response, but he refused to falter. "Nowi… It seems you've had an encounter with the Grimleal. They're disgusting lunatics that murder and commit other heinous crimes to appease their false god. I don't know how they came to find you, but we will not let them touch you again."Everyone voiced their agreement. Robin nodded quietly, though he felt a chill run down his spine. He'd never encountered the Grimleal - at least, not that he could remember - but he couldn't abide by what basically amounted to organized crime. Robin wasn't exactly a religious man, but he couldn't fathom the idea of a god that condoned such behavior. The thought alone made his stomach churn.Even so, there was still the matter of the dragon child, Nowi. Robin had no idea how old she truly was, but she'd clearly suffered a great deal of hardship just getting here. The tactician feared that her little heart might not be able to stomach the discussion that was sure to follow regarding the Ylissean Flight Squadron's demise.Lissa must have read his mind instantaneously, as she got up from her seat and took Nowi by the hand. "C'mon, Nowi! I want you to meet Kellam and the others! I bet that guy from before is already awake by now!"Nowi looked around at the adults in the room, as if searching for permission. Chrom gave her a friendly nod, and she grinned before eagerly following Lissa out of the room."Er… Yes, well." Frederick cleared his throat. "Now that we've dealt with the elephant in the room - ""Dragon in the room," Virion quipped, smirking."... Right… I suppose now would be as good a time as any to hear what you have to say, Cordelia."Cordelia nodded unflinchingly. She was still mortified that the others had seen her in such a disheveled state when she arrived at the castle. Any well-adjusted being would have such a response to witnessing their peers being murdered in such a horrific way, but that mattered little to her. She needed to be strong: for Sumia, for Chrom... for her country."Of course. I know I already told you this, but my words ring true. The Ylissean Flight Squadron is no more. Plegian wyverns ambushed us and took us by storm. We fought bravely, but… it just wasn't enough. They slaughtered most of us, and the Hierarch ended up being a shapeshifter in disguise.""What?!" Chrom blurted. "... A shapeshifter? That can't be right.""I saw him transform with my own eyes, Chrom. He - she, rather - took Lady Emmeryn away from us at knifepoint. It was her and that godforsaken bounty hunter…"Frederick was the next to speak up, a slight edge to his voice. "You're telling us Plegia's employed the usage of both a shapeshifter and a bounty hunter?""I'm telling you all the truth, Frederick," Cordelia said, locking eyes with him from her seat. "I wish this was all a joke, or a nightmare or... something. But it's not.""... Cordelia," Sumia said, getting her attention. The two had been friends for a few years now, and it was Cordelia that ultimately convinced her to become a pegasus knight in the first place. They both studied under Phila at some point or another, even if Sumia hadn't officially been recognized as a Ylissean Flier yet. "... Is it true? Is Phila truly dead?""I… I can't say," Cordelia admitted, closing her eyes. "I wanted to stay and fight, but she told me to leave… She said that someone needed to warn you all about the Exalt…"Sumia rested a hand on her shoulder. "You did the right thing, Cordelia…""Did I? I… I left her to die - ""No, you didn't. You did the best you could…""But my best wasn't enough - ""It wasn't your fault!" Sumia yelled, surprising even Frederick. Cordelia looked at her with a furrowed brow and parted lips. Sumia simply stared at her with a harsh, unflinching gaze, a single tear rolling down her cheek. The men present could only sit in silence as she continued. "... It wasn't your fault, okay? You followed Phila's orders, and you came back to us. What if you stayed and died, Cordelia? Then what?"Cordelia paused, feeling her heart drop. She was at a complete loss for words; she still felt overwhelmingly guilty over abandoning the others, but she was ordered to do so by Phila herself, and Sumia made a good point. Had Cordelia died then and there, there would have been no one to relay the information to Chrom and the others. They'd never be able to bring back the lives lost out on the frosty border, but perhaps the Exalt could be saved yet."... Cordelia."Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to face Chrom, and she felt short of breath when her eyes met his. "... I don't blame you for what happened to Emmeryn. What happened to the other pegasus knights was horrible, and I'm sorry you had to bear witness to Plegia's cruelty. I just… I just wish I could have been there to help.""Chrom…""In any case, sitting here and licking our wounds won't solve anything. We will avenge Phila and the others, and we will bring Emmeryn back home! We just…" He paused and sighed, resting a hand on his forehead. With tired eyes, he said, "... We just need a plan of attack."Robin placed a hand on his branded shoulder. "I'm already on it. In the meantime, we need to tend to the townspeople's needs. Many homes and businesses were damaged in the fires, and I'm sure there were several injuries as well.""Robin is right," Frederick agreed, giving him a curt nod. His brow, however, remained considerably furrowed. "Sumia. I want you and Cordelia to check in with our healers and see if they need any assistance.""Right away! Come on, Sumia.""Hold a moment, dear ladies," Virion pleaded, a hand outstretched. He took a sip of his tea before speaking again. "Forgive me if this is a bit forward, Cordelia, but… this bounty hunter. What was he like?"A spark flashed in Cordelia's mind, and she was immediately reminded of that horrible man and the atrocities he committed. And that comment he made about Virion… How that nearly slipped her mind was beyond her. "... He mentioned you, actually.""Oh?" He raised an eyebrow."Yes… I remember now. He said that you were on his list…"Everyone stared at Virion as he reclined in his seat with an unreadable expression. Any theatrical air about him was gone in an instant. The Shepherds had only encountered him a few months ago, almost immediately after meeting Robin in fact. With not even the faintest hint of his origin, the self-proclaimed "archest of all archers" was still an enigma to them. What could he have possibly done to land himself on a hit list?Despite the tension in the air, Virion kept a straight face and nonchalantly took another sip of his tea. "... Do you recall what he looked like, perchance?""All too well, I'm afraid." Cordelia grimaced, folding her hands on the table. "He had black armor and rode a nasty brute of a wyvern. He wore a creepy, featureless mask, so I didn't get a good look at his face..."Virion sighed and rubbed his temples. "Mon dieu…""Virion, this man is clearly a threat to the Shepherds," Frederick stated matter-of-factly, his brown eyes surging with an eerily calm fury. "He's slaughtered some of our best and brightest, kidnapped the Exalt, and ultimately crippled our last line of defense against Plegia. If you know anything about this man that specifically mentioned you by name, I would insist that you - ""Frederick, calm down!" Chrom barked."But, milord - ""I know Phila meant a lot to you," he interjected. "... She meant a lot to us as well." Chrom sighed and shook his head. "... She will be avenged. For the time being, though, we need to focus on rescuing Emmeryn. We can't allow Phila and the flight squad's sacrifices to be in vain.""I… you are right, my liege," Frederick said, bowing in remorse. "My sincerest apologies...""No need," Virion said, waving a hand. As he returned to sipping his tea, however, a flash of guilt crossed his eyes.Cordelia's eyes darted between the two men for a moment before speaking up. "... We'll find him, Virion. Together.""Milady?""Yeah!" Sumia yelled, gaining a determined look. "If we can rescue the Exalt and stop Plegia, then finding that bounty hunter should be a piece of cake!""I... thank you, my friends. Truly..."Sumia and Cordelia nodded respectfully before leaving for the infirmary. Chrom rubbed his temples and groaned as Robin sat back in silence, folding his hands. Robin's own head wasn't faring much better due to all the wind spells he'd casted, but he decided not to say anything."... So, what's our first move?" Frederick asked. "To rescue Emmeryn would mean to march on Plegian soil, but who's to say Plegia won't launch another attack on Ylisstol in our absence? And what of our neighboring cities like Themis or Southtown?""I… I don't know," Chrom admitted. "We'll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it.""The prisoner!" Robin blurted. His outburst caught the others' attention, causing his cheeks to flush slightly. "Er… I mean, the Plegian commander we imprisoned. Surely he must know a thing or two about Gangrel's plans."Chrom leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "So that's why you stopped me before… Do you really think he'd be willing to talk?""There's only one way to find out.""And if he refuses?" Virion questioned."... He won't," Chrom said darkly. "Not if I have anything to say about it. Meet me in the prison ward in about an hour, Robin. The rest of you are dismissed."Once the meeting had formally concluded, Robin stepped out into the hall and took a deep breath. He'd been in tough conversations before, most of them involving the High Council he detested so much, but that was a different beast altogether…He shook his head and leaned against a nearby wall, folding his arms. So much had happened in such a short span of time, and there seemed to be no signs of it slowing down anytime soon. Even if they managed to rescue Emmeryn stealthily, Gangrel would surely find out, and full-blown war would be inevitable. The Shepherds were strong in their own right, but… to topple an army?
Think, Robin, think. How are we even going to save Emmeryn in the first place? Should we even bother taking a stealthy approach? Should we just storm the castle and force Gangrel to surrender? Do we even have enough men for such a bold move? Who's going to watch Ylisstol while we're away? Or Themis, or even -
"Robin!""Eep!"He looked to his left and saw Lyn staring at him with her hands on her hips, tapping her foot. She'd changed out of her armored coat and into her usual clothes, and Robin felt his heart nearly skip a beat at the sight of her. Lyn leaned forward, almost uncomfortably so, as she scrutinized his face. "Goodness… You look like you've seen a morph. What's wrong, Robin?""A-ah! N-n-nothing," he lied, doing his best to grin. It came off as more of a grimace than anything else. "Er… Might I be of assistance, Lyn?""So formal." Lyn folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you sure you're feeling alright? I can't remember ever seeing you this nervous before. Well, aside from the time Serra first joined our team…"Robin cringed upon remembering the story of the tone-deaf cleric. Even without the firsthand memory, the tale still made him fear for his eardrums. "I… I'm fine!" He cleared his throat, letting his voice return to normal. "I'm good. Really...""You don't seem fine… What were you and the others talking about? I was passing by the room with Sully when things got… heated.""It's… a long story."Lyn smirked. Sunlight permeated a nearby window, causing her vibrant green eyes to glint in an almost mischievous manner. "I have time."Her grin dissipated once Robin looked away, shoving his hands in his pockets with a frown. Now she knew something was wrong. "Lyn, I… I'll tell you later. Honestly, I'm still trying to make sense of everything myself…""Mmm." She nodded in understanding. "It's quite a lot to take in, isn't it? You haven't been with the Shepherds that long and already you're taking on entire nations…""Yeah… not fun.""I'm with you every step of the way, Robin," Lyn said, hand on his shoulder. He looked up and met her eyes with a wordless smile, an easy feat considering their similar height. Despite his best efforts, he could feel his cheeks turn pink, and Lyn chuckled inwardly at the sight.So cute… Still, maybe he could use a little distraction to lift his spirits further."Robin?""Yes?""Let's go."Without warning, she took his hand and began dragging him outside. He followed along silently, mesmerized by her flowing green hair. Her ponytail ended up whipping Robin's face several times, only stopping once the two had reached the courtyard just outside the castle's front entrance. Robin spotted several archery targets already set up, each with a few arrows sticking out of them."Here," Lyn said, holding her silver bow in front of him.Robin stared at her as if she had magically sprouted an extra head. "... What?""I want you to practice with me."He hesitated, his eyes traveling from her face to her bow and back again. "But… why? I'm more of a mage than anything else, and not a very good one at that…""Well…" Lyn bit her lip. "You're still kind of a beginner at magic, right? I honestly couldn't tell, what with how many wyverns you blasted out of the sky…""Oh, stop," Robin said, blushing. "You're just saying that…""I'm not! I… You've come a long way, Robin. You were always a good strategist, and I know it's not easy when everyone's lives are in your hands. To take on such a responsibility and still learn how to fight… It's honestly quite admirable.""You really think so…?"She immediately nodded. "I do! Chrom and the others are lucky to have a talented mind and a talented mage in their service.""I… Thank you, Lyn." Robin gave her a small grin, rubbing the back of his head. He still wasn't convinced she was being entirely truthful, but at least she cared enough to try and cheer him up. That had to count for something. "Still… What does this have to do with archery?""I… Well, you probably don't remember this," she said, "but… early on in our adventures, you expressed interest in learning archery. Just the basics, mind you; nothing as extensive as actually mastering it.""I said that?""Yup!""I… I don't know...""Come on! A little practice isn't going to kill you," Lyn insisted, shaking the bow for emphasis. Seeing his prolonged hesitance, she gave him a pleading gaze and peered into his soul. "Please? Just this once. I… I want to spend some time with you.""Ah… So that's what this is about." Robin folded his arms and chuckled.Lyn's cheeks began to burn as she glared at him, and Robin had to resist the urge to tell her how adorable her pout was. "Is that so wrong of me?""N-not at all. I…" Robin coughed, kicking himself internally. A blush started to creep onto his own face, matching hers. So much for being cool. "I'd like to spend more time with you too, Lyn...""... Good."Robin was still a little worn out from all the spell-slinging he did fending off the wyverns, but he was more mentally exhausted than anything else, and he couldn't bring himself to say no to that smile. He took the bow from her with a polite nod, grabbing it with one hand before opting for two. Oof... Maybe I should have bought her something a little lighter...Lyn stood back and watched him fumble with it with an amused grin. Though she favored the sword, it was not uncommon for the people of Sacae to use bows when hunting or defending their land. There was a certain stealth to archery that other weapons lacked, making it ideal for bringing home game or catching enemies unawares.It being a fun hobby was just icing on the cake."So, uh… How do you use one of these again?" Robin asked as he tried to pull the bowstring taut. "I've seen Virion in action before, but - Yeowch!""Er…" Lyn winced. "On second thought, maybe we'd better off starting with a lighter bow…"A couple minutes passed before she was able to find a more suitable practice weapon for Robin, a simple iron bow. He found this one much easier to lift, but his posture… left room for improvement. Robin had finally managed to nock an arrow only to meet an even stronger adversary; drawing the bow proper. After a few seconds of silence, Lyn finally spoke up. "Robin?""Ah… Damn." He let go, shaking his arm in an attempt to ward off the pain. "I had no idea how much upper body strength archery requires. I'll never take Virion lightly again…"She chuckled. "Indeed. I could help you out, you know.""With this specifically, or exercising?""Both." Lyn approached Robin from behind and placed her hands on his arms. He tensed up, the heat rushing to his cheeks once more. "First, you're going to want to stand up straight. No slouching!""Yes, ma'am!""Mm… better, but you're going to want to position your arms like so." She grabbed his arms and gently guided them so they were raised above his shoulders, left hand holding the bow. As Lyn led his right hand to the string and eased it backwards, she rested her chin on his shoulder. Robin's ears were on fire, and his senses were overcome by a scent that brought to mind faint images of a faraway land...Robin released the arrow prematurely, causing it to land in the dirt just a few feet away from its target. "Ack! S-sorry!""No, you're fine." Lyn laughed, clearly unaware of the effect she was having on him. "I couldn't even tell you how many tries it took me to get it right. It's nothing to be ashamed of.""Heh. Right…"The two kept at it for about half an hour longer before Robin announced he had to leave. He'd finally launched an arrow properly, but couldn't quite get it to hit the target in the center. Lyn praised his progress and saw him off with a smile. Once he was gone, however, Lyn sat under a tree and began to ponder. Robin was still a long way from recovering his memory. Not that she would rush the issue, of course; he had a lot on his plate as is. Their closeness during practice had set Lyn's heart at ease after the last grueling battle, and a smile crossed her face as she blushed once again."Heh... One day, Robin. One day..."Lissa wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, grimacing at the sweat that clung to some of her hair.. Once she'd brought Nowi back to the medical wing, she got to work right away healing the sick and injured. The fires had been unkind to several of Ylisstol's civilians, and Lissa helped her fellow clerics patch them up to the best of their ability. Even so, there were some wounds that no amount of magic could fully heal.After about an hour, things finally calmed down and Lissa was allowed to take a break. She gave Maribelle and the other healers a thankful nod before heading out for a spell, taking the time to stroll around the castle. Though she'd refuse to burden Chrom and the others with something as unimportant as her own little feelings, Lissa was no less affected by Emmeryn's kidnapping."I just don't get it," she mumbled, passing the training room. She kicked a pebble that had somehow made its way indoors before leaning against a wall, huffing. "Emm's been so forgiving! Why does Gangrel have to be such a big jerk? Why…?""Yo, Liss!" a brash voice called from her left. She didn't even have to look at him to know it was Vaike, but she faced him out of politeness. A towel was draped around his neck, and he occasionally used it to dab his forehead. Vaike was a bit of an oddity among the Shepherds, what with his strange hairstyle and even stranger means of nicknaming himself, but he was hardly a bad guy underneath it all. "Wassup?""Oh, hey, Vaike," she greeted halfheartedly."Ouch. What's eatin' ya?""Nothing!" Lissa lied, shuffling in place. "I'm just… tired. Yeah.""You? Really?""What's that supposed to mean?""I just… I dunno. You're usually a little ball of energy most days." Vaike shrugged, leaning beside her with his hands in his pockets. He looked over at her and asked, "... It's about Emmeryn, isn't it?""Is it that obvious? I mean, if you of all people could figure it out, then - ""Aw, that's just mean, Liss."She fidgeted with her hands, glancing off to the side. "You're right, Vaike. Sorry…""Okay, now I know it's serious. Normal Lissa would never apologize! She'd probably stick her tongue out at me, or stuff a frog down my shirt, or somethin'.""You don't even wear a shirt to begin with! Ugh!""Hey, I got my reasons!" he protested, folding his arms. "Too stuffy, ya know?""No, Vaike, I don't know. Honestly… I'm a woman, for crying out loud!""Yeah, uh... I know." As she stared off into the distance, Vaike glanced at her. She was still a fair bit shorter than him, but if Chrom was to be believed, they only had her beat by four or so years. Even with her girlish hairstyle and strange little button hat, she'd blossomed into a fine young lady ever since Vaike had joined the Shepherds.
Speakin' of which…
"Uh… Hey, Lissa? Do ya remember when Emmeryn first came to my little village up north?""I think it was… five years ago?" She tilted her head, scrambling to remember. "... Maybe six?"He chuckled as the memories came flooding back. "Close enough. You know, growin' up in Dreadnaught was all kindsa tough. It's all cushy down here in Ylisstol, but up there's a whole different story. You don't really see a whole lotta homeless people here, for starters…"Lissa kept quiet. She'd never really stopped to consider how tough the average commoner had it compared to her. Sure, she certainly didn't act like it, but she was still a princess. Most people had to work at least twice as hard as she had to on a daily basis, and that wasn't even getting into those too poor or disabled to keep their homes..."But, ya know, it wasn't all bad," Vaike said, smiling nostalgically. "I mean, sure it was tough livin' out there without a home or parents, but… I made do. Rounded up a bunch of other kids and started slummin' it up together, with yours truly at the top. Can you believe it? My own gang!""Hehehe," she giggled, perking up at his optimism. "What was it called again?"Vaike stood up straight and pumped a fist into the air for emphasis. "Teach's Tyrants! Pretty intimidating, yeah?""Pffft!" Lissa could hardly contain herself as she doubled over. The giggles escaping her throat reminded him of songbirds; mainly the kind that sang far too early in the morning and got on his nerves as a result. Still, at least they didn't snort. "Ahahahaha! You did not call yourselves that!""Hey, shut up!" Vaike yelled, blood rushing to his cheeks. "We ran the streets, I tell ya!"She waved her hands in mock surrender. "Okay, Vaike. Sure.""L-look, that's not the point! We were tough, but we had no aim. No purpose. I had no purpose. Not until I met your sister, anyway."Lissa came down from her laughter-fueled high. "Vaike…""I was just some punk off the streets before she showed up. I'll never forget that day she stood in the town square and started talkin' 'bout how station doesn't really matter in life. She's Exalt, yeah, but she never once talked down to us or treated us like lesser beings." Vaike paused and closed his eyes with a content smile. "I was in the crowd when she looked right at me and said, 'You mean something to me. Your life has value.' She didn't even know me, and yet… she made me feel like I was wanted.""Heh… that's just like Emm." Lissa sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye. If Vaike noticed, he didn't comment. With a sigh, Lissa asked, "Why are you telling me this, Vaike?""I'm tellin' ya this because I want you to believe me when I say that we'll bring her back," he answered seriously, looking her in the eye. "Gangrel, that bastard… We'll save Emmeryn from his clutches even if I have to throttle him myself! Teach's honor!""I… Vaike..." She sniffed once more. She was unable to stop the tears this time, her shoulders shaking as they fell. "I just… I just don't know…""Ah! Please don't cry!" Vaike pleaded nervously, running a hand through his hair. This was not how he was expecting this whole pep talk to go down. "We… we will get her back! I'm sure Robin's cookin' up a plan right as we speak! Between him, Chrom, and yours truly, we're undefeatable! Everyone else is just a safety net."Lissa let out a small giggle and wiped some of the tears away with her sleeve. "Heh… hehe…""Eh? What's so funny?""Nothing… Thank you, Vaike." She gave him a gentle smile, eyes still puffy. "I... I just gotta believe, right?""Yeah!" Vaike cheered, giving her a thumbs-up. "Believe it!"As the two continued to chat, Lissa shoved all of her doubts into the recesses of her mind. Vaike was right; no amount of worrying would help her, or anyone for that matter. All she could do now was look to the future and have faith in her friends' abilities. With any luck, and with Naga watching over them, they'd save Emmeryn yet.
Just you wait, Emm... We'll make you proud!
Castle Ylisstol's dungeon was about what one would expect from a prison. Being underground meant that torches had to be relied upon for light. The cells were mostly empty, and for good reason; they were reserved solely for petty crimes such as trespassing or theft. The more serious crimes like murder and rape… Those earned the perpetrator an axe to the neck, with the body being put on display for all to see. Exalt Chronos was militant in maintaining order, and these laws kept his people safe during his rule. Even though Emmeryn had never ordered anyone executed, no one was willing to test the boundaries of her patience.Chrom and Robin walked side-by-side into the dungeon. They carried Falchion and a Levin Sword respectively; Robin hoped they wouldn't be needed, but one could never be too careful. Frederick, ever the vigilant retainer, followed close behind with a watchful gaze. The trio passed a few cells before finally reaching the one with their prisoner of interest, a guard stationed on either side of the door. Without a single word, they unlocked the door and allowed Chrom and Robin to enter. Frederick stood outside the cell patiently, hands folded together.Vasto looked up from his spot on the ground upon hearing the door open. His ankles were shackled together, and his wrists were bound high above him on either side of his head. His face, swollen and bruised from where Chrom had beat him, contorted into a scowl upon seeing him once more. "Well, well, well… if it ain't Prince Charmless himself.""Quiet," Chrom ordered, his brow furrowing. "You're alive because of Robin. He thinks you can be of use to us somehow. For your sake, I hope he's right.""Ooh, I'm so scared." Vasto smirked. "No, really, I'm shaking."Chrom growled and reared his fist back only for Robin to stop him. They locked eyes, and Robin gave him a sharp glare. After a brief moment of silence, Chrom reluctantly nodded and allowed him to lead the conversation instead. "... What Chrom's trying to say is that, as a high-ranking member of Gangrel's army, there must be some things you know that we don't. Right?""So what if there is? You really think I'm that easy to crack, smart guy?""This isn't working," Chrom groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.Despite his growing agitation and Vasto's biting remarks, Robin pressed on in a neutral voice, refusing to display any emotion. "... I noticed you flew here on a wyvern. Yet when we caught up to you inside the castle, you were alone and on foot." He kneeled down to Vasto's level and raised an eyebrow. "... Why?""... Tch. What's it to you?" he retorted, turning his head away with a scoff. "Stupid thing couldn't fit through the window, that's all…""But couldn't you have blasted a hole through the wall if that were the case? From what the others tell me, Plegian wyverns are capable of great things.""Hey, don't you tell me what Bruta's capable of!" Vasto snapped. His eyes burned as he stared at Robin in a vain attempt to intimidate him. When he noticed it failed, his gaze shifted off to the side sheepishly. "... I made a strategic decision, okay? There was… someone else who needed her more at the time. Yeah!""One of your foot soldiers?""What does it matter?!""It matters because you said goodbye to your one means of escaping the castle," Chrom said, folding his arms. "How did you think this was going to go down? Did you really mean to make a mad dash for the Emblem with no way out of there?"Vasto balled his fists and glared up at him, his nostrils flaring. "H-hey, shut up! I knew what I was doing! Gangrel couldn't have picked a better man for the job!""Is that why your forces are mostly dead and you're locked up in a cell?""Chrom - ""Bah! You're hopeless, Princey. You wouldn't know smarts if it came around and bit you in the ass!"Both Shepherds were taken aback by his sudden outburst, though Chrom was more angered than anything else. They shared a glance as Vasto began to chuckle to himself in a deep, raspy voice. "Yeah… that's why he hired you, isn't it, boy? You and your little web of secrets!""... Secrets?" Robin questioned, staring at him intently. "... What secrets?""How the hell should I know? I barely know you." Vasto made a shrugging motion to the best of his ability, wincing at the pain. "Still… bit weird, ain't it? How you just waltzed into these Ylissean dogs' lives one day wearin' those funny robes. I don't know you, boy, but I know that look when I see it.""What are you talking about?!" Chrom demanded, clenching his fists."Those robes… belong to the Grimleal.""You lie!" Chrom was unable to control himself this time, punching him in the face. Vasto let out a bitter, infuriating laugh as he was lifted up by his neck, feeling a pair of powerful hands constrict his throat."Chrom, no!" Robin yelled, grabbing him by the shoulders. "We still need him!""Like he would ever side with those monsters," Chrom snarled, throttling a still-grinning Vasto against the wall. "Those murderers! You really think you can just lump him in with them? Huh?! Is that it?!"As he and Robin continued to struggle, Frederick observed them quietly with great interest. From the moment he laid eyes on Robin, he was immediately skeptical of his presence. He knew those robes were of Plegian origin, but the Grimleal? To say nothing of how Robin had run into the Hierarch the night before Emmeryn's kidnapping…
Phila…
After a few more seconds, Robin finally managed to pull Chrom off of him. There were red marks around Vasto's neck, and he let out a nasty cough before shutting his eyes. Despite his condition, the grin just refused to leave his face. Chrom's own face was red, and he panted as he finally asked, "Robin… What…?""Gangrel still has Emmeryn!" Robin yelled, glaring at his friend and commander. "I… I don't like it either, but we have to rescue her by any means necessary. Even if… even if it means working with the enemy.""What?! How can you possibly - ""Think! What if he knows some crucial information like a secret passageway, or a fatal weakness in Gangrel's army? We won't be able to use any of those things to our advantage if you kill him, now will we?!"Chrom's breathing slowed down as he took the truth of his words in. The red began to fade from his face, and he exhaled through his nostrils as he took several deep breaths. He glanced over at Vasto bitterly, receiving a defiant smirk in response. The same slimy grin he'd find on Gangrel's ugly gray mug.
That smug, irritating…
"... Chrom," Robin called. He folded his arms and made firm eye contact. "... I'm sorry for what they did to your mother. That alone makes them the scum of the earth in my book, and I'm just as disgusted as you are at the notion that I could have ever been one of them. But we need to save Emmeryn. I have no doubt in my mind that Gangrel will launch a second assault on the capital, and we might not be able to come out on top this time. We need this information.""I… Gods, you're right." Chrom sighed and looked down at the ground, shaking his head somberly. "What have I done…?""Heh… f-for what it's worth," Vasto rasped, "your tactician's right on the money. She might not be in immediate danger, but…" He coughed again, some mucus and blood hitting the cell floor. "Y-you'd better get a move on, and fast…""What?""You think this is just about Emmeryn? … No. Gangrel won't stop until all of you are dead, and he wants Little Miss Pacifist to be alive to feel it. All that pain and suffering we felt during the Crusade… to return that a hundredfold to the Exalt herself…" He wheezed once more, grinning. "That could put a smile on any Plegian's face…""... Then there's still time.""Yeah… And hey, this is just talk among the soldiers, mind you," he added, "but I hear Gangrel's hostin' some royal ball in about a week's time.""What?" Chrom asked again, raising an eyebrow. "... A royal ball? Really?"Yeah, some sorta fruity gathering with masks and shit. Supposedly, your big sister's even gonna be the guest of honor… Heheh. I hope they dress her up real nice, gahaha!"Chrom motioned to strike Vasto across the face again, but paused when he felt Robin's disapproving eyes on him. Exercising some self-control, he withdrew his arm and turned away from the prisoner angrily. "... A week, you say? That's plenty of time.""It is?""Yes, Robin. We should gather the Shepherds as soon as possible. It's time we start preparing to march.""Good on ya, Princey. You finally did something smart for once!""You're not getting off the hook that easily, I'm afraid." Chrom walked up to Vasto and grabbed him by the hair so he could force eye contact. In a chilling voice, he said, "You're coming with us.""What…?""Chrom?!"Vasto stayed quiet for a moment before bursting into laughter. Chrom's glare intensified as his grip tightened, and Robin could only watch as the deranged man continued to laugh his head off. "You mean to use me as a bargaining chip, do ya? Hahahaha… No way. Gangrel would never trade her for me. Next to her, I'm nothin'. And thanks to you, I'll always be nothin'.""Not a bargaining chip." He shook his head. "A tour guide. You'll be more useful to over there than in here. You'll be treated as a prisoner of war, and your chance of regaining freedom is slim to none unless you choose to cooperate."Well, this was certainly unexpected. Robin hadn't expected that he would hop aboard the whole "working with the enemy" wagon so easily. Though it was on his terms, and there was always the chance that Chrom would go back on his word and refuse to free him after the war's end.
No... That's not like Chrom. I have to believe in him.
"... Fine," Vasto conceded, shutting his eyes. "I'll do it.""Just one moment," Robin interrupted, eyeing him suspiciously. "... Why did you decide to tell us this?""Weren't you paying attention? Your blue-haired boss here just threatened me - ""I meant before that.""... Oh," Vasto said lamely. He glanced off to the side again, a bead of sweat running down his forehead. "Uh... no reason.""I don't believe you.""Tch, fine! If it'll get you to bugger off and leave me in peace..." Vasto sighed and shut his eyes again. Chrom had let go of him and taken a few steps backwards to join Robin as the pair listened. "... Gangrel never loved me, you know?""Huh?!""He says he loves and appreciates all his countrymen, but that shit's a joke. I thought all my hard work had finally paid off when he promoted me to Air Commander, but it turns out he only did it because Orton died on him and they needed someone to replace him," Vasto admitted. He clenched his jaw and glared at the floor. "I didn't wanna think too much about what would happen if I got caught, but... I think part of me knew he would never risk his neck to come and save a grunt like me.""... You see, Robin? Gangrel doesn't care about his men. They're just pawns in his little game.""...""Robin?""... We should go," he said. "If we truly mean to march on Plegia, we have to act soon.""Right."The two departed the dungeon with Frederick and went their separate ways. Chrom would pay a visit to the infirmary to check up on Kellam and the others who had been wounded during the attack on Ylisstol. Frederick accompanied his liege to lend an extra hand, leaving Robin alone. He locked himself in his office on the second floor and ran a hand through his white hair with a sigh. In the few months he'd been a part of the Shepherds, he'd always tried to mentally prepare himself for the possibility of war.Now that it was on their doorstep, however..."And the Grimleal," he said aloud. Robin took off his cloak and examined it closely. The black and gold looked fine to him, but he found the purple highlights... questionable. As he turned it over in his hands, he noticed three similarly purple eyes lining either arm. Robin set it on his desk and looked at his right hand, all too aware of the strange insignia resting under the glove. "I... I can't worry about that. Not now. Not when everyone needs me."He hung his cloak on a nearby rack and rolled open a map on his desk. As Robin got to work, a single crow perched on a branch outside his window and observed him with great interest, occasionally tilting its small head...Emmeryn groaned as she attempted to sit up in her cell, limbs still shackled uncomfortably. Her chest wound had healed considerably, but it still stung where Gangrel had stabbed her. Part of her was still shocked that things had even escalated to this point. She tried everything over the years, but nothing seemed to get through to him; not even during his earliest years. Emmeryn knew in her heart that Gangrel's pain was justified, but… was pain alone enough to warp a person this much?Not helping was the fact that he now stood above her, teasing her incessantly with a bowl of warm soup."Open up the stables!" Gangrel taunted, holding a spoon in front of her mouth. "Here comes the pegasus!" He moved it away from her and ate the spoonful himself with a satisfied smile. "... Or not. Too soon?"All he earned from her was a tired scowl. Emmeryn still mourned the loss of her comrades and blamed herself most of all, but she would not give him what he wanted. Phila, bless her soul, would have wanted her to be strong and proud, even in the face of death itself.Unimpressed with her lack of response, Gangrel threw the bowl over his shoulder and drew his Levin Sword from his belt. He flicked his wrist, letting the blade crackle and spark, before prodding Emmeryn's stomach with the tip. She writhed and groaned as a small but agonizing jolt surged through her body. Gangrel kept the sword in place for a few seconds before withdrawing it and strapping it back to his side.Emmeryn could barely breathe, her chest heaving as she gasped. It was as if her entire body had been set aflame. A weak spark lingered through her arms and legs as she rasped, "Y-you're a monster…""I'm not the monster here, you are," Gangrel retorted, flinging the spoon at her forehead. "You and the rest of that Ylissean trash poisoning my perfect world.""Your world?! Gangrel, this is madness! What do you have to gain from keeping me here?""Haven't you been paying attention, Blondie? That fool of a prince is as emotional as they come. Once he hears that his precious older sister and Exalt is in my clutches, he'll come running back here with the Fire Emblem."She shut her eyes. "... This isn't about the Fire Emblem at all, is it?""... So maybe you have been paying attention," Gangrel said. He smirked and started clapping his hands in a slow, condescending manner. "Give the woman a medal. The Grimleal want that little trinket more than I ever could. My desires, on the other hand, are far less material in nature. I couldn't give less of a damn about the Emblem if I tried.""Then what's the point of all of this violence…? Revenge? Do you really think killing us will improve your life? The lives of your people?"For a few seconds, Gangrel was almost deathly silent. He clenched his jaw and refused to look at her, balling his fists. Emmeryn winced and braced herself for another beating, but it never came. Instead, he turned away from her and spoke again, his voice oddly subdued. "... It's too late.""... What?""SHUT UP!" He roared, flaring up as quickly as he'd calmed down. "I… I didn't say anything!""Gangrel…" Emmeryn looked up at him somberly. "Why...?""Enough. I'm tired of talking to you." He turned away from her and exited the cell. When the guards shut the door, Gangrel glanced over at her with his trademark grin. "I'll send someone down to bathe you periodically. We can't have our guest of honor smelling like the stables, now can we?"Confusion sprawled across Emmeryn's face as she struggled against her chains. "What…? Guest of honor? What are you talking about?! Gangrel!"She hung her head and sighed once she received no response. "Chrom… Help…"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Castle Plegia was well known for its impressive stature and various rooms, but very few of its staff members were aware of the terrible facility housed underneath the surface. To call it a prison would be far too generous; with most dungeons, there was at least the chance that a prisoner might someday be released.When a person was brought here, however..."NgaaAAAAH!" a brown-haired nobleman screamed out, writhing against the chains that bound his limbs together. A dark mage stood at either side of him and prodded him with sharp, electrified objects. Even as harsh, guttural roars escaped his mouth, they continued without a word. "For the love of Naga, make it stop! Please!"A dark, feminine voice addressed him sharply. "For the love of what?"The attack ceased, and the nobleman coughed violently as he struggled to catch his breath. His assailants stepped backwards as their leader stepped forward in an immodest black outfit. Ghostly white hair cascaded down the sides of her tanned face, and she placed her hands on her hips with a malicious smirk. "... Go on, say it. You can tell me...""Ngh… N-Naga," he whispered.She leaned down closer only for him to spit blood at her. "By Naga, you are monsters!""Well, that was unpleasant." She grabbed him by the jaw, sinking her talon-like nails into his flesh. "I should have known a Ylissean mutt like yourself would lack even basic etiquette. Not to worry, boy; we'll put you down soon enough.""Mistress Aversa!" A third mage rushed into the room, catching her eye. "... The Chancellor would see him now. It is time.""... But of course," she said, relinquishing her grip on the bleeding Ylissean. "Come, my brothers. Let us bring our guest to the main hall."They lifted the man to his feet and followed Aversa out of the cell. The nobleman was dragged to the main hall of the building where he was met with a ghastly sight. Black and purple banners lined the room, and rows of Grimleal worshippers sat on either side of the aisle. They stared ahead at the altar where two other prisoners were bound. A large cauldron sat in the very center just in front of a podium, and an elderly man stood behind it imposingly. He wore lavish black robes with purple eyes on the chest, and his face was pale and wrinkled.The nobleman felt an increasing sense of dread as he was dragged down the altar, dozens of eyes peering at him in silence. He was set off to the side with the other two men, getting a better look at them. The first man had light brown hair and hardly looked past his teens; judging by the white garb he wore with the Brand of the Exalt on the chest, he looked to be a priest of Naga. The second man's appearance was far more surprising, being dressed in traditional Grimleal robes with milky white eyes. Both men appeared to suffer the same injuries he had, right down to the bruises and scorch marks.
What is this horrible place?
"Brothers and sisters!" the elderly man croaked from his podium, raising his hands into the air. "It seems Master Grima has blessed us all on this fine day. Though the loss of Lord Validar still pains me greatly, it is not without its silver lining. For you see, his death is but a minor setback in our Fell God's Plan!""And who better to lead us in our time of need," he said, gesturing to the woman at his side, "then our own Mistress Aversa, Sorceress of the Night?"Aversa bowed humbly as her Grimleal brothers and sisters applauded, most of them smiling. She turned to the prisoners and flashed a toothy grin before addressing the speaker in a more dignified manner. "You honor me, Chancellor Hexxus. With your support, and the support of those around me, I know I'll be the leader Father would approve of until his inevitable return. I promise to be fair, but oh so firm."More applause. Aversa waited for her audience to finish before going on. "... Which brings me to these three." She pointed to the men tied up near the altar, starting with the youngest of the three. "The boy before you stands accused of spreading the evils of Naga on Plegian soil."The Grimleal present began to boo and jeer, causing the boy to hang his head in shame and fear. Aversa narrowed her eyes at him and sneered. "Well, sinner? How do you plead?""I… I'm no sinner!" he protested tearfully. "I was making a pilgrimage with my friends… I'm just a simple missionary! ""A Naganian missionary straight from Ylisse!" someone in the crowd yelled."I say we kill him!""No! Hang him, then kill him!""Silence!" Chancellor Hexxus commanded. "He will atone for his sins with his life, but not before Our Mistress approves!"He and Aversa made eye contact before the latter nodded. Clearing her throat, Aversa said, "The boy before you had good intentions, no doubt, but it is ultimately actions that matter." She walked over to him and traced a finger along the side of his bruised face. "And you, my dear, have committed a grave offense.""I… I'm sorry! I didn't know… Oh, gods…""Sniveling whelp." Aversa grimaced. "You should be elated! For today, you shall find solace in the arms of Our Lord. Indeed, you should consider yourself quite lucky... for you shall be among the first of today's sacrifices."The missionary's eyes widened incredulously, tears still falling, as he was pulled to his feet by two burly Grimleal. "N-no… Please… Have mercy! Libra, Naga! Help me!"He was brought before the bubbling cauldron, and his head hung over the pot as the Chancellor pulled open an old scroll. He chanted the ancient fell text as Aversa walked over to the missionary with a dark, curved blade. The other two prisoners could only watch as she grabbed him by the hair, pulled his head back, and slashed his throat. The missionary's cries became little more than wet gurgles as the blood began to flow into the pot, causing smoke and purple flames to rise from the cauldron.When it was over, Aversa had a couple of audience members haul the drained body away. The room still smelled of iron, and she licked some of the blood off her dagger with a vile grin. "Mmm, yes... Master Grima shall be most pleased."The Ylissean nobleman was at a complete loss for words as she moved on. "Next, the failure!"The milky-eyed Grimleal prisoner was hauled to his feet and forced to face the crowd. Many of the Grimleal began to murmur amongst themselves before Aversa addressed him proper. "Chalard, you stand accused of failing to bring us the dragon girl. You know all too well how much power Master Grima could attain from just a drop of Divine Dragon blood, yet here you stand; empty-handed and empty-headed.""This is ludicrous!" Chalard roared. "I've been nothing but loyal to the Grimleal my entire life!""Then I suppose it goes without saying that you would do anything for Our Lord?""Yes! Anything!" he said, pleading for his life."... Up to and including dying for Him?""I…"Aversa met his eye - or tried to, in any case - and spoke in a soft, warm tone. "Chalard, you know as well as I that failing to please Our Lord is a sin, and He does not tolerate failure. You have been a good boy up until now, though, so I suppose I can offer you mercy… in a manner of speaking."He gasped. "You… truly, Mistress?""Yes. You see, Chalard," she said, "all Master Grima requires of you is your heart.""But I've already pledged my heart to Him…!" The realization set in, and Chalard looked up at her with his mouth agape. "You don't mean… No… No, NO!""I'm sorry, Chalard," Aversa apologized remorselessly, standing over him and snapping her fingers. Two Grimleal were at her side in an instant and approached Chalard with serrated knives. He kicked at and struggled against his former brethren as Aversa turned to the anxious crowd and bellowed, "Fear not, brothers and sisters! Master Grima has granted pity on our dear friend here."She went on, ignoring his tortured screams as the carvers got to work. "Chalard will die, yes, but it is through his death that he may experience new life."Most of the audience seemed unshaken by the violence, focusing on the words of their mistress instead. Soon Chalard's screaming came to an end, his kicking stopped, and the organ was thrown into the cauldron, causing more purple flames to rise. The Ylissean nobleman was appalled and horrified beyond words, yet the crowd refused to protest. One of their own… gone, just like that.Aversa walked over to the corpse as a dark spell began to form in her hand. Numerous tiny bug-like beings crawled around her fingers until she forced the spell into Chalard's chest, causing his entire body to being consumed in a purple light. In a few moments, the wounds on his body had completely disappeared and his once-white eyes turned red. His skin became a deathly purple, and he rose to his feet with a low moan and a gurgle as Aversa stood before an applauding crowd."Do you see now, my brothers and sisters? Do you see how Our Lord has blessed Chalard with the gift of rebirth? Now he may live on in our ranks forever, just as useful in death as he was in life."She turned to the walking corpse with a wry smile. "Now, what do we say, Chalard?""Th…thaaa...nk…youuuu…""By the gods," the nobleman uttered, attempting to crawl away from the scene. "You're sick! You're demented! What manner of unholy sorcery is this!?"As the shadowy remains of Chalard were guided away by security, Chancellor Hexxus spoke with a raised eyebrow and a slight grin. "Why, Chairman Daniels, is that you? My, how you've grown…""Miserable wretch! H-how do you know my name?! What is all this?!""It matters not. Your time is at an end, I'm afraid."Daniels swore and cursed at the top of his lungs as he was hauled before the cauldron like the other two victims. "Gutless! You're all gutless Plegian bastards! Chronos was right about you!""Chronos is dead," Aversa spat, "and you will join him. Starting with that vile tongue of yours..."By the time the Grimleal were finished with Daniels, all that was left of him were a couple of fingers and a foot. Aversa threw the remnants of their victim into the cauldron and took in the intoxicating smell as the brew began to evaporate into the air. The smoke, a brilliant lavender in hue and nearly three times as high as the cauldron proper, served as a sign of her master's satisfaction.After the ceremony was over and the other Grimleal had been dismissed, Chancellor Hexxus walked up to Aversa with a great smile, wringing his hands together. "That was a fine display of leadership, Mistress. I've no doubt that you've pleased Master Grima.""Ahuhuhu… Thank you, Chancellor. I only wish that king of ours was as easy to please." Aversa folded her arms and sighed. "I've tried everything, but that blasted Gangrel is far too preoccupied with the war to let his guard down for even a moment. 'Aversa, do this! No, not like that! Idiot woman, leave me be!'""Mm… I see. King Gangrel has been reluctant to let Our Lord into his heart from the beginning," Hexxus mused sadly. "He's lived a dark life, one rife with sin, yet he refuses to be cleansed…""What's worse is that he insists upon keeping that Exalt alive," Aversa snarled. "We sacrificed the previous Exalt's wife, did we not? Her blood alone sped up the process greatly. I have no doubt that her daughter's would serve Master Grima just as well...""Mm, yes…" He nodded sagely. "Gangrel's pride harms not just himself, but us as well.""I've been patient with him for far too long now," Aversa said, her face framed by the shadows of the church. "Mark my words, Chancellor; Gangrel will fall, and when Father returns from his slumber…""... Then Validar will take the throne. It's brilliant, really; in the ensuing power vacuum, who better to lead and unify the people than the reborn leader of the Grimleal? Many Plegians turn to us for support anyway, but Gangrel is nowhere near as devout to us as he claims. Not like your father...""Which is exactly why Gangrel needs to leave," she claimed, "and Father needs to return.""Fufufu... I have no doubt that Master Grima will aid us," Hexxus stated, grinning. His smile faded as quickly as it appeared. "But... what of our mole in Valm? Are you truly certain... he's up to the task?"Aversa nodded and smirked. "Oh, yes. Believe it or not, I have quite the bit of faith in our little toady. He's a little slimy to be sure, but he should be worming his way into that Conqueror's ranks any day now..."Maribelle did her best not to grimace as she ran a staff over an unconscious citizen's body. During the attack on Ylisstol, he'd been indoors when the building he was in was set ablaze by some mage's tomfoolery. Nasty burns covered his arms and chest, and a groan left his throat as Sumia applied some balm to his wounds. Cordelia and Anna stood nearby, tending to another burn victim in a similar manner."Poor guys," Sumia whispered."... Indeed." Maribelle turned away, trying not to dwell too much on the damage done. Some unfortunate souls had already passed on, but she did her best to keep a stiff upper lip. She'd long since learned to maintain a level of professionalism while healing, as was expected of a woman of House Themis. "Sumia, darling, please keep a close eye on this one. I need to check up on Lissa and her patients.""O-oh! But what if - ""We'll be here for you," Cordelia said, not even looking up from her patient. Anna stared down at their patient and levied her staff above their chest in complete silence.Maribelle nodded, taking her leave of the room without another word. She entered the room just next door and was met with a handful of friendly faces… and a new one. Stahl and Kellam laid on beds next to each other, both wearing bandages around their torsos. Ordinarily, the two would be chatting just like old times even in spite of their injuries. Now, however, they sat in silence as they listened to the room's third patient ramble on."... And that why Gregor no longer allowed in Valm," the man finished. He clasped his hands on top of his chest with a nostalgic grin. "Good times… gooood times…""Riiiight," Lissa said, patching him up some more with her staff. "Just a little more aaaand… phew. You're one tough cookie, you know that? I don't think I've ever seen so many scars on a single person before…""Ohoho! Little pigtailed girl is very kind to old man like myself. Many thanks!""So, er… Gregor, was it?" Stahl scratched his chin absentmindedly. "You're not really from around here, are you? What brings you to Ylisstol?""Gregor! I'm baaack!"As if on cue, Nowi sprinted into the room, nearly knocking over Maribelle in the process. She turned towards her and bowed in apology before focusing on Gregor. In her hands was a violet flower crown that she so graciously placed upon his head. "Ta-daaah! Do you like it? I made it myself!""Oi! What is meaning of flowers?""I wanted to say thank you!" Nowi winked. "I found them lyin' around in the dirt outside!"Maribelle closed her eyes with a content smile. "My, how adorable. And what a lovely array of petunias. A gallant crown for a gallant hero…"Her good mood was instantly dashed when she got a better look at the crown. "Wait just a moment… Those were my petunias!""... Huh?" Nowi asked, tilting her head."Nowi! Lissa and I planted those together!""Eep!" She placed her hands behind her back and started to stare down at the floor. "I… I didn't know…"Lissa placed a hand on Maribelle's shoulder, getting her attention. "Aww, don't worry, Maribelle! We can plant some more with Sumia when the war's over! Maybe we can even get Ricken to help too!""I… suppose you're right," Maribelle conceded, blushing slightly. Kellam and Stahl shared a smug glance before she opened her mouth again. "My apologies, Nowi. I know you didn't do it out of malice, and I shouldn't have snapped at you. Still…Please ask first next time, okay? Lissa and I would be more than happy to share with you.""Really? Hee hee, yay!""Haha… is good to see little dragon girl get along with new friends. Brings manly tears to Old Man Gregor's eyes!""Say, that reminds me," Lissa said, getting his attention. "You were carrying little Nowi here when you first arrived, weren't you, Gregor?""Oh, yes!" he replied, nodding. "Was very bad. Little girl trapped in cage and stowed on wagon like animal! Gregor not able to stomach such sight. Gregor kill kidnappers and free her, but more shady men appear like magic! Have no choice but to flee.""That sounds an awful lot like those Grimleal jerks." Lissa crinkled her nose in disgust. It was horrific enough that the Grimleal made a habit of kidnapping and killing people, but children? Why did Plegia even put up with those maniacs? Were the rumors true? Was the Grimleal truly the only religion the people could turn to in times of crisis?"Lissa," Maribelle said in a low voice. "... We're going to rescue Lady Emmeryn no matter what. We will not allow another member of House Ylisse to fall to the Grimleal's filthy machinations!"Lissa could only smile back in response, beaming with pride and gratitude.First Vaike, now Maribelle… Thanks, guys.Gregor sat up from his bed with a big grin. "You fighting war, yes? Tell leader that Gregor will help too. Consider payment for medical services and hospitality!""Huh? You don't have to…""Oh!" Nowi's ears perked up as she looked over to Lissa. "Then… can I join too? Please? I… I don't wanna be alone again...""Well, I can't imagine Chrom would be opposed to it," Lissa said, hands on her hips. "Welcome to the Shepherds, you two!""Woohoo!""Hey, Nowi?" Kellam questioned from his gurney. When she faced him, he gave her a heartfelt smile. "... Thanks. If it wasn't for you, I'd be dead as dust!""Aww, you're welcome!" She giggled and winked, holding two fingers in front of her. "I was happy to help!"Lissa and Maribelle stood back and smiled as their patients began to strike up a conversation. Stahl was enthralled with Gregor's stories of swashbuckling and swordslinging in his younger years, and Kellam and Nowi were trading tales of knighthood and being able to turn into a dragon respectively."This is quite the team we have here, isn't it, Lissa?""Yeah! It's so cool getting to meet people from all over," she answered cheerfully. She stared ahead at Nowi for a few moments. "... Speaking of which, where's Panne?""The taguel woman?""Yeah! I gotta go tell her that she's not alone anymore!""Lissa, I'm not so sure she would appreciate the extra attention. She is a woman of solitude, no?" Maribelle pointed out. "Besides, these two are like night and day. I'm just not sure if Panne would be ready for such a... lively companion.""But…""I'm sure she'll come around. For the time being, however, we must stay focused and tend to the wounded.""Yeah!" Lissa clenched her fists and made a determined expression. "Alright, Maribelle! Time to kick it up a notch!"A couple hours had passed before things had finally settled down. Kellam and Stahl received some visitors in Sully and Panne respectively, and Sully was more than glad to see her old sparring partner's improving condition. Panne gave Stahl a once-over before leaving with a simple nod, an act that left him feeling strangely unfulfilled. Once everyone's injuries were more or less taken care of and the castle staff could handle the civilians from there, Chrom called everyone to the castle entrance to explain the situation. Frederick and Robin stood on either side of him, the former as stone-faced as ever.Robin, on the other hand..."Listen up, everyone," Chrom said. "Gangrel and his men have kidnapped the Exalt. In the process, they've brutally murdered most of our finest fliers including Phila herself. We'll hold a proper service for the fallen at a later date, but time is of the essence if we're to prevent having to add Emmeryn to that list.""To that end," Frederick continued, "it seems we've no choice but to march on Plegian soil.""We're going to Plegia?""Really?""If it's to save the Exalt..."Robin looked over at the crowd and tensed up. Despite his position as the Shepherds' tactician, he never particularly liked speaking to them en masse. To address them during the heat of battle was one thing, but now… just the thought alone made his hands sweat. Especially since the meeting had been called on such short notice...Among the many faces in the crowd, he spotted Lyn. She beamed and gave him two thumbs-up. Seeing this, Robin briefly smiled back before straightening up. "Y-yes, well… Fortunately, we do have insider information now. The Plegian commander we imprisoned has agreed to act as an informant for us.""Oh, no," Sully moaned, a hand to her forehead. "You're not seriously gonna trust that scumbag, are ya, Rob? What if this is a set-up?"There were some murmurs of uncertainty among the crowd. Frederick raised an eyebrow and slightly turned his head towards Robin, as if to ask the same question. Casting aside his uncertainties, Robin stood up straight. "... We gave him an ultimatum. If he helps us, we'll consider freeing him once the war is over. If he refuses to cooperate or double-crosses us in any way…""... Then he'll rot in a cell for the rest of his days," Chrom declared, folding his arms. "Believe me, I still had half a mind to do him in myself… but that wouldn't have gotten us anywhere."He looked over at Robin and gave him a smile, one he was all too willing to return. Lyn noticed the exchange and chuckled to herself; somehow, their bond seemed almost familiar to her..."Man, I'm not too sure about this whole deal," Vaike admitted. "I mean, yeah, Robin's never let us down before, but… that prisoner guy. Can we really trust 'im? Not too long ago he and his cronies were bashin' us left and right...""I know how you feel, Vaike," Chrom said, "but we can't just sit around and do nothing, and he might be our ticket to saving Emm. To that end, Robin and I have come to the conclusion that we should leave tomorrow at dawn."Robin nodded. "Yes… it'll be risky to leave Ylisstol with only the castle guards to defend it, but it would be riskier still to let Gangrel send another small army after us. We barely managed to hold them off last time; if he sent the full might of his army after us, we'd fall in a matter of minutes."There were more murmurs among the crowd, most of them in agreement."... Who said you're leaving without protection?"The Shepherds turned towards the front doors of the castle only to find their northern allies standing in the doorway. Flavia and Basilio walked forward with amicable expressions, having been let in by the guards up front. A blonde knight trailed behind them, hands folded behind her back."Khan Flavia?!" Chrom blurted."Basilio?" Lon'qu asked, eyes widening slightly."Yes and yes," Flavia answered, stepping forward. "I hope you don't mind us barging in unannounced. We got real suspicious when the Exalt failed to show up at our doorstep and wanted to make sure she was alright.""I appreciate the concern," Chrom said, "but… no. Our fliers were ambushed en route to Ferox. Plegia has her."Flavia nodded and folded her arms with a frown. "Then it looks like my hunch was right. That Mad King's always been more of a mad weasel, but kidnapping her in the middle of a royal escort… the thought alone pisses me off. Don't worry; he'll get what's comin' to him even if I have to throttle him myself!""Now you're speakin' my language!" Sully yelled in excitement."Yeah," Basilio agreed, "same here. That's why we managed to pull together some of our finest Feroxi warriors to march with you to Plegia. Plus a few more to look after your territories while we're away. They set up camp outside the city, and they'll be ready to leave when you are."The Shepherds were more than a little stunned to hear that. Lon'qu in particular made eye contact with Basilio, as if to ask him if he was serious. He received only a nod and a grin in response."That… that's wonderful!" Chrom cheered. He turned to Robin and placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking him a little bit. "Did you hear that, Robin? We no longer have to worry about leaving Ylisstol undefended.""That does make my plan a little more sustainable," he mumbled.Flavia clapped her hands together. "Then it's decided! Tomorrow, or whenever you decide to set out, we'll be right there beside you. Feroxi's honor.""Hohoho! Is just like Basilio to show up just in nicking of time," Gregor said, walking forward.Basilio stepped forward with a grin and grabbed his hand with great strength. "Gregor, you son of a bitch! What brings you to Ylisstol?""Me!" Nowi cheered, the profanity seemingly going right over her head. Behind her, Maribelle clasped a hand over her heart in shock. "Hiya! I'm Nowi. Wanna see me turn into a dragon?"Chrom dismissed the Shepherds to the mess hall, sticking around to talk to a few of the others once the crowd had dispersed. Eventually, he and Robin were left alone with Lyn. She approached them with an amicable expression and said, "Quite the alliance you two have forged.""Indeed," Chrom agreed. "Between us, Feroxi's finest, and the rest of the Shepherds, Gangrel doesn't stand a chance. I should consider myself blessed to be surrounded by so many friends...""I'd still exercise caution. We haven't won yet," Robin said. "Er... should I bring the map to the mess hall?""Sounds good to me." Chrom nodded. He turned to Lyn and said, "Lyn, when all this is over, you'll really have to tell me more about Elibe sometime. I feel like I've known you for a little while now, and yet I still know nothing about you.""That's fair. I can tell you whatever you wish to know of my home and then some!"Robin laughed as he remembered how extensive her recollection of events had been. "That could make for quite the traveling conversation. Perhaps the three of us can discuss it on the way tomorrow. Between bouts of tactical reviewing, of course...""Sounds like a plan!""Fascinating," Miriel muttered, scribbling away at a notepad. She and several of the other Shepherds sat at a table in the mess hall, eating their last supper before the march. "Your biological features do not appear to be entirely dissimilar to that of a native Ylissean, yet your accent and general speech patterns would seem to suggest you hail from another continent altogether…""Ohoho! Brainy woman is quite observant," Gregor said. "But yes, Gregor not from here. Gregor hail from country named Daleko. Is very far east of here, across the ocean!""I see. I simply must know more about this... Daleko. The royal library is unfortunately devoid of any books regarding the location…""Man, that there Miriel sure is takin' a likin' to the new fella," Donnel noted from another table, munching some bread absentmindedly. "He is mighty cool, though… Wish I could swing a sword like that.""You're plenty cool yourself, Donnie!" Nowi said between bites of her bear steak. "Mm… not just any farmer can pick up a spear and start fightin' with the big boys!""Shucks, I'm still not much of a fighter," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "I dunno how I'd ever compare to a grown man, let alone a dragon!""Hee hee hee!" Nowi's face went red as she winked. "Oh, stop it, you!"As they and several other pairs of Shepherds continued to talk amongst themselves, a small group was huddled around a table in the center of the room. Robin sat with a great map outstretched before him, Chrom and Lyn peering over either shoulder. Flavia sat across from them, with Frederick and Virion standing off to the side quietly. Frederick said nothing, but his eyes traveled between Robin and Virion before settling back on the map."So." Flavia paused to sip some wine from her glass. "... What's the plan, Robin?""We go west from here." Robin placed a finger on Ylisstol before dragging it to his left for demonstration. "Past the border and through the Border Sands lies the small town of Threed… If we can get through there in one piece, then we'll be able to tackle the Plegian stronghold west of there…""Fort Scaraba?""Precisely. And if we keep on going through there, we'll eventually arrive…"Robin's finger finally landed on the location of Castle Plegia, smack dab in the center of the capital. "... There. Paralcya.""I see." Flavia nodded in understanding before turning her attention to a table nearby. Gregor and Basilio were now exchanging stories beside a considerably uncomfortable Lon'qu, and their noise caught Flavia's ire. "What is that oaf up to? Doesn't he know we have a war to win here?!""Want me to go get him?" Lyn asked."... On second thought, no; he'd probably just make things worse. Please, continue.""Right," Robin said. "I'm confident that we have more than enough men to secure safe passage across the border and through the fort, but there's still the matter of getting into the capital unseen...""You're right," Chrom admitted, scratching his chin. "We'd be spotted in a matter of minutes, and Gangrel would throw the entirety of his army at us in a heartbeat. I'm not so sure I like those odds…""Nor do I. Now, Vasto mentioned something interesting when he was being interrogated earlier today. He said that Gangrel would be holding some sort of masquerade ball in a week's time…"Virion raised an eyebrow. "A masquerade ball, you say? With the extravagant masks and the exquisite ladies?""Please try to stay focus, Virion…""Non! I assure you I am most serious, my friend. If your intention is to rescue Emmeryn undetected, what better way than to sneak into the castle in disguise?""That has to be the most absurd - ""Hold on a moment, Frederick," Chrom said, holding a hand out. "That… might not be such a terrible idea.""What?" Robin and Frederick questioned in unison. After glancing at each other briefly, Robin was the first to speak. "... Really?""I guess I should have expected Mr. Ladies' Man over here to suggest that," Flavia said, chuckling. "It's ridiculous, but I don't think we have enough manpower to completely topple the Plegian army, even with Basilio and I at the forefront. Plus there's no telling what that wicked witch of the west has up her sleeve…""Pardon?"Flavia shook her head. "Nothing. I don't love this plan, but I'm just along for the ride. It's up to you, Robin, and we still have plenty of time to think it over just in case.""I…" Robin paused. There was indeed much to consider regarding this plan; where to find suitable disguises, who to bring along to the castle, how many people to leave behind, where to leave them behind… yet it still seemed safer than storming the capital and demanding Gangrel to release Emmeryn up front. For all they knew, he'd have her executed on the spot. Based on Vasto's information, it sounded like Gangrel had no intention of killing her at least until the night of the ball, so they'd have to move quickly.Be quick, he told himself. Not careless."... Well, Robin?" Lyn placed a hand on his shoulder, bringing him back to the conversation. Despite, or perhaps because of her kind expression, he flushed as he made eye contact. "What do you think?""Ah… thoughts, everyone?" he asked in desperation, looking around at everyone's faces. "All in favor, say 'aye'.""Aye!" Lyn chirped."Aye." Chrom nodded, folding his arms."Aye," Virion said as he raised his glass."I think this is ridiculous," Frederick admitted, "but… if this is truly the best way to save the Exalt… Aye."Robin beamed at his friends' support. He turned to Flavia with an expectant gaze."... Well, I'm just here as an extra foot soldier, really," she said, grinning. "Even so, this foot soldier's heard worse plans in her lifetime. What the hell, aye!""Then we're all in agreement! We march west tomorrow at dawn," Chrom said with confidence. "... Thank you for lending your aid, Khan Flavia. This truly sets my heart at ease.""No thanks necessary! You fought for me and won, remember? Once we bring the Exalt home safely, consider us even." She winked."Right! Haha..."The rest of the evening was considerably joyful all things considered. Cordelia played the harp to lift everyone's spirits, Ricken and Maribelle shared a dance, Panne stopped Stahl from eating a particularly dangerous kind of fruit, and the rest of the Shepherds simply enjoyed each other's company. There was no telling what manner of unkindness they'd come across in the sands of Plegia, and so they resolved to treat this moment as if it were their last.After dinner, Robin went back to his office and began brainstorming a backup plan. Having Feroxi troops in their midst would certainly make any altercations easier to deal with, especially with the rumors of bandits and Grimleal running around. Even so, it couldn't to have a contingency plan at the ready.… Or seven."Hard at work again, I see."Robin jolted up from his desk. He'd not expected to see Lyn standing in the doorway, blue dress and all. "Sorry. I figured I'd let myself in after the second or third knock.""Ah… m-my apologies," Robin said, shaking his head. "I don't know what came over me…""Robin."Baggy brown eyes met vibrant green ones. "Don't you think you're working a little too hard? It's getting late, and you need your rest just as much as the rest of us.""I'm fine." He smiled, doing his best to convince her. "Really… Just a few more hours and - ""Oh, Robin…" Lyn sighed and looked off to the side, her expression softening. "I see some things truly never change.""What do you mean?""Back home, it wasn't uncommon to find you slumped over your desk after a long night of tactics. You might not have been a fighter, but you worked twice as hard as anyone mentally. Even Hector of all people was starting to worry about you…""Er…" Robin winced. "I'm sorry…I can't truly speak for my past self, but… well, maybe he was just as worried about you then as much as I'm worried for you now." He noticed her staring at him and amended his statement in a rush. "You and the Shepherds, I mean. Oh, and the Legion, and - "Lyn held out a hand, stifling a laugh. "Stop. I know what you mean.""Ha. Sorry...""Don't be sorry," came the stern reply. Lyn walked forward so that she was just a few feet away from him. She rested her hands on his desk and met his gaze with a somber look. "Just… be careful, okay? You're using your mind on two fronts now: tactics and magic. If you wish to grow stronger in both, you have to let yourself rest from time to time. Your body, your mind, your soul…""But - ""Robin," she said through grit teeth. "With Mother Earth and Father Sky as my witnesses, I will drag you to bed myself if I need to!""N-not so loud!" Robin urged, his face turning red. "What if someone overheard?"Lyn moved her head back a bit, blinking. "... Huh? So what if they did? Is it wrong of me to be so worried about our tactician?""That's not what I… never mind." Robin sighed and rubbed his temples as he reclined in his chair. "My head is starting to hurt, though… Maybe you're right. A few hours of sleep and I'll be right as rain…""That's my sensible strategist." Lyn smiled. As Robin cleared his desk, she held the door open and waited for him. "C'mon.""I can walk myself to my quarters, you know?""And how do I know you won't just sneak back here and deprive yourself of more sleep?""Lyn - ""Bed. Now," she ordered with a sharp glare. "You'll thank me for this in the morning.""Yes, dear…"Lyn shot him a dirty look, even as her heartbeat raced ever so slightly. "Gods…it's a good thing you never say that in public, otherwise some people might think us a married couple or… something.""Ah…" Robin cleared his throat and tried to ignore the oncoming blush. "Right. That's… certainly not anything we'd want…"Lyn mentally kicked herself as the two began to walk to Robin's chamber.
Why in the name of Elimine did I say THAT?! He probably hates me now…
"Lyn," Robin called. She'd been so enraptured in her thoughts that she failed to notice that they'd already reached his room. Despite her previous thoughts, Robin offered her a sincere smile, baggy eyes and all. "... Thank you. Every muscle in my body is screaming at me to sleep right about now… you truly know what's best for me.""I… y-you're welcome," she blurted, blinking. "I'll… see you tomorrow…""Yep! Bright and early," he chirped, opening the door and heading inside. "Good night.""G-good night!"Once he was gone, Lyn groaned and leaned against a nearby wall. She shook her head in disgust; when had she become so shy and… soft? This was beyond mortifying. She was a warrior! Women of Sacae were expected to be strong and cunning! Was she beginning to lose her edge in this new world…?"This isn't helping." She shook her head and started to walk back to the barracks. Such thoughts would only weaken her performance. Perhaps someday she'd finally work up the courage to properly express herself… but not now. Right now, Robin needed her full strength just as the Shepherds needed his mental acuity. There was little room for distraction, especially regarding matters of the heart.
One day, Robin… one day.
The moon was high in the sky by the time Frederick decided to start making the usual rounds about the castle. Most of the other Shepherds were already in bed, and while there appeared to be no immediate threat, one could never grow too complacent. That's what costed them the Exalt and the flight squadron in the first place.
Phila… It should have been me.
The bitter thought left his head as he rounded a corner. The familiar clang of steel rang throughout one of the nearby rooms."The training hall," Frederick said aloud, his eyes widening. There was only one person that he knew of who bothered to train so diligently even during the night.Sure enough, Cordelia was hard at work in the training room. She was a force to be reckoned with even on foot, and her spear made quick work of a straw dummy. She lunged forward, stabbing it into the stomach, before pulling back and swiping the blade across what would have been its throat. The head fell back, suspended by only a few threads, before falling to the ground with a thud.Frederick took note of another dummy set up far behind her. Not even noticing him, Cordelia whirled around with a war cry and flung the spear directly at it, striking it dead-center. She ran up to it and yanked it sideways out of the chest, spilling straw all over the ground."I hope you're planning on cleaning that up."Cordelia hastily spun around with her weapon before her, face as red as her hair. She'd been at this for quite some time if the sweat on her forehead was any indication, and her glare dissipated as soon as she laid eyes on him. "... Of course, Frederick. You know me; I'd never leave a mess unattended to. Especially if I was the one who made it."Frederick's eyes traveled to the destroyed dummy before meeting hers once again. "... Indeed. Might I ask what you're doing up at this hour? Most of the others are already fast asleep.""I need to be prepared, Frederick. For the war effort, for Chrom and the others… and in case we run into that assassin again."He felt his heart darken at the mere mention of that despicable man. They hadn't even met and Frederick already wished to rid him from the world. "Hmm…""Frederick… What was Phila to you?""Pardon?""She's the one who taught me everything I know," Cordelia said, "and she also mentored Sumia if I'm not mistaken. She often spoke fondly of you, you know?""I… that's…""... I'm sorry." She winced. "I realize I might have been a little too pushy there...""No, no," Frederick insisted. "You… you're fine. Phila and I… heh. Would you believe me if I told you that we became knights around the same time?"Cordelia's eyes became twice as big. "Did you now? I joined a few years after you did, so you've always been around in my eyes, but…""Indeed." He nodded solemnly. "Phila and I were sparring partners in our early years. Even as a teenager, she showed much promise. When I first became appointed to help Chrom start the Shepherds, Phila was among the first to offer to join. She eventually went on to lead the Ylissean Flight Squadron instead, but she was always there in spirit.""Ah… I see," Cordelia said, staring off to the side. Various other dummies lay strewn across the floor, completely demolished beyond recognition. Perhaps she'd gotten a little carried away… "I… um… Forgive me, Frederick, but…""Yes?""I just… I heard a rumor among the Shepherds." She twirled a lock of hair innocently, averting his steely gaze. "I heard that… well… that you two were going to get married someday."Frederick's face remained largely unchanged save for marginally reddened cheeks. "I… w-well, that's…"He shut his eyes and sighed. "... Correct.""Oh." Cordelia gasped and covered her mouth. "Frederick, I'm so, so sorry… I... I don't know why I even asked, but - ""No," he said as he held a hand out. "It's not your fault. In any case… yes. I'd known Phila for years, and I had no idea whether or not she reciprocated such emotions, but… I did plan on giving her this."Frederick reached into his pocket and pulled out a small silver ring. The ring was mostly bare save for a little wing on either side of it. He stared at it wistfully for a few moments, turning it over in his hand. "... In hindsight, maybe it was a fool's dream. I loved her, but… perhaps that was a mistake. Perhaps I should have devoted myself entirely to keeping everyone safe. Had I done that… then maybe she'd still be alive to this day.""Frederick," Cordelia said, a tear welling up in her eye. She sniffed and said, "I… I had no idea. I'm sure she loved you too…""Please do not cry for me, milady," Frederick urged, putting the ring away. He took on a more determined expression as his voice returned to normal. "I shall mourn Phila when the time is right. In the face of adversary, however, I dare not weep. I must not falter. Even the slightest bit of weakness could impair my ability to protect Chrom and Lissa. That… that is not what Phila would want. So please, dry your eyes. In due time, we shall avenge the fallen and make Ylisse safe again.""I… y-yes!" Cordelia nodded swiftly. "You're absolutely right! We will make him pay! We… we'll rebuild the pegasus knights from the ground up! Sumia and I will find recruits from all over and mold them into worthy successors!"Frederick smiled. Phila had once told him that she'd been planning on making Cordelia her own successor someday, and Cordelia showed both promise and spirit. Perhaps someday, they'd manage to carry out both vengeance - nay, justice - and rebuild the squadron that Phila had given her life for. But only after the Plegian menace was dealt with and the Exalt returned, and not a moment sooner."... Speaking of Plegia…""Did you say something, Frederick?""I… Cordelia." He met her eyes again, only this time they burned with determination and… anger? "Cordelia, I need to ask a favor of you.""Name it. I'm sure whatever it is, I'm more than capable of accomplishing."Frederick looked around the room to make sure that no one was eavesdropping. Once the coast was apparently clear, he leaned closer to her and brought his voice to a tone barely above a whisper. "... I need you to spy on a few people.""Spy?!" she blurted, immediately clamping her hand over her mouth. In a similarly hushed voice, she asked, "... Spy? On whom?""Our dearest tactician.""Robin? Why would you want me to…?""You're not terribly familiar with him, are you?""N… no," she admitted, rubbing the back of her head. "We've only spoken a few times, but… Why? He doesn't seem like a bad person...""This isn't a personal matter, I assure you," Frederick said. "I heard something concerning about him today. Back when he and Chrom were interrogating the prisoner."Cordelia raised an eyebrow before nodding slowly. She would hear Frederick's words before coming to her own conclusion; even so, what would he have to gain from telling a lie? "... Go on.""I had my suspicions regarding Robin's cloak from the day I spotted him out in the field, but that prisoner only made my fears stronger. He insisted that the cloak belonged to the Grimleal.""You're joking! Why would Robin…?""He woke up in those accursed robes," Frederick asserted, brow furrowing. "I was there. Even if he decides to change clothes in the future… why would he have been wearing those clothes in the first place? I hardly think Robin the sort to play dress-up, and there's also the matter of how he remembered Chrom's name before his own.""I… You make a good point." Cordelia sighed as she lowered her gaze to the floor. "I've no love for the Grimleal either, Frederick, but I just don't know if we can accuse him without any proof. It doesn't seem right…""You are correct. That's why I'm not planning on making any hasty or unfounded accusations. I just want you to keep a close eye on him at times. See if you can observe him when he's by himself.""I…" Cordelia bit her lip. "I… suppose that's not entirely unreasonable… Is that all?""There are two others I'd like you to keep an eye on, actually," he admitted. "Virion is one, and I assume you're familiar with Lyndis?""I can't say I am, actually. She's one of the newer members, right? … The one with the long green hair?""That's her, yes.""I don't understand, Frederick. Why them in particular?""When you described the bounty hunter's looks, Virion recognized him right away," Frederick explained calmly, though he still seethed within at the mere thought of the masked man. "And going by your account, he even mentioned Virion specifically. That alone is cause for alarm in my book, but what do we really know about Virion himself?""Huh?""What if we're unwittingly harboring a criminal?""What crime could he of all people have possibly committed? Adultery?""Cordelia, I'm being serious here," Frederick said in a cold tone. "If there is even the slightest chance of him putting Chrom and Lissa's lives in danger by leading that murderer right to us - "She put her foot down, staring back at him firmly. "I still think it's too soon to be pointing the finger at anyone. And what's this about Lyn? What makes her so dangerous?""She's still an enigma to the Shepherds at large. She claims to have some sort of past with Robin, and she also claims to be from another land entirely. There's no 'Elibe' or 'Sacae' or anything of the like in our maps! What if that's just a cover story? What if they're both Grimleal agents and she's just covering for him?""Don't you think you're being a little ridiculous here?" Cordelia questioned, hands on her hips. "I get that not every Plegian looks alike, but… have you ever seen a Plegian or Grimleal with those clothes? With that hair? Even her fighting style is exotic if the rumors are true. I just… I don't know. This is all a lot to process...""Just… consider my request, yes?" Frederick pleaded, the harshness fading from his visage. "... Please, Cordelia. You're the only one I can trust with all of this. Were it within my power to do so myself, I wouldn't have even asked… but four eyes are better than two, yes?""I…""I won't force you to do anything you do not wish to," he said, turning to leave, "... but I'd greatly appreciate it if you kept this in mind. Remember, this isn't for me; this benefits the Shepherds and Ylisse as a whole. The civilians, our friends… and Chrom."With that, Frederick left Cordelia standing alone among the ruined training dummies. He'd given her much to mull over, and she let out a sigh as she started to clean up the room. In time, she would determine for herself whether or not his fears were unfounded, but she had to be at her best tomorrow.
Remember, Cordelia; a distracted pegasus knight often becomes a dead pegasus knight.
She cringed, remembering how her fellow flier Morticia had been running her mouth mere seconds before being assassinated. The rest of the women hadn't fared much better, and the bloodstained memories were still fresh in Cordelia's mind as tears welled up in her eyes."Phila… everyone… One day, I'll be the knight you deserve… Just you wait…!"
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The morning sun made itself known as its light flickered through Chrom's curtains. A stray streak managed to reach his face, causing him to groan. In truth, he'd gotten very little actual sleep the night before. He'd tried time and time again to just fall asleep to no avail. Chrom eventually let out another groan as he dragged himself out of his bed and towards the royal bathhouse. After he rid himself of yesterday's filth and grime, he returned to his room and put on his usual clothing.It was then that he turned his attention towards the center of the room. There stood a mannequin adorned in radiant silver and blue armor, with the Fire Emblem perched on its left shoulder like an ornate pauldron. The armor had once belonged to Exalt Chronos in his younger years, and Frederick had it brought forth out of storage the night before. Ordinarily, Chrom would just tough things out in his usual attire. With Emmeryn's life hanging in the balance and the rest of the Shepherds looking to him for leadership, however, he wasn't willing to take any chances.He got dressed without a word and attached Falchion's sheath to his side. The Fire Emblem with its lone silver gemstone seemed to gleam in the morning light, and Chrom himself was taken aback by its beauty as he held it in his hands. "Wow... ""Milord?" a stern voice called from outside. "Are you nearly finished? We'll be departing shortly.""Of course, Frederick. I'll be down in a moment."The answer seemed to satisfy him, the loud clanking of his armor becoming fainter and fainter as he left. Chrom took one last look in the mirror before sighing. Were Emmeryn here, she might've said something to the effect of, "You look so much like Father…""Father…" The word left his mouth bitterly as he drew Falchion from its sheath, resting it atop his palm. Once upon a time, the Hero-King himself had used the blade to strike down the Shadow Dragon and save the world. In his time as Exalt, Chronos had used the very same weapon to strike fear into the hearts of many a Plegian. He claimed to be doing it in the name of peace, but many Plegians were killed left and right, leaving many more families destroyed as a result. No matter what Chrom's feelings might have been towards Gangrel himself…He would not allow history to repeat itself.Lyn's morning routine was considerably less stressful. Unlike her time with the Legion and the subsequent reclaiming of Castle Caelin, the people around her were not looking to her for guidance or leadership. Now she was a mere soldier, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Still, she could do without the odd feeling of someone's eyes on her back...Once she'd put on her armored coat and packed her other belongings, Lyn left the barracks and made her way to the castle entrance. Nearly all of the other Shepherds were already gathered and ready to depart, including a clearly well-rested Robin. His eyes, once veering towards the baggy side, were now radiant and full of life."Good morning, Lyn," he greeted with a pleasant smile. "I take it you're ready?""Of course!" She looked around. "Er… Where's Chrom?""Right here," someone said from behind her. Lyn yelped and whirled around to face him, accidentally whipping Robin with her ponytail in the process. Chrom could only chuckle in response. "Sorry. Did I scare you?"She folded her arms and gave him a slight glare. "Hardly… It was more surprise than anything else, really.""If you say so." Chrom stepped forward and cleared his throat so that he could gain everyone's attention, looking more serious than ever before. Most were surprised to see his new silver outfit, but paid more attention to the words leaving his mouth. "Listen up, everyone; the time has come. Today marks the start of our march on Plegia and rescue of Emmeryn. This will be our biggest undertaking yet, and there's a good chance that we won't all come back, so if anyone wants to stay behind…"He gave a pointed look towards the younger Shepherds, particularly Lissa. "And I do mean anyone… just say the word."For a few brief moments, no one said a word. It was then that Gaius decided to break the silence. "Well, since you insist - ""Not a chance, bub!" Anna yelled, grabbing him by the ear. "These guys could use our expertise! I mean, between your intel and my connections, we could run circles around that Gangrel lunatic and save the Exalt before sundown! They need us, Gaius!"Robin tilted his head in her direction. "Anna makes a good point. We'll need to be as stealthy as possible when we reach the capital, and we'll definitely need some suitable disguises if we're to gain entry to the castle and avoid suspicion.""Ughhh… fine," Gaius agreed, rolling his eyes. "But once we get her back, I expect to be handsomely rewarded for my services!""Don't worry, handsome." Anna winked. "You'll be rewarded plenty. Just don't let our new friends down!""Er… right," Chrom said, feigning a cough to prevent the oncoming blush. "I-in any case, we should load up the wagons. The horses and pegasi have already been fed and groomed, so now all we need is the prisoner.""And have him you shall."As if on cue, Frederick approached the Shepherds with a shackled Vasto in his arms. Vasto himself merely sneered and looked away as Frederick spoke again. "I'll have him moved to one of the centermost wagons to minimize his chances of escape.""Yeah, because clearly these chains are useless on that front. Y'know, I still don't get why you need my help." Vasto jut his chin towards Robin. "Just ask Mr. Grimmie over there! I'm sure he's real familiar with the - ""He's not Grimleal!" Lissa shouted, clenching her fists. Several other Shepherds nodded as they glared him down. Cordelia, meanwhile, looked off to the side silently. "Robin would never side with those creeps!"Vasto tilted his head and smirked in a way that reminded them all too well of the Mad King. "Is that so?""Yeah! Rob's our pal," Vaike said. "Why'd we believe you over him?""Everyone…" Robin was at a loss for words. "... Thank you."Despite his friends' kind words, he still couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty due to what Vasto had said before. By Lyn's own admission, she'd never even heard of the Grimleal before landing in Ferox, so they couldn't have been present in Elibe. But if Robin really was from there... why did he wake up in robes of supposed Grimleal origin? Could he have joined them between being separated from her and meeting Chrom? And what about his memories?This isn't helping, the more rational side of him said. All these questions will only hinder your tactical abilities, and Vasto could be lying for all you know. For now, just focus on aiding the Shepherds.Lyn took note of Robin's furrowed brow and opened her mouth to say something before Chrom beat her to the punch. "Enough. Our caravan leaves at once. Frederick, take him away.""Of course. Right away, milord." Frederick hauled Vasto outside effortlessly, but not before making eye contact with Cordelia for a split-second. He was doing his part to aid Chrom; now she would have to do hers."Robin," Chrom said, "you're with me. I need you to help me make sure everything's in order before we head out. Are the Feroxi troops prepared to bring Ylisstol under their protection for the time being?""Flavia said they set up camp outside the city. Someone should ride ahead and let them know it's time."Sully stepped forward immediately. "You can count on me!""Then it looks like we're in business." Chrom nodded, sending her off with a smile. Stahl followed her out, intent on finding a spare horse to replace the one he'd lost in the fight against Validar. "Alright, the rest of you start packing up and boarding the wagons. We probably won't stop for a break until we hit the border so if anyone needs to use the latrines, now would be a good time. Dismissed!"The Shepherds exited the main hall, with Donnel and Nowi badgering Panne with questions as Kellam fruitlessly attempted to reel the pair in. Sumia and Cordelia departed for the stables with Maribelle, leaving the rest of the team to head for the wagons on foot. As Lyn began to converse with Lissa and Anna, Chrom folded his arms and chuckled."... What?" Robin asked him, turning his head in his direction."It's just... this is all so bizzare... If you had told me about a year ago that the Shepherds would become more than a little militia group, I probably would have laughed. But now look at us. Between the lot of us, I have no doubt that we'll succeed."Robin nodded, watching Lyn walk away. "I... yes, I'm sure.""Lyndis... or Lyn, rather." Chrom corrected himself, clearing his throat. "I can tell you mean a great deal to her, Robin.""I... well, I would hope so, Chrom. Frankly it'd be more worrying if I didn't mean anything to someone I spent the better part of two years with.""Haha! Right you are. Now come on, let's go check on the caravan. Sully should be back with the Feroxi troops any moment now."Robin nodded and followed Chrom in silence, close as a shadow. His bag was stuffed with an assortment of tomes, magical or otherwise, and the same map from the night before. Despite the contents of his bag, there was no greater weight on Robin's shoulders than the fate of his comrades. The coming battles would not be easy, and he'd never set foot in Plegia past the border — not that he could recall, anyway. There was no telling what manner of unkindness they'd be met with, and the very thought made Robin's heart pound at his ribcage like an unwelcome guest.Still, he thought, there was no point in showing the others that fear. That self-doubt. Even with Emmeryn's life — everyone's, rather — hanging in the balance, now was not the time to lose his head.Now was the time for action.When Sully rode back into town, it was alongside the East Khan of Ferox. On either side of them marched a line of Feroxi troops, armed to the teeth. Many citizens stayed in their homes and peered out the windows, with some even whispering amongst themselves that Chrom had surrendered Ylisstol to Regna Ferox in the Exalt's absence.Their fears were quelled, if only slightly, by Chrom's voice. He stood up straight, his body now encased in familiar silver armor, as he marched into the streets. Behind him rode the caravan, with Sumia and Cordelia flying above on their pegasi. "Citizens of Ylisstol! The Exalt has been kidnapped by Plegia, and so it falls to the Shepherds to bring her back safely! Fear not, however, for the kind warriors of Regna Ferox have agreed to defend this and every other Ylissean territory until the Exalt has been returned and the Mad King dealt with! Tensions are high, but I insist that you treat them as you would treat us!"Many of the citizens citizens left their homes as he spoke, and they applauded Chrom and the caravan when he finally finished. Robin helped Chrom onto one of the wagons, and Flavia gave him a smile as she rode alongside them. "That was a damn fine speech, boy. We'll make you proud; just you wait.""Thank you, Flavia. Where's Basilio?""He and his troops should be waiting for us near the border. Just wait until you meet his daughter; she's quite the catch!""His… daughter?" Robin repeated, furrowing his brow. "I had no idea he was even married…""Pffft." This sent Flavia into a fit of hysterics. Chrom and Robin could only stare at each other in confusion as she continued to howl with laughter. "Ahahaha! Now that's rich. Basilio, married?! Bahahaha!"She managed to pull herself together as the caravan left the gates of Ylisstol. "No, see, she's not his blood daughter; he found her on the streets as a starving orphan some years back. She's a bit shy, but she's grown up beautifully and can dance like nobody's business!""Huh…" Chrom scratched his chin. "Interesting… Does Lon'qu know?""'Course he does! Basilio practically raised them together, after all." Flavia shut her eyes and grinned. "Heh. Who'd have thought an oaf like him would be so good with kids?""He's truly kinder than he appears to be," Chrom said, grinning. "I'm surprised Lon'qu never mentioned her before, though…""Have you met the guy? He's as strong and swift as they come, but he's no conversationalist.""Hahaha! I'm afraid you're right. He's certainly no Vaike, for better or for worse...""Aye!" Vaike called from inside the wagon. "I heard that!"Chrom, Robin and Flavia continued to discuss tactics and the like as they led the caravan. Inside the wagon, Vaike and Lissa sat across from Lyn and Lon'qu. Naturally, Vaike was the first to keep the conversation going. "Gee, it sure is boring around here...""Vaike, we're going to Plegia," Lissa whined. I think boredom is the least of our problems right about now...""We should count our blessings," Lyn said, her hands clasped in her lap. "Mother Earth and Father Sky have kept us all in one piece so far, so we should at least be thankful for that.""Who now?""Do you not worship them here?""Er... Most Ylisseans worship Naga, actually. Then you got the Plegians and their Fell God, Grima." Vaike snorted boorishly. "Fell Devil, more like..."His gaze fell on the silent swordsman. "Say, Lon'qu! What do they worship up in Regna Ferox?""Strength, mostly. Nothing more, nothing less.""Hah! If that's all there is to it, I could be a god myself over there!"For the first time since joining the Shepherds, Lon'qu did the unthinkable and cracked a smile. Lissa nearly did a double-take at the sight. "... Heh. I doubt it.""What's that supposed to mean?!" Vaike challenged. Looking to Lyn for support, he asked, "Lyn, remember when we squared off in the arena? Tell me I didn't put up one hell of a fight!""You didn't," she said bluntly. "You tried to fling your axe at me and hit poor Kellam instead."Lissa clasped a hand over her mouth, giggling as his face went red, and Lon'qu merely shook his head. "Bah... just you wait, next time'll be different! I bet I could take you both blindfolded!""Sure, Vaike." Lyn laughed. "Whatever you say..."Deep within the desert sands of Plegia, there lay a single Grimleal stronghold hidden among the dunes. Most of the Grimleal preferred to congregate in the underbelly of the castle, but several liked to use this as a second base of operations. Whatever travelers unfortunate enough to stumble upon the cave never returned, and the Grimleal were typically powerful enough to subdue any intruders.That is, of course, until now.A dark mage cried out in pain as the handle of an axe met their jaw. Any attempt to flee was cut short by the blade lodging itself in his back. Two more mages showed up and blasted the intruder with magic, but he deflected the attacks by swinging his axe in a circle. He charged them, burying the weapon in one's shoulder before tackling the other unarmed. Several punches and kicks were delivered before the mage's head was slammed against the cavern wall."Where is he?!""What... who...?"He received a kick to the ribs for his troubles. His assailant grabbed him by the hair and forced them to look him in the eye. The man standing above him looked somewhat feminine, with long light blonde hair trailing past his shoulders. His robes were white with silver armor attached, but the dark mage was more concerned about the blue Mark of the Exalt on the chest. "You... you're a priest of Naga!""That's right," he answered menacingly, standing above him. He reached behind him and grabbed a staff from his back. "If you know what I am, you know why I'm here." The staff lit up, and he pointed it at his throat. "Where is he, you Grimleal wretch?!""I... I don't know what you're talking about!""Halt! Who goes there?!"The blonde priest looked up to see three more Grimleal: two mages and an axe wielder. Dark magic was hurled in his direction, but he reached his hand forward and let loose a blast of his own. The entire room was illuminated as the golden light left his fingertips, wrapping around the mages like ribbons and binding their limbs to their bodies."L-light magic?! No…" The downed mage shook his head, his eyes widening. "That can't be right! Nobody uses light magic anymore!""What devil sorcery is this?!" the axeman cried. He charged forward with a guttural war cry. "You must be purged, heathen!"More light magic flew from the priest's hand, causing the axeman to hiss as it made contact with his skin. "N... no! It burns! IT BURNS!"He fell to the ground alongside his mage cohorts, writhing in agony. Eventually they stopped moving altogether, leaving the priest alone with the original dark mage. The dark mage attempted to scramble to his feet only to be held in place by a harsh boot to the sternum."I will ask you one last time, Spawn of Grima," the monk spat, venom in his voice. "Where is Lucas?""I… I dunno…!""You lie!"Pressure was applied to his chest, making it all the more difficult for him to breathe. "I… I'm just a watchman! I just watch things!""More of your Grimleal deception!" The priest removed his foot from his chest only to grab him by the collar with both hands. "Think: brown hair, Ylissean missionary, boy of about nineteen or so. Ring any bells?""N-no more," the mage sobbed, tears rolling down his cheeks. "Please… I… I'll tell you all I know, alright?""Then do it. Now.""Okay, but… y-you're not gonna like it." He shuddered. "Master Grima… he d-demands tribute… some of the men, they seized a boy matching your description… but it's probably too late…and… and I hear the King went after the Exalt too!"The priest's eyes widened in realization, his grip loosening. "Lady Emmeryn's been kidnapped too...?"The mage took the opportunity to lash out, kicking him in the stomach. The priest reacted in time to catch his leg the second time, bringing his elbow down onto his attacker's knee."Agh!""Enough of this foolishness," he said. He stood over the mage and brought the blade of his axe to his throat. "Tell me where they were taken at once!""Y-you're crazy!" the mage yelled, clutching his knee in agony. "There's no way you'd make it to Paralcya all on your own! You'll be killed!""The capital... of course.""J-Just give up! I hear King Gangrel's keeping her hostage in his castle, and your little heretic friend is probably already dead! You are too late!"The axe was brought down immediately, relieving the Grimleal of his duty. The priest stood up and looked around, and as he took note of the bloodied corpses that littered the cave, he felt hollow. It was bad enough that his fellow Naganian brother was likely already dead, but now that the Exalt was in the hands of Plegia..."I am sorry, Lucas," he whispered, bowing his head. "I may be too late to save you, but I can still save her."Making sure that there were no Grimleal witnesses left, he took his leave of the macabre cavern.There was still much to do.Within the dark confines of her cell, Emmeryn sighed inwardly and lifted her arms. On either side of her stood a Plegian woman with measuring tape. She still had no idea what Gangrel planned on making her wear, and she didn't want to know. All she knew was that nothing good could come out of his wicked agenda.The Mad King himself stood at the other end of the cell, folding his arms with an almost gleeful expression. "Oh, chin up, Princess! It's not every day that you get to attend a Plegian ball, and as the guest of honor to boot!"She kept a stiff upper lip, even as one of the ladies measured around her chest area. "I want no part of this insanity.""Don't be such a party pooper! There's going to be cake and music and live entertainment and everything!""We differ on what is 'entertainment', Gangrel."Gangrel rolled his eyes. "Sheesh. Were you always this much of a downer, or was it only after all your friends died that you became such a sourpuss?""Don't you dare mention them," Emmeryn snapped, shooting him a dark gaze. "They were good people, and the Hierarch was too!"Her eyes fell to the floor. "... Yet you killed them all in cold blood.""... Remind you of anyone?" Gangrel asked, tilting his head and staring at her pointedly."The past is the past!" Emmeryn argued. "My father made some horrible decisions, and not a day goes by where I don't wish they hadn't happened! I tried so hard to right his wrongs, but you never let me in, Gangrel!""More lies from daddy's little girl!""This isn't the way to peace!""IT'S THE ONLY WAY!" Gangrel roared back. There was a wild, raging fire in his eyes, and the two other women took the opportunity to quietly excuse themselves as he approached Emmeryn. "What is peace, Emmeryn? Is it sitting around licking your wounds as your enemy spits out platitude after platitude? Is it wanting to make nice with the same people who butchered your people and ruined countless families? Is it? Is it really? Please, do tell me; I'm dying to know!""Gangrel - ""You don't know the first damn thing about how the world works!" Gangrel looked her up and down spitefully. "... But I guess you wouldn't have to, what with your cushy upbringing.""You think it was easy being forced into the role of leader before age ten?" Emmeryn challenged, growing ever bold. "My father left not one, but two broken nations in his wake, both of them wanting my head. I did the best I could with the High Council's guidance, but it was never enough for some Ylisseans. I... I still have the scar from where one of them hurled a stone at me. But you know what? I forgave him, because it was the right thing to do. When hatred is flung in your direction... sometimes a warm hand is needed over cold steel.""Really?" Gangrel laughed humorlessly. "A warm hand? Is that what those Feroxi bastards gave us during the Crusade?""I..." Emmeryn paused, cringing. She knew exactly where this was going. "... No.""Exactly. We're not talking about Valm here, little Exalt. Regna Ferox must have gotten wind of your father's actions at some point or another, yet they did nothing to stop him. They didn't even have the stones to send forth some worthless platitudes in the mail! No; they sat back and watched as Chronos butchered my people. They're just as guilty here.""Gangrel..."Emmeryn bit her lip. She wished to say something — anything — in defense of her northern allies, but... he was right. Gangrel was absolutely right. Regna Ferox had always been known for being more isolationist, and a young Emmeryn had secretly hoped that they would make an exception and talk some sense into her father. Yet... they didn't. It was as Gangrel said; they'd done nothing."Bah," Gangrel said, throwing his hands up. "No matter. Once I'm done with you Ylissean worms, I'll simply have to set my sights on another... beefier target."Emmeryn gasped. "Gangrel, you wouldn't... You mean to destroy them too?!""Not destroy, my dear. Assimilate," Gangrel clarified, his wicked smirk returning. "With both Khans dead and their heads mounted on my wall, their Feroxi underlings will be forced to join my army. From there… heh." Gangrel looked off into the corner, a smile playing on his dry lips. His once infuriated eyes pooled with an unreadable emotion. "Then we'll be able to stop him once and for all.""What are you talking about?" Emmeryn asked. "Who is this 'him'?""Don't worry your stupid little head over it, Blondie. You'll be long dead by the time he comes knocking. Just have fun in the meantime, yeah? Enjoy yourself! Live a little! Laugh a lot! I hear laughter's the best medicine, after all; especially when in such a pathetic predicament like yours. Dahahahaha!"Gangrel left the room, allowing the two servant women from before to reenter. A guard stood at either side of the cell door with stone faces and lances in hand. Even as the ladies continued to measure her and apologized profusely, it did little to ease Emmeryn's mind. Targeting Ylisse was to be expected, but she hadn't stopped to consider that Gangrel might still be bitter over Ferox's inaction. All she could do now was pray to Naga for a miracle.
Naga... Please see Chrom and Lissa through these dark days... Even if I must die so they can live and prosper, so be it.
The blazing sun shone brilliantly in the sky as the Shepherds finally reached the Ylissean-Plegian border, where fertile soil met desert sand. Even in the relative comfort of the wagons, many of the soldiers could feel themselves growing hotter and in need of refreshments. It was already midday when Chrom, to everyone's relief, called for a lunch break. Shepherd and Feroxi warrior alike began to mingle, with Vaike even challenging some to a sparring match.Out in the sun, Flavia shielded her face from the sun and tapped her foot impatiently, staring off into the distance. "Blasted oaf… Where could he be?""Something the matter, Flavia?" Chrom asked, walking over with Lyn and Lon'qu close behind him."Basilio. He said that he and the rest of his men would meet us around here. I swear, that had better not have been a load of bull—""Ho, Shepherds!"The sound of galloping horses filled the air. Basilio rode up to the group accompanied by about twenty similarly burly men on horseback. On his own horse rode a diminutive pink-haired girl in protective brown robes. Lyn recognized her almost immediately and gave her a smile. "Olivia? Is that you? What a pleasant surprise!""Oh! H-hello, Lyn," she said with a nod.Basilio let out a hearty laugh. "Well this is a pleasant surprise. Always nice to see my little girl making new friends.""Wait, what?""B-Basilio!" Olivia blushed and gave him a dirty look. "I... I'm not a little girl anymore... Oh, this is so embarrassing..."Her face continued to redden as she looked upon the crowd of unfamiliar faces. She spotted Lon'qu standing near Lyn and made eye contact. He nodded and, for a very brief moment, smiled in her direction. Fortunately for both of them, the crowd began to splinter off into various factions. As Chrom and Flavia caught Basilio up to speed, Olivia made her way over to Lyn's group. "N-nice to see you again, Lyn! I never thought I'd see you here… with so many people…""Likewise!""Huh? Lyn, you know this beauty?" Vaike asked, flexing. Somewhere in the background, Lissa fumed. "How come you never introduced me?"Lyn rolled her eyes. "Vaike, she just got here... In any case, Olivia's the one who first found me laying in the snow all those nights ago. Were it not for her kindness, I might not be standing with you now.""It w-was nothing," Olivia said, attempting to be modest as she fidgeted with her hands. "Anyone in their right mind would have stepped in to help..."Virion had been watching the group from a distance, and it was now that he decided to make a good first impression. He approached Olivia and offered her a rose out of nowhere. "Hold, O beauteous one! We have only just met and yet I find myself utterly captivated by your sheer beauty! The kindness you've shown our dearest Lyn must be repaid in full!"Lon'qu stepped forward and unsheathed his blade. In a split second, the rose was cut in two, and his blade returned to its scabbard before the head hit the ground. "No funny business.""Oh, Lon'qu!" Olivia pouted and leaned forward to pick up the rose, giving it a smell. She looked up at a suddenly very nervous Virion and smiled, even as the blood began to rush to her face. "Um... d-don't mind him. I thought the gesture was v-very sweet, Mister...""Virion," he finished. "Virion will do just fine, my dear.""You gotta be kidding me!" Vaike cried."Hmph." Lon'qu folded his arms, watching the duo with hawk eyes. "Tell me about it..."The Shepherds and Feroxi troops began eating and chatting amongst themselves, welcoming the ever-shy Olivia into their ranks with open arms and – in Virion's case – an invitation to dance. While there was no dance to be had, it seemed as though Lyn and Olivia were striking up another conversation just like they had in Ferox, with Lon'qu occasionally nodding in silence. Before long, Robin and Virion had joined them.Under the shade of a tree, Cordelia watched them with folded arms. Neither Robin nor Lyn seemed to be doing anything particularly suspicious, and the most disconcerting thing about Virion was his shameless attempts at wooing the new girl in their midst."This is ridiculous," she said. "I should just tell Frederick to - ""Tell Frederick to what?"Cordelia nearly leapt out of her skin as the cheery sound of Sumia's voice filled her ears from behind. She whirled around to face the junior pegasus knight, looking slightly miffed. "Sumia! Don't do that!""Heehee… I'm sorry," Sumia said. In her hand she held a sandwich that was thankfully devoid of sand. "You hungry? The castle staff and I made plenty for everyone.""No thank you," Cordelia declined, shaking her head. "I'm afraid I'm not very – "Grumble.Sumia raised an eyebrow as her friend's face flushed. "I… Well, if you insist...""Just take it!"Cordelia graciously accepted the sandwich and nodded, taking a delicious bite of ham and cheese. She waited until she was finished chewing and swallowing before speaking again. "Thank you, Sumia. I'm not sure what we would do without you.""You mean it?" Her eyes lit up, as did her cheeks. "Thanks, Cordy!""Y-you're welcome…"Sumia leaned against the tree and folded her arms. "A lot's on your mind right now, huh?""What do you mean?"She sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit. Cordelia followed her gaze as she looked over at the rest of their allies with a strangely somber smile. "I just… I dunno. It just seems like so much has happened so fast. Finding Robin, meeting Lyn, losing Phila… and now Lady Emmeryn's been kidnapped. It's a lot to process.""... Indeed." Cordelia stared at the gravel at her feet. "If only I'd been stronger, I could have – ""You stop that."She looked back at her friend, stunned at the sudden firmness of her voice. "Sumia…?""We've been over this, Cordelia. It… it wasn't your fault." Sumia shut her eyes. "What happened to Phila was a terrible tragedy, but we can't change the past. Only the future. I… I'm gonna miss her too, but she wouldn't want us to sit around and mope, y'know?"She stood up straight, her voice unwavering. "She… she would want us to be brave, and strong, and… and to rescue the Exalt no matter what! So that's what we have to do."For a long time, Cordelia said nothing. Then, a giggle. Then a multitude of giggles."What? What's so funny?!""It's just… you've come such a long way from the shy farmhand I met three years ago," Cordelia said. She cleared her throat, recomposing herself. "Now you're all confident and a full-fledged flier in your own right… Phila would be proud.""Oh, stop." Sumia blushed, averting her eyes. "I'm not confident, or coordinated, or even the least bit strong... I'm not like you.""But you are! You're all that and more! You might not be graceful on your feet, but you sure know your way around a pegasus. You managed to tame and befriend your own in only a few months' time. I don't even want to admit how long it took me to find a suitable mount…""You don't have to lie to make me feel better, you know…""I'm not lying," Cordelia insisted, "and you are confident.""... How?""Did you not just hear yourself speak? That was one rousing little speech if I do say so myself!""You think so? I was just emulating one of my novel protagonists...""Well, I think it takes guts to go from a farmhand to a pegasus knight. Not just anyone can fly, you know?""Hee hee... I know," Sumia said, giggling. "Thanks, Cordy...""You're welcome.""... Hey, Cordy?""Yes?""I was just gonna check up on Chrom. Wanna come with?""Me? No," Cordelia denied, shaking her head. "No, no, no. You go on ahead; I'll keep an eye out for any enemies.""Huh?" Sumia tilted her head a bit. "But we're at the border, and we've got Feroxi in all four corners – ""Don't worry about me," she said, her voice straining ever so slightly. "Just… have a good time, okay?""Okay!"Sumia walked away with an innocent smile, leaving her alone to think. It was a good thing she'd forgotten about Cordelia's mention of Frederick; that was not a conversation she wanted to have right now.Especially not with how close the knight in question was to Chrom right now…"I… I can't let myself get distracted right now." Cordelia shook her head. "Maybe after the war is over and the Exalt is safe… maybe then I can tell him, but not a moment sooner. I have to remain vigilant no matter what."Her eyes panned back to Robin and Lyn, the latter of whom appeared to be dragging the former away from one of the tables. Everyone else seemed too enthralled in their conversations to notice, but now Cordelia was curious.This is crazy, she chastised herself internally. I'm sure they're just going to discuss tactics or swordplay or… something."Still… maybe just a peak.""Alright, alright, I'm here," Robin said, grinning as Lyn led him underneath a large tree. "Now what?""You were burning up over there. I could see it." Lyn noted. She passed him a waterskin from her bag. "Did I ever mention how I found you to begin with?""Passed out in an open field?""Yup." She nodded, lips pursed. "Classic heatstroke. Sacaeans are used to soaking up sunlight, but you… your face was like a crab!""Gee," Robin mumbled, rubbing his cheek. "No kidding. Was the sun really as bad out there as it is here?""Not normally, but being out there on a hot day would wear down even the most hardy of people. Especially with such baggy garments like yours...""Mm…""... Speaking of," Lyn said, "whatever happened to your old green cloak?""Beg pardon?""Your cloak was green in Elibe." She pointed directly at his coat, taking in the gold accents and purple highlights. "This one's considerably more… ornate.""I woke up wearing this one," Robin admitted, chuckling nervously. "Trust me, Frederick was just as critical of it.""Oh! But it looks good on you," Lyn blurted. She immediately tried to take back her words upon seeing his face. "I mean, not that your old cloak didn't look good on you – I think anything would, really…""Ah…" Robin coughed into his fist, looking away from her. "Well, uh… th-thank you, Lyn. You look rather nice too…"The pair fell silent, suddenly running out of things to say. Their eyes met again only for Robin to shift his gaze to a particularly uninteresting rock instead.Behind a nearby wagon, Cordelia nearly swooned. She couldn't be sure if it was due to their behavior or the heat, but the scene seemed to play out like one of those romance novels she and Sumia were so fond of."Focus, Cordelia," she whispered, leaning out covertly to get a better listen."Still… this robe is rather strange," Lyn said, her eyes traversing Robin's form once more. "And what did that Plegian prisoner call you before? A… Grimmie?"Robin sighed in defeat. "He means a Grimleal.""But that can't be!" Lyn argued, her hands on her hips. "I've known you for the better part of two years! I knew you before we ended up in this world! How could you possibly be one of them? I simply don't believe it.""I… I don't know, Lyn," Robin said, wringing his hands together. The very points she was making now reminded him of his earlier thoughts. It was logically sound, but one question in particular still tugged at his heartstrings. "I don't think I'm a Grimleal, and I certainly don't agree with their motives, but… what if I am Plegian?""I thought you were born in Elibe?""That should be the case, but they don't know that and I have no proof. No memories, remember? All I have to my name is this strange coat of supposed Plegian origin…"Lyn rubbed her temples in frustration. "None of this makes sense… but even if you were Plegian, what difference would that make? A person isn't defined by where they're from; only by what's in their heart. It's their actions that make them who they are, not their country.""I couldn't agree more, Lyn, but tensions are high among Ylisseans and Plegians," Robin said with a glum visage. The sadness in his eyes was almost unbearable to her. "The Shepherds have been good to me so far, but… but what if I really am Plegian? They wouldn't accept me anymore… Chrom might, but even then — ""They would," Lyn asserted. She looked into his eyes and grasped his hands, giving them a firm squeeze. "I know they would. They've placed their faith in you — their lives in your hands — just as I did all that time ago. Just as all of our friends did.""Huh?""I may not have known the Shepherds for as long as you have, but they couldn't possibly be so quick to turn on you. And even if they did by some cruel twist of fate, I'd be there to defend you in a heartbeat. Just like back on the plains." Lyn beamed. "So please don't worry, okay?""I…" He returned the squeeze, running his thumbs over her battle-hardened fingers. Robin forced himself to make eye contact, even with blazing cheeks. "... Thank you, Lyn. Truly. You give me strength.""Y-you're welcome..." Now it was Lyn's turn to blush. Every fiber of her being was screaming at her to just give in; to make her intentions known then and there. Indeed, it even seemed that Robin was leaning forward ever so slightly to meet her halfway. Lyn closed her eyes and did the same, her heart threatening to leap out of her throat at any moment —"Robin? Lyn? We're leaving!"The pair immediately separated at the sound of Lissa's voice, feeling strangely unfulfilled and, in Lyn's case, just a tiny bit annoyed. Robin pocketed his hands as they headed back to the caravan, with Lyn walking beside him in silence.
What... what just happened?
"There you two are!" Lissa called, waving as Stahl and Kellam tried to cram as many bags as possible into the trunk. Sure enough, it was time to move again. Lissa had been kind enough to save Robin and Lyn some seats, cramming poor Ricken between herself and Maribelle for good measure. Mercifully, no one had anything to say about Robin and Lyn's little moment. Lyn kicked herself internally for being so hesitant, but she resolved to make her intentions clear when the two could truly be alone with zero interruptions.
Maybe we should just focus on saving the Exalt first...
With any luck, the Shepherds would be able to cross the Border Sands and reach the outskirts of Threed before sundown.It would be quite the bumpy ride.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The Ylissean caravan continued to brave the Border Sands of Plegia as the horses marched forward, the humble little village of Threed only an hour or so away. Sumia and Cordelia took to the skies above, with Chrom accompanying the former. The rest rode either on horseback or in the wagons themselves. The sun was merciless in its assault, and Stahl occasionally complained about the heat as he and Kellam led the caravan.In one of the centermost wagons, Vasto sighed and clasped his hands together. The familiar heat of his homeland did little to comfort him as chains bound his wrists and ankles together. He got a glimpse at two of the Shepherds sitting across from him, a farmer boy with a pot on his head and a pointy-eared girl in a brown cloak. The girl held up a bright blue gemstone — a dragonstone, allegedly — as the boy marveled at its beauty. On either side of Vasto himself sat a couple of familiar red-headed rogues, the former giving him the side-eye with his hands in his pockets as the latter cooled herself with a paper fan."So let me get this right," Vasto said, breaking the silence. "You're forced to carry that stone around so you don't go batshit and kill us all?""Yep!" Nowi spun the dragonstone in question on her finger. "Pretty cool, huh?""Nowi! Don't talk to the prisoner." Donnel gave the older man a shifty look from his seat, a hand on his spear at all times. "He nearly burned down Ylisstol, remember?""Stuff it, pothead.""You stuff it!" Nowi clung to Donnel like an overprotective mother and shot a harsh violet gaze at Vasto. Anna suppressed a giggle as the boy in question glanced back and forth with pink cheeks, nestled uncomfortably in the crook of Nowi's neck. "Donny's a good boy unlike somebody I know.""Right..." Vasto tilted his head until he heard a satisfying crack. He then turned his attention to the rogues sitting next to him. "And what about these two here? The self-proclaimed Queen of Thieves and her sticky-fingered boy toy are in cahoots with the Ylisseans now? What is this world comin' to?""Don't call me that." Gaius grimaced as he examined a lollipop. "Honestly I'm just as surprised as you, bub. One moment, the two of us are helpin' some guys bust into the castle. The next? … Well, let's just say our employers left out a couple of details, heh. We figured it best to bounce, but not before grabbing a few things on our way out...""Ha. Typical thief. You're like mice! Always willing to take, but never willing to dish out damage."Anna giggled maliciously and crossed her legs, holding a finger to her chin as she smirked. "Oh, I'm more than willing to dish out damage, honey. It just so happens that our interests lie with these guys now, not yours. We don't kill unless we have to, capisce?""Tch." Vasto rolled his eyes. "Freakin' unbelievable. So much for that Valdimort or whatever, eh? And here I thought the Grimleal were actually supposed to be scary. What a crock of shit.""Woah, woah, wait!" Nowi exclaimed. "Weren't you working with those creeps to try and kidnap me?""Gangrel's orders, kid; nothin' personal. I hate those crazy bastards as much as the next guy, and I think he does too, but I was promised a bonus if I brought both you and the Fire Emblem back.""And now you get nothing," Anna replied cheerfully, "and you lost the freedom you already had to boot. Life is funny sometimes, isn't it?"Vasto merely smirked in response.
We'll see who gets the last laugh...
Far above the caravan, Sumia and Chrom rode on the former's pegasus, affectionately named Belfire. Sumia wiped the sweat from her brow as they flew in relative silence. She knew that Plegia was typically hotter than Ylisse, but now that Chrom had his arms wrapped around her around her waist for support, she couldn't be sure if it was just the sun making her feel this way...
Keep it together, Sumia. It's just standard passenger protocol. You've done this with Phila and Cordelia lots of times...
Still, her fellow fliers failed to have the same impact on her that he did.Chrom, largely quiet up until now, struggled to make conversation in an attempt to take his mind off of the heat... and their close proximity. "It's… uh, pretty hot out here, isn't it?"
Well, so much for that...
"Y-yeah… How are you holding up back there, Chrom?""I'm fine…" Despite the journey thus far, Sumia had somehow managed to keep her hair smelling fresh and fragrant. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the scent almost reminded him of home. A soft, pleasant aroma that made him more relaxed.... Too relaxed.Not good. I need to keep this conversation moving..."Chrom? ... Are you sure you're alright?""Uh..."
Chrom, you fool... Say something! Anything!
"I was just thinking about how far you've come," he blurted.Sumia looked over her shoulder at him, her big brown eyes slightly wider than normal. "... Huh?""A-as a soldier, I mean," Chrom corrected himself. He backed up a bit, even as he held onto her so he wouldn't fall. "A soldier and a flier, that is. You haven't been with the Shepherds that long as a combatant, yet you've already become a formidable ally in your own right. I'm surprised that Belfire here's warmed up to you so quickly."Sumia let out a tiny giggle. "Hee hee... Well, I suppose I've always loved animals."Suddenly, her face grew serious. "Except for cows. Cows just annoy me.""What? What did cows ever do to you?""I just can't stand when they go 'Moooo', you know?" Sumia said, doing her best impression of a cow. Belfire whinnied in seeming agreement.Any semblance of maintaining composure fell through when Chrom broke into a fit of laughter. Sumia soon joined him, giggling at both herself and his response. "But... b-but Sumia, that's just what cows do.""I know, but it always drive me nuts! Especially since the time I..." She bit her tongue. "N-never mind.""What?""No, you'll laugh at me!""I won't," Chrom said, pulling himself together. "I promise."Sumia continued to hold her tongue for a few seconds, mulling over the potential consequences, before giving in with a sigh. "Okay, okay... Well, when I was a little girl, I lived on a farm. Ma and Pa had me help out daily. You know, feeding chickens, milking cows — that sorta thing. But... well, I've always been clumsy, and..."Sumia took a deep breath before continuing, speaking faster than she ever had before. "One time I tripped and fell into a cow pie! The end!"For a moment, Chrom only blinked in silence. Sumia was now staring straight ahead, her cheeks on fire, and she didn't even need to look at him as he made his response clear. "Pfft... Pfftch...""Ugh, you see?!" Sumia threw her hands up in frustration. "I knew you'd laugh...""Who... pfft... Who's laughing?" Chrom asked, doing his best not to smile. "It... heh. It's really no big deal, Sumia. These things can happen to anyone. I'm sure Donnel's had his fair share of farmland horror stories..."Despite his words, Sumia continued to flush as she held the reins once more. "So embarrassing... You know, I've never told anyone that story before. Not even Cordy."Chrom's humorous demeanor quickly disappeared as he took note of how despondent she sounded. It was true that Sumia had always been a bit clumsy in the three years he'd known her. He remembered how Sumia originally wanted to be a knight, only to find that the large suits of armor were far too heavy for her to not fall over in. She tried her hand at being a cleric for a while, with Lissa as her mentor, but that didn't quite pan out either..."Mm... Sumia, if you don't mind my asking...""Yes?""Why did you want to join the Shepherds, anyhow? I'm not saying I don't appreciate your company — far from it — but I am rather curious."Sumia stared ahead wistfully, taking in the beauty of the golden sands below. "I always wanted to leave the farm and make myself useful to society, but Ma and Pa wouldn't have any of it. I still love them with all my heart, but they're just so old-fashioned... They insisted that I stay at home and stop reading all those books that fell off wagons and 'learn how to be a good wife', whatever that means.""Personally, though," she added, "I think they just didn't want me to leave them. Lots of Ylissean families were damaged during the Crusade, but we were some of the lucky ones. I can't even tell you how relieved I am that Pa never had to join the Army..."Chrom felt a pit form in his stomach. Sumia and the others rarely spoke of it, but they were right; his own father, despite any "good intentions" he might've had, ruined countless families across Ylisse up to and including some of their own. And that wasn't even getting into what he did to Plegia..."Oh!" Sumia blurted, having noticed his silence. "Chrom, I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pin the blame on you or anything. I didn't even mean to... Oh, Sumia, why do you always do this...?""... No. You're right," Chrom said with confidence. "If not for my father, countless families would probably be better off today. He ruined Plegia and Ylisse alike, and I don't want to pretend he didn't.""Chrom...""Please don't apologize, Sumia. It's not your fault that things turned out like this. The past is the past, and all we can do is work towards a better future and prevent something like the Crusade from ever happening again. Emmeryn understood this, but Gangrel..."He glared into the distance, his words like venom. "That madman... the day he understands peace is the day death grants it to him. And when that day comes... perhaps I must serve as death's agent."Sumia blinked in silence. With how compassionate Chrom was with the other Shepherds, she'd nearly forgotten that he had the heart of a warrior. Still, it wasn't as if he had no right to be angry given the circumstances. "W-well, no matter what happens... I'll always be here for you, Chrom. A-and so will the others!""Heh... Thanks, Sumia. And... I'm sorry you had to see me like that." Chrom's face burned as he reflected on his behavior, desperate for a change of subject. "So, uh... You were telling me about how you joined the Shepherds?"Sumia hummed for a minute before finding her mental bookmark. "Mm... Ah! Now I remember. I packed up my things and left the house after I turned eighteen. I found the Shepherds not too long afterwards, and the rest is history.""Ah... I see. And you still contact your parents every now and then?"She turned to give him a warm smile of reassurance. "Yup! I still send them money whenever I can. The occasional letter, too. They're still not thrilled about my life choices, but at least they acknowledge I'm an adult.""Well, I think they should be proud of you." Chrom smiled. "Not just anyone can say that they saved a prince from certain doom in Regna Ferox."Sumia blushed. "Oh, stop… I'm sure Cordelia or Phila would have done the same if they were there…"He noticed the sudden somberness in her voice as she trailed off, and his own heart sank at the mention of the late squadron leader. He'd never really been that close to her, but Emmeryn always spoke fondly of Phila and her dedication. The other Shepherds would always nod in respect when they saw her, and if Chrom didn't know any better, he'd have said he spotted Frederick looking in her direction once or twice too…"I'm sure they would've, but they weren't there; you were. You don't have to compare yourself to them, Sumia. You're perfect just the way you are."Sumia's heart nearly did a flip at those last words.
Did Chrom just...?
"Uh... Did I say something wrong? If I did, I apologize — ""Hee hee... No, silly," Sumia said as she shook her head, blushing. "Not at all..."Flying not too far behind them, Cordelia sighed and watched them from a distance as the village of Threed grew closer and closer. Her pegasus whinnied, and she reached over to stroke her mane. "There, there, Aurora...""What?!" a Plegian man cried. "But you said this was enough last week!""Yeah, and I'm sayin' it ain't enough now!" a Grimleal enforcer in fur skins yelled, axe at the ready. "You know the rules. Master Grima demands tribute! Food, gold, anything you've got! He demands sustenance! Order! Respect!""B-But we'll starve…"The small town of Threed lied along the road to Paralcya, various shops and homes lining the streets. The harsh Border Sands began to recede around here, but the town still received very little attention, allowing many Plegians to settle down in relative peace and tranquility. Still, this was just one of many Plegian villages under the thumb of the Grimleal. With Gangrel too preoccupied to answer the cries of Plegians not living in the capital, Threed was an easy target for them. The villagers stood in line, many of them carrying baskets filled with various crops and whatever gold they had. Several children clung to their parents in fear as a spindly man stepped forward to address the crowd."Rest assured, my brother, no one shall suffer on this day," a black-clad cleric said in a calm, composed voice. "For even if you pass on, you shall rise again and live anew. Master Grima's blessing of immortality smiles upon all of His followers…""Immortality? You mean those purple-skinned husks shamblin' around?" an old woman in the line asked. "That's not life! That's a fate worse than death!"The cleric turned towards her. Despite his smile, his words possessed a sense of aggression as he lifted his hands above his head. "Not at all, my dear! Why, we have one of our own here with us today to show you the truth of Master Grima's ways!"Two dark mages walked over, guiding a withered old man in traditional Grimleal robes. His once pale face was now a ghastly purple, his eyes glowed red, and he seemed to moan and groan with every sluggish step he was forced to take. Black fluid dripped from the corners of his decrepit mouth as some of the villagers cried out in shock."By the gods!""What is that?!""Could it be...?!""Indeed it is. Poor Chalard here was brutally murdered by those heretic vigilantes to the east. They cut out his heart and sacrificed it in the name of their false god, Naga! It was only through Our Lord's blessings that he stands before you today, my dear brothers and sisters. Now you see the truth of the matter; Naga takes, while Master Grima gives. But for every gift he bestows, he demands something in return!""This is insane," a young man said, shaking his head as he stared at them. "That man's a walking corpse! I've heard the rumors, but this... This is madness!"The cleric's smile disappeared, and several Grimleal enforcers took a step forward with various weapons at the ready. The young man promptly took a step backwards, as did the old woman and several other nearby villagers. Never before in Threed had someone held the courage to stand up to them. The Grimleal had been cordial before, even while extorting the citizens, but they were more than willing to make an example out of him if the need arose.And arose it had."... Very well," the cleric said. "We've tried playing nice with you creatures, but it seems there are some heathens among you yet! Seize him, men! He must be cleansed!""Aaah!""Hey! What the hell's going on here?!"The Grimleal cleric turned to his right. Near the village entrance stood a sizable amount of Feroxi soldiers on horseback, some Ylisseans among them. The wagons they hauled had come to a stop as a red-haired cavalier shielded her eyes from the sun and squinted forward. Two pegasi flew above the caravan, one lowering to reveal a blue-haired prince in silver armor. "What is it, Sully?""We've got Grimleal, Chrom!""Chrom?" one of the villagers asked."It's the Ylisseans!" someone else cried, fear in their voice."No! Not now! Everybody hide!"As the crowd dispersed in a panic, many of the villagers dragging their children into their homes, the Grimleal set their sickly sights on the Shepherds instead. As far as they were concerned, Grima could still forgive their own countrymen yet; there was no hope for their eastern neighbors.Chrom hopped off Sumia's pegasus and approached Robin. Behind them, the other Shepherds and their Feroxi allies were already preparing themselves. "Our orders, Robin?"He surveyed the area. From where they were standing, there was little cover and the Grimleal had already formed a line of slowly approaching soldiers. Trying to run past them was a fool's game, but if they managed to press forward and cover each other..."Panne and Nowi transform and catch them off guard," Robin answered with confidence. He made eye contact with them both and they shared a nod. "While they're distracted, our ranged fighters pick at them from afar, and the rest of us move ahead and hold the line. Gregor, I want you and Kellam to keep an eye on Vasto."As the two departed, Robin turned to Basilio and Flavia. "Can I count on some of your men to defend the caravan?""Yeah." Basilio nodded. He turned to his group of twenty or so men. "You heard the boy! Keep those goons away from our wagons, and take Olivia with you too!""Wh-what?" Olivia spoke up, wringing her hands together as she shrunk further within her cloak. "B-but I can help — ""No. These lunatics are far too dangerous for you to handle, and we don't have time to argue. Now get going! We'll take it from here."Olivia's violet eyes looked around at the crowd of warriors, then back at the Grimleal who loomed in the distance. Their very existence shook her to the core, and she turned to Lon'qu for support. He locked eyes with her and gave her a curt nod; one that told her she had no hope of changing anyone's mind, let alone Basilio's. With a sigh, Olivia bowed her head and followed most of the Feroxi troops to the caravan. A few of them stayed behind, getting into position with their bows.Virion, Miriel, and Ricken steeled themselves for battle, with Lissa and Maribelle lending their support. Robin armed himself with a Fire tome before ordering Sumia and Cordelia to hover above the village with and assault the Grimleal from the air with their javelins. Lyn grabbed the silver bow from her back and nocked an arrow effortlessly, glaring down the Grimleal from afar."Geh-heh-heh!" a Grimleal trooper yelled, his axe in his hands. "You ready to die, Shepherds?""Not today, bub!" Vaike yelled.The rest of the Grimleal began to advance, and Robin held a flame-coated hand out. "Now!"Panne and Nowi leapt into the air and transformed, taking their monstrous taguel and manakete forms respectively. Both let out a powerful roar, causing some of the Grimleal to recoil from the sight and sound. Robin and the others released their attacks at once and assaulted them with a barrage of arrows and magic, some of their enemies collapsing as a result.The battle was on."Men!" the Grimleal cleric yelled, cowering behind some of them towards the center of the village. "Stamp out those heretics! They must be brought to heel!"With Falchion in his hands, Chrom led the other Shepherds into battle with a war cry. Lyn and Robin rushed forward on either side of him as Stahl and Sully rode ahead, spearing and trampling some of the Grimleal. Nowi swooped down and caught an enemy in her jaws, sinking her teeth into his flesh, before shaking him around like a ragdoll. Panne, meanwhile, curled into a ball and rammed into a mage before viciously clawing and kicking at another."Hyaah!" Vaike flung his hand axe forward, clinging onto its chain. When the blade lodged itself in a rival axeman's chest, Vaike yanked him forward with both hands before knocking him to the ground with a shoulder charge. "Oh, yeah! Now it's Vaike time!"He was quickly brought to reality by a mage blasting him in his side with dark magic. "Argh! Damnit!""Be careful, Vaike!" Lissa cried."It... gah..." He clutched his side with one hand, still holding onto his axe with the other as he glared at the dark mage before him. Noticing Lissa's concern, he shrugged off the injury and took an aggressive stance. "Is that all you got, punk?!""The heart of a warrior," his adversary said in a faint, almost ghostly voice. "Master Grima will be most pleased...""Your master's got nothin' on Teach! Now come on; class is in session!"Robin grunted as he flung fireballs left and right, striking several Grimleal soldiers. Lyn and Lon'qu struck down anyone still standing, and he couldn't be more grateful as he struggled to catch his breath. He jumped as a ball of thunder landed near his feet, the jolts of electricity tingling in the air. A dark mage with an equally dark smile stepped forward, and Robin felt both mind and body heat up as he conjured another fireball from his tome and hurled it at him. The Grimleal mage simply sent forth a blade of wind that cut through the attack and crashed into Robin. The force rattled him and sent surges of pain through him as he struggled to keep his footing. Robin nearly readied a counterattack before a second wind blade sent him to the ground."Ow!" Robin uttered through grit teeth, desperately trying to pull himself back to his feet. "D-damnit..."The Grimleal mage stepped forward with a chuckle as lightning crackled in his hand. "You ready to fry, little man?""Hey!" a familiar voice yelled, getting their attention. The mage had barely looked up from Robin when an arrow pierced his throat. He gasped and rasped before yanking the arrow out, an act that only hasted his demise as he sank to the ground with both hands pressed to his heavily bleeding wound.Robin looked up and saw Lyn, still clutching her silver bow. There was an alarming amount of blood on her armored coat, some having even gotten on her forehead, but she looked more angry than anything else. She ran forward and shot a few more arrows at any approaching Grimleal before helping him back to his feet with a considerably softer expression. "You okay?"He nodded, taken aback. "Y-yeah, thanks... What about you?""I'll be fine. Stay close to me, Robin. Don't cast another spell unless you absolutely have to.""But… I can still…""No." Lyn's face grew firm once more. "That's an order.""I thought I was the one giving the orders around here…""And you won't be able to if you're dead, right?""I...""Then please…" Lyn's voice took on a more compassionate tone as she looked into his eyes. "Let me be your peerless warrior. Just for a little while longer…""But — ""Oi, lovebirds! Twelve o'clock!" Sully called.The pair looked ahead and saw a couple of brutes rushing at them with axes in hand. Lyn turned to Robin and briefly resumed eye contact before nodding. She charged ahead, brandishing her blades as Robin followed behind her. With her words still fresh in his mind, Robin drew his bronze sword from his cloak and crouched as one of the axemen targeted him. He rolled off to the right and evaded an overhead swing before plunging the sword into his ribs. The axeman howled in agony as Robin took the opportunity to hack at him several more times, wincing each time blade struck bone. He soon crumpled to the ground in a bloody heap as Lyn finished off his partner by slashing his throat.The brutality stunned Robin, but he couldn't deny that her swordplay was equally as graceful. She practically danced around her enemies before striking them down without even the slightest hesitation, and at some points she moved so fast she almost seemed to disappear altogether. Soon enough, though, she returned to his side and wiped the blood from her face with a small grin. To anyone else, she might have looked war-crazed or perhaps even bloodthirsty.To Robin?She was beautiful.The Shepherds had largely succeeded in pushing the Grimleal back, allowing them to move further into the village. Many concerned citizens watched the battle from their windows, shielding their children from the carnage as the Grimleal continued to lose both ground and numbers. Sully and Stahl worked in tandem with Panne to lead the others forward, but a particularly brave mage launched a lightning bolt at them from afar."Shit!" Sully cried, clutching her shoulder."Language!" Frederick yelled, motioning for Maribelle to ride forward and heal her as Stahl and Panne took down the mage."Impossible!" the Grimleal cleric cried, looking about frantically as the Shepherds drew closer, leaving the bloody corpses of his brethren in their wake. He turned to the walking corpse at his side. "This is an outrage! Chalard, you dullard! Do something!"The undead sorcerer shambled forward and muttered some words under his ragged breath. Dark, wispy fog spewed from his mouth and fingertips as he held his hands forward. The stench was enough to make several Shepherds and Feroxi retch, but the effect it had on the fallen Grimleal was far more macabre. Dead, dismembered bodies began to rise from the ground, eager to fight once more."What the hell…?" Flavia's eyes widened at the sight. "... So these are Risen, eh?""Who cares what they are?!" Basilio shot back. "Just kill 'em!""But how?!" a Feroxi archer asked."The head, ya ninny!" Sully yelled, readying her spear. "Go for the head!"Robin and the other mages torched some of the Risen from afar as they lurched forward like a purple wave of death. Any Risen that got too close to them was sliced apart courtesy of Lyn and the other combatants."Haah!" Lyn crouched, hand on her hilts, before dashing forward with both Kattis at the ready. The blades passed through the Risen's neck with relative ease, and the head fell to the ground with a sickening schlorch before the rest of the body soon followed. Lyn's eyes narrowed as she noted how the body seemed to dissolve into the same dark mist from before. The sight and smell was... revolting, but these creatures were not entirely unlike the morphs she and her old army had faced.Good, she thought. They'll die all the same."Nnghh!" Chrom was knocked back by a crushing blow from a Risen axeman. Despite possessing only one arm, the undead enemy was unparalleled in its inhuman strength. He'd managed to block the first hit only to be caught off guard by a harsh boot to the stomach. Were it not for his armor, he might've lost a few ribs then and there. Sumia noticed this and hurled a javelin at his attacker from above. The spear lodged itself in the Risen's back, sending it to its hands and knees with a low growl before Chrom lopped its head off with one downward slash. He turned back to Sumia and gave her a thumbs up before moving on to the next.Basilio hoisted a Risen off of the ground by its waist and fell backwards, slamming it into the earth. As the Risen attempted to push itself up, its skull was crushed underneath Flavia's boot.The once vocal Grimleal cleric could only back away from the scene with large, terrified eyes. The Risen were no longer as crafty as they'd been in life and were dropping like flies as a result. Even Chalard, with his supposed enhanced powers, was mere minutes away from being devoured by the very manakete he was tasked with capturing when he was alive. The cleric chanted some foul words and readied a spell aimed at Nowi only to find himself short of breath with a spear protruding from his chest."Wha — ?!"Donnel himself could hardly believe what he'd just done. He knew that it would happen eventually, but never before did he think that he would even encounter a member of the Grimleal, let alone sneak up on and impale one. The priest coughed and gurgled, even as Donnel withdrew his weapon, and he turned to look at the boy with dull empty eyes. "Y… y-youuu…!"The priest held out a red hand, almost as if reaching to him, before collapsing backwards with a final groan. Donnel dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, clutching his stomach as the bile rose in his throat. "I… Oh, gosh!""Donnel's injured!" Lissa yelled from a distance. Maribelle heard this and immediately rode towards him with her staff in hand. Ricken rode behind her, using one hand to stagger Risen with wind magic as his other arm wrapped around her for support.With the death of the cleric and second deaths of the Risen, Chalard's husk was the last enemy still standing. Even through his unnatural state between life and death, his objective was crystal clear. Master Grima demanded Divine Dragon blood, and it was up to him to deliver."You… I remember you!" Nowi asserted, her voice echoing due to her current form. Whatever fear she might've held towards him in the past was dead and gone. "You're gonna pay for trying to kidnap me, you stupid creep!"Chalard's dark magic was no match for the manakete as her fiery dragon breath targeted him and him alone. It burned through the darkness and enveloped his entire body in blue flames. He lifted a decrepit arm only for it to fall off and when the flames dispersed, Nowi pinned him to the ground with scaly feet."Raargh!"She lunged her head downward until Chalard's head was in her maw. Clenching down with her fangs, she yanked it off in one clean motion, tossing it aside. The rest of Chalard's body dissipated into purple dust, scattering in the wind. Nowi herself turned back to normal and wiped the bitter taste from her mouth before noticing a downed Donnel nearby and gasping. "Donny!"As she raced over to his side, Chrom and Robin looked over at the town. This once quiet settlement now had blood and scorch marks strewn all about, even as the Risen bodies began to dissipate into familiar purple dust."Is… is that all of them?"They turned to see a few Plegian civilians leave their homes, staring around in astonishment. More joined soon until there was an entire crowd of villagers gaping at the battered Shepherds and Feroxi warriors."I..." Chrom paused, unsure of what to say. Even with their heroism, it was all too certain the Shepherds would never be welcome in such a place again. And how exactly was one supposed to address these people who were already wary of them in the first place? 'Sorry for making a mess of your peaceful town, it won't happen again,'?Look," he said at last, "we're really sorry about this. I assure you that starting a fight here was not what we had in mind. We just wanted to pass through here peacefully. We'll gladly pay for the damages as you see fit — ""You killed those Grimleal bastards!" the old woman from before cheered."Huh?""They've been hounding us for months now," a young woman said, stroking her child's head. "Siphoning more and more of our money and gold, and all in the name of their dark god. Why, they're no better than brigands, the lot of 'em!""... You're not mad at us?" Robin asked weakly."This place is a mess," the same young man from before admitted, "but if it weren't for you all, they might've made a bigger mess of me. Loathe as I am to admit it... you saved me. Saved all of us, even."A few more villagers voiced their agreement as many of them gazed at the Shepherds in genuine gratitude and amazement."Yeah!""That's right!""Damn right! Woohoo!""To be saved by a bunch of Ylisseans," an older man mused, shaking his head. "Such an ironic twist of fate..."Chrom grimaced, again at a loss for words. Thankfully, nothing more needed to be said. The Plegian civilians began to cheer save for a few still unimpressed members. Chrom, Robin, and Lyn looked at each other and the other Shepherds in utter confusion. Tensions were high between Ylisse and Plegia, so the last thing they'd been expecting was a hero's welcome."Wait a minute," Lissa said a little louder than she should have. "I thought all Plegians were Grimleal?"Some of the civilians took considerable offense."Good heavens, no!" a woman refuted. "Plenty of us are, but not like those nutcases! People usually support the Grimleal out of fear. If we smile and wave, they won't snatch us up in the middle of the night, see? But lately some groups of Grimleal have been taking advantage of even the people that support them. You think they'd ease up on their countrymen, but I guess Plegian solidarity means nothing to them.""It doesn't help that Gangrel's more or less abandoned us," an older woman said. Several others nodded in agreement. "All he cares about is that shiny castle of his up in the capital. All of us countryside Plegians don't mean shit to him. He just lets the Grimleal do whatever they want here. He'd never let them ruin his precious Paralcya, though, I tell you what!""... I see." Chrom narrowed his eyes in contempt for the corrupt king. "We're sorry to hear that. In any case, we're also still sorry about the mess. We'd love to stay and chat, but I'm afraid — ""The Exalt needs your help, right?" an elderly woman finished his statement. "It's quite alright. We heard about what that Valmese bounty hunter he hired did. Killed those poor pegasus knights and snatched up Lady Emmeryn near the Feroxi border like it was nothing."Cordelia flinched as Basilio and Flavia said nothing, glaring at the ground. Frederick stared at Cordelia before shifting his gaze to an equally uncomfortable Virion, but remained silent as well."Still, it'll get dark out pretty soon. The Grimleal prowl the sands at night, making it unsafe to set out camp outside of established Plegian territory. Please stay the night."Chrom and several others were visibly taken aback by the statement. These Plegians, who'd likely known suffering better than anyone in the wake of the Crusade, were extending a friendly hand? Just like that? Had they been influenced by Emmeryn's constant years of striving for peace? Was this a sign that Gangrel was wrong the whole time?Frederick pulled Chrom aside, whispering harshly into his ear once they were far enough away. "I don't like this, milord. How can we possibly trust these people?""Peace, Fredrick. I highly doubt that these villagers have any ill intent. We just saved them, after all.""And you don't think they might be lying in wait like a snake, waiting to bite at just the right opportunity? Milord, I implore you to reconsider — ""No." Chrom put his foot down. He never liked being stern with a companion — that was usually Frederick's job — but he had to draw the line somewhere. "It'll be dark before long, and I've heard tales of Grimleal preying upon travelers in the night. There are many of us to be sure, but I just don't feel comfortable taking that risk. Especially since there are younger ones among us…"He turned his gaze towards Lissa and Maribelle who were doing their best to comfort a kneeling Donnel. Nowi and Ricken watched from the side, clearly troubled as the former pat him on the back.Frederick watched as Chrom walked back up to the crowd with an amicable smile. "Well, I suppose I can't refuse such hospitality, now can I?""Then you'll stay?""If you're willing to have us. As thanks, we'll have our healers look over any sick or wounded you might have."The villagers cheered again. A few of them left, shaking their heads in apparent disagreement, but the rest welcomed the Shepherds and their Feroxi companions with welcome arms, even offering to help them set up camp or cook for them. By evening, everyone had found themselves situated in relative comfort, mirthfully swapping food and tales with the local Plegians.For a time, all was as it should have been."How you holding up, Sully?" Kellam asked, handing her a moist towel."I'm fine, tin man." Sully nodded in thanks and smirked, wiping her forehead. "It'll take more than a couple a' shitty Grimleal to keep me down.""Frederick!" Lissa gasped and pointed at her. "Sully said a bad word!"Several of the Shepherds snickered as he felt his cheeks heat up. Lyn joined some of the others around a campfire where Gregor told a spooky story from his childhood. Some of the Plegian villagers joined them as well. Sitting next to Gregor was Miriel, continuing to jot things down in her notebook. Basilio sat nearby with a frothy mug in either hand, an arm wrapped around either Lon'qu or Olivia, and a jovial grin on his face. Flavia, meanwhile, kept Virion from sitting too close to the trio.Things seemed to be going well enough, but Lyn frowned as she looked into the blazing flames. The Grimleal they faced here weren't nearly as challenging as Validar's men, but she saw how Robin was beginning to lose steam in the skirmish. He'd shown more promise with magic than she ever had, but everyone had their limits. Beginners were no exception.
Maybe I'll have to practice swordplay with him sometime...
She found herself blushing at the thought.Meanwhile, in a nearby tent, Lissa and Maribelle were busy tending to some of the injuries sustained in battle."Ow, ow, ow!""Vaike, stop being such a baby!""I ain't bein' a baby!" he retorted from his cot as Lissa applied some bandages to his torso. "Ouch, hey! That's tender!""Then be more careful and I won't have to patch you up next time!""It ain't my fault. Those damn mages pack a punch...""Don't fight mages in the first place, dummy!" Lissa admonished with a pout. "If even our smartest mages have a hard time fighting them, what makes you think you wouldn't?""Hmph." He folded his arms and muttered under his breath, "Well excuse me, princess...""What was that?""N-nothin'!"As Robin slept on another cot with his hands folded, Maribelle ran a glowing staff over his forehead and smiled. She decided that he'd had enough and moved her attention to the boy on the next cot over. Donnel hadn't been wounded, but he was still a bit queasy from killing that Grimleal priest before. Maribelle couldn't say she blamed him; she'd never taken a life before, and he was even younger than she. It was true that Donnel joined the Shepherds of his own volition, but this was still a harsh reality no one truly wanted him to face.Nowi sat by his side, squeezing his hand as she consoled him in uncharacteristic silence."That should do." Maribelle nodded. "It was very brave of you to come to Nowi's rescue, Donnel, but you really must be more careful. Another brute could have accosted you from behind while you were vomiting.""Yeah… sorry, ma'am," Donnel said, scratching his head. His face was still pale from the events of the day. "I just… I dunno…""It's quite alright, darling. I've never taken a life either, so I couldn't possibly imagine the trauma that comes with it."Her smile dissipated when she reached the fourth and final patient in her midst. "As for you, Ricken...""Heh..." Ricken paused to clear his throat before addressing her in a deeper voice. "Uh... how you doin'?""Don't you use that boorish line on me, young man! Casting magic without a tome in the middle of a battle... What were you thinking?! You of all people should know how dangerous that is!""Hey, you needed some cover fire! Er... wind, in this case. I just wanted to keep you safe, Maribelle..."Ricken's voice carried a certain tenderness to it that she hadn't been expecting. She found her cheeks grow warm as she shook her head, golden curls swaying back and forth. "Oh, Ricken... What am I going to do with you?""You should marry him!" Nowi suggested cheerfully."WHAT?!"Vaike and Lissa shared a laugh as Maribelle's entire head reddened like a tomato. Ricken blushed as well and hid his face behind his hat. Donnel snickered in his hand, not wanting to wake a nearby Robin. Nowi went on, completely oblivious to the embarrassment she'd just caused. "Yeah! I can see it now! I mean, you two already fight like an old married couple!""We do nothing of the sort!""Bahaha! That's hilarious!" Lissa chimed in. "Ricken and Maribelle, sitting in a — ""St-stop that!" Maribelle snapped, her ears still hot. "R-right this instant!""Yeah!" Ricken agreed."Hee hee!" Nowi giggled before turning to Vaike and Lissa. "You know, you guys kinda fight like an old married couple too! And I know a thing or two about being old!"Vaike and Lissa shared a glance before bursting out into more laughter. Robin stirred in his sleep as Vaike guffawed. "Har har har! Like that'll ever happen! Could you even imagine?""Us? M-married?" Lissa snorted. "Pfft...!"As his friends continued to converse next to him, Robin snoozed peacefully. In his dreams, he found himself in a faraway land free of Gangrel or the Grimleal's influence. It was all a bit hazy, but if he squinted hard enough, he could see a few familiar figures in the distance. Two soldiers in red and green armor, a girl with lilac hair, a brown-haired man with a bow...And Lyn.She smiled at him, and he smiled right back.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"... Hey.""... Hey, you. Are you alright?""Ngh… my head…"
Robin groaned from his bedroll, shaggy brown hair resting over his eyes. He let out another tiny groan as he felt a warm hand swipe the strands out of his face, and soon his eyes fluttered open to see a girl probably no older than himself staring down at him. "There you are. I see you're awake now."
He looked up at her, the blurriness in his vision fading. The girl above him wore a soft, kindhearted expression on her face. Her long green hair was tied up in a high ponytail, and she wore a simple blue dress unlike anything he'd ever seen before. Most noteworthy of all were her eyes that matched her hair perfectly, and they seemed to sparkle as she addressed him once more. "You're safe now. Can you tell me your name?"
"Urgh…" Still a little groggy, he did his best to remember as he sat upright. "Uh… Robin. I think…""Robin? Like… the bird? What an odd name…"
He looked up at her with a raised eyebrow. She immediately realized her mistake, the blood rushing to her face. "Ah! Don't mind me… I think it's a good name, actually."
The girl cleared her throat before suddenly offering him a hand. "My name is Lyn. Lyn of the Lorca."
Robin took her hand into his own, a small smile gracing his lips.
"Thank you, Lyn. It's nice to meet you."
Robin jolted up from his cot, sweat running down his back. He was still fully clothed as he glanced around the medical tent, and he spotted his other tentmates sleeping just as peacefully as he once had: Donnel snoozed with an equally dormant Nowi curled up on his chest, Ricken's face was obscured by his hat as his tiny chest rose and fell, and Vaike somehow managed not to wake them even while snoring like a wild boar.Robin's thoughts drifted back to his own slumber as he rubbed his temples in contemplation. Those dreams of his… both of them involved Lyn, but the last was far more vivid. Indeed, he was sure of it; he'd dreamt his first encounter with Lyn!"I remembered something," he whispered, an innocent smile growing on his face all the while. "I remembered something! This is fantastic! Oh, I have to tell Lyn right away!"He practically bolted from his cot and out of the tent only to be faced with the cold of night. Any trace of the day's celebration had vanished as most of the other Shepherds had retired for the night. The moon still illuminated the streets of Threed, but the town was otherwise fast asleep."How long did I sleep, anyhow…?"Wide awake, Robin resolved to take a midnight stroll to help ease him back into slumber's warm embrace. He was still unfamiliar with the town, but seeing how the Shepherds' tents were more or less situated in the middle of Threed, getting back wouldn't be an issue. He just had to avoid the alleyways and hope that any citizen he came across would be grateful enough to not stab him."... I'd better bring my sword. Just in case…"Chrom had never been much of a night owl, but tonight was different. Despite being in good company all around, there was still much that weighed on his mind. Could they really bring Emmeryn back home safely? And what about Gangrel? He'd surely have to be dealt with at some point or another, and the Mad King was labeled such for a reason.He sighed and rested his chin on his hand as he sat on a bench. Gangrel aside, there was also the threat of the Grimleal. Trying to revive Grima was a fool's game, and there was no shortage of fools among them to be sure, but his father had always said that even a broken clock is right twice a day.Chrom detached the Fire Emblem from his shoulder and held it in his hands. Only one gemstone, Argent as the Ylisseans often called it, rested in one of the emblem's five slots. Chrom often wondered what might happen if all five stones were to be reunited. The Fire Emblem was a tool of good, wasn't it? Then why did Gangrel and his Grimleal underlings want it so badly?
Unless they intend to…?!
"Chrom?"He nearly leapt out of his skin only to relax upon seeing his friend. "Don't sneak up on me like that, Robin! I thought you were an enemy!""Frederick's patrolling the area with a few of the others." Robin waved his hand in an almost dismissive manner. "If there were any Grimleal skulking about, we'd know. Nothing gets by Frederick.""Heh. I suppose not." Chrom gestured to the free space at his side. "Come, sit."Robin took his seat next to him and clasped his hands together, staring at the floor. "So… Nice night, isn't it?""There's no need for small talk, Robin. Just tell me what's on your mind."He turned back to look at him in complete shock. "What? What are you talking about?""Robin, you've been in our ranks for quite some time now," Chrom said, grinning. "You're a better conversationalist than you give yourself credit for, but you rarely go out of your way to strike up a conversation unless you're giving orders or discussing strategy."A lump formed in Robin's throat. Had he truly been that easy to read. "Ah, w-well… I suppose I've never truly been that talkative without need. Lyn can certainly attest to that…""I'm sure she can. You know, I think Frederick's still skeptical of her whole 'from another world' claim, but I believe her.""You do?"He nodded with confidence. "Yeah. Besides, she's a good companion and an even better fighter. She's never been anything but kind to us, so why should I suspect her of lying? Still, I am a little surprised that you were her strategist before mine. Guess that tactical experience had to come from somewhere though, right?""Heh. Right…""You still haven't told me what you wanted to talk about, you know," Chrom said. He smiled and nudged Robin with his elbow. "C'mon, spill it."Robin's throat suddenly felt dry. He averted his gaze and stared at the ground instead, twiddling his thumbs. "It's nothing… Really.""You know you can tell me anything, right?""It's stupid…""Robin, I've known Vaike for years now. I promise that nothing you say will ever top him in that regard."A small giggle left his throat against his will. Chrom always did have a habit of putting his friends and comrades-in-arms at ease, and now was no different. Feeling uplifted, Robin decided to throw caution to the wind for a change. "Okay, okay… Well, uhh...""Speak, Robin." Chrom gave him a sincere smile. "Please. I'd like to hear what's on your mind.""Have you ever… loved someone?"Chrom's eyes nearly popped out of his head, and he found his own face feeling exceedingly warm. That's what he wanted to ask? Robin, rising mage and tactician of the Shepherds?"I… Where's all of this coming from?!" he blurted."I… I don't know." Robin took a deep breath, closing his eyes as his hands fidgeted in the pockets of his coat. His thoughts drifted to their most recent battle with the Grimleal and how Lyn had taken it upon herself to defend him. He felt almost useless in comparison, and the urge to protect her couldn't leave his mind even if he wanted it to. "Do… do you think…?"Chrom looked over at him and rose an eyebrow. Robin noticed this and took another deep breath to recompose himself, cheeks aflame. "Chrom… Do you think love can bloom, even on a battlefield?""Yeah... I do," Chrom said with little hesitation. "I think at any time, any place, people can fall in love with each other.""Even soldiers?""Even soldiers." Chrom chuckled. "Heh. You know, I wouldn't be surprised if a few of our own soldiers were already halfway there."Now it was Robin's turn. He'd never stopped to consider it, but perhaps there was some truth to his words."You know," Chrom said, fastening the Fire Emblem to his shoulder once more, "there's no shame in taking things slow, Robin.""Eh?""Yeah. I mean, look at me for example." He gestured to himself for emphasis. "Things are tough on all of us right now, and the Shepherds look to me for leadership. I can't afford to let them down, and I can't let myself get distracted by things like romance for the time being."Chrom sighed and scratched his cheek. "Truthfully, even after this is all over, I'm still not sure I'll ever find the right girl for me…""I think you will," Robin said with a smile, brown eyes twinkling in the moonlight."And I think you've already found yours.""Huh?!""Robin, I'm not a smart man," Chrom admitted, placing a hand on his shoulder, "but I've seen the way you look at Lyn, and I've seen the way she looks at you. Call me crazy, but I think there might be something there.""But… but it's not right." Robin sighed, his heart sinking. "I just… I can't. Not now, at least. It's as you said — everyone looks to you for leadership, but everyone looks to me for tactics. I can't put their lives in jeopardy by only thinking of myself. It's not fair to them, or to you.""Robin…""A good tactician is supposed to keep their soldiers alive no matter what. Regardless of any personal feelings they may or may not have…""Mm…" Chrom closed his eyes in silent contemplation. He understood Robin's line of thinking all too well. People can't control when they fall in love, or even with whom, but they can choose when to act on it. And with the threat of Gangrel and Emmeryn's life still hanging in the balance… It was hard to disagree."Right. Well then." Robin stood up from the bench. "I think I've embarrassed myself enough for the time being. Good night, Chrom."Chrom grinned. "Heh… Good night, Robin. Get some rest; we leave at dawn.""I will… Oh, and Chrom?""Yes?""Please don't tell anyone about this," Robin begged, his face still full of color. "Especially not Lyn. Please. I don't think I could handle that kind of embarrassment right now…""Not to worry, friend. My lips are sealed."Robin departed, and Chrom retired to his own tent soon afterwards, but a familiar pigtailed menace giggled from behind a corner."Hee hee hee… Maribelle isn't gonna believe this!"It was nearly dawn when Frederick swung by Lyn's tent in the morning to wake her up. Lyn was quick to get dressed and pack up her belongings before taking down her tent and rolling it up. She assisted a few of the others before running into Robin, the tactician checking things off of his list as he made sure everything and everyone was accounted for."Stahl? Check. Sully? Check. Vasto..."He looked over and saw the Plegian prisoner being shoved into a wagon by Vaike and Gregor, who high-fived after all was said and done. "... Check."Robin was so enraptured in his work that he hadn't even noticed Lyn standing in front of him. She cleared her throat, causing him to jump before looking up at her. "Ah, Lyn! Good morning. I take it you're ready to go?""I sure am." She smiled in an almost wistful manner. "Part of me wishes we could stay longer, though... With the weather and the sand dunes ahead of this town, the entire country we've seen thus far almost reminds me of the Nabata...""The Nabata...?"Robin blinked. He was almost sure that she'd mentioned such a place before during her intensive recollection of their adventures, but he couldn't exactly remember...
Remember...!
"Oh, that's right!" Robin blurted a little too loudly, a grin growing on his face. "I wanted to tell you that I remembered something last night!""You did?!" Lyn matched his enthusiasm as she grabbed his hands and took them into her own. Green eyes brimmed with joy as she smiled right back at him, not noticing his oncoming blush. "Oh, Robin, that's wonderful! What did you remember?""I..." He bit his lip as she ran her thumbs across his knuckles. "I had two dreams last night... that I could recall, anyway. In the first one, I saw you standing with some people.""Who were they?""Uh... Let's see... There was a shorter girl with light purple hair..."Lyn smiled. "Florina!""And there was an archer, I think... Male, brown hair.""Wil. Definitely."Robin shut his eyes as he struggled to remember the other two figures. It took him a few moments before a spark finally crossed his mind. "... Ah! There were two other men in red and green armor—""Kent and Sain!" Lyn blurted again, her excitement growing with each mention of her old friends. When Robin glanced back at her in slight amusement, she cleared her throat and attempted to explain. "They were the first two we met on our journey together. Out of all of our friends barring Florina, I'd known them the longest."Lyn felt a pit form in her stomach as she recalled the last time she'd properly interacted with them. They'd been at her grandfather's funeral with some of the others, Kent in particular feeling as though he'd failed Lord Hausen. Now Lyn and Robin were both miles away from them, with no Caelin or Sacae or Elibe anywhere on the Shepherds' world map..."... Lyn?" Robin questioned, his voice soft."I... I'm sorry." Lyn blinked back a stray tear. She cursed herself for appearing so soft in front of him, but she couldn't deny that she missed their friends and home. Desperate to shift the focus back to Robin's own memories, she asked, "... Is there anything else you remembered last night?"He smiled again as he gazed into her eyes, brown meeting green. "You.""Me...? Robin, what—""In my second dream, I woke up in a strange hut," he admitted. "I was... exhausted, but you were right there next to me. I... I think you might've saved me, Lyn."Lyn felt her heart swell at the memory, the scene all too familiar to her. She'd been living alone on the plains of Sacae for about six months at that point when she'd come across a green-cloaked traveler sprawled out in the grass. Robin's hair had been considerably longer than it was now, and brown to boot, but what concerned her most of all was his tomato-red face. She carried the unconscious man to her tent and nursed him back to health, and from there..."Yes... Our first meeting," Lyn mused, a smile playing at her lips as the nostalgia set in. "I must admit, I hadn't planned on rescuing a stranger from heatstroke that day."Robin rubbed the back of his head, cheeks on fire. "Ehehe... Sorry about that.""No. I'm glad it happened.""... Me getting heatstroke?"Lyn chuckled and shook her head. "No, silly. Meeting you. Even if it wasn't under ideal circumstances... I'm still glad I met you to this day, Robin.""Lyn... I feel the same way."The silence hung in the air as they looked away from each other in an almost shy manner, smiling even as their faces reddened. Soon, however, Robin remembered that he still needed to help Chrom and a few of the others as they prepared themselves for the journey out of Threed. Lyn decided to help out wherever she could, and soon the Shepherds and their Feroxi companions were on the road again."I still don't see why we had to get up so early." Kellam yawned from his seat on the carriage as he rubbed his eyes. Beside him, Stahl took the reins. "The Exalt's important, make no mistake, but would a few more minutes have really changed anything if Gangrel can take the time to throw an entire party?""Heh. Sorry, buddy," Stahl apologized, "you know Frederick! 'The early bird gets the worm!'""But you are not birds," Panne said as she walked alongside them in her taguel form. "You are humans.""Haha! It's a human expression, Panne. I wouldn't be surprised if a few of them flew over your head from time to time.""Nothing flies over my head, man-spawn," she stated with pride. "My taguel reflexes are too fast and I would catch them.""... Right."Inside the wagon Stahl and Kellam drove, Robin was in for the most awkward ride of his life.… That he could remember, in any case.While Lyn rode with Lon'qu and Olivia in the wagon behind them, Robin found himself sitting next to a tea-sipping Virion and across from Lissa and Maribelle. Ricken had wedged himself between the tactician and archer, the wide brim of his hat doing very little to make the other two relax. Still, Robin was far more focused on how Lissa kept glancing at him.And giggling.Loudly.Robin cringed. He knew good and well that he wouldn't like the answer he received, but he just had to know. With a weary sigh, he gave in and asked, "What is it this time, Lissa? Is there a frog on my face?""Ha! You wish," she taunted with a wink. "I was just telling Maribelle here how close you and Lyn are.""I mean, I would hope so. It'd be far stranger if we weren't close after two whole years of traveling together. Not that I really remember most of it, though…""Hee hee…" Lissa smirked with half-lidded eyes. "Have you two kissed yet?"Virion grinned from behind his teacup, and Maribelle blushed a bit even as she bit her lip to refrain from smiling. Robin, on the other hand, could only gape at Lissa as his face went beet-red. Ricken mimicked Maribelle's reaction and covered his mouth with his hand as the older man struggled to respond. "Wha… I… I don't even… Huh?!""Hee hee hee!" Lissa nearly doubled over in her seat as she nudged her friend. "Y-you see what I mean, Maribelle? His face did the rubbery thing again!""Quite rubbery indeed, darling." Maribelle leaned forward, eyes glinting in an almost mischievous manner. "But more to the point… Have you two kissed yet, perchance?""What?! N-n-no!" Robin did his best to recompose himself, even as the Plegian heat and his companions' badgering took its toll on his psyche. "We're not… I haven't even… I mean…""Robin is simply taking things slow, as a gentleman should," Virion remarked, raising his teacup in his direction. "Courting a lady is no frivolous feat, after all."Robin eyed him up and down for a few seconds. "... Who are you and what have you done with the real Virion?""Rest assured, my friend, I am the real Virion. The only difference now is that I have found my one true love in the form of a magnificent pink-haired girl from Ferox."Lissa raised an eyebrow, her jaw dropping a bit. "You can't be serious, Virion. We've only known Olivia for like a day!""And yet," Virion said, a hand clasped to his chest, "it would appear that she has already stolen my heart."Maribelle rolled her eyes. "Well, I suppose it could be worse. You could be chasing after our dear Robin's bride-to-be, after all. We wouldn't want that, now would we?""N-now hold on!" Robin stuttered, his face on fire at this point. "Isn't it a bit soon to be talking about marriage? Or stolen hearts, for that matter?"Lissa ignored him and went on, pressing both hands to her similarly rosy cheeks as she sighed dreamily. "Oh, I can just see it now. Two longtime friends joined together at the altar, hand in hand as you say your vows... So cute!""Lissa...""And your kids! Oh, man, I bet you two would make some beautiful—""LISSA."Ricken burst into laughter at that, and Maribelle clutched her side with one hand as the other flew to her mouth to stifle a giggle. Lissa made no such effort to control herself, her laughing eventually culminating in a considerably unladylike snort. Even Virion let a snicker or two escape as Robin folded his arms and glared out the window in annoyance. It was going to be a long ride until the next stop...In the wagon behind them, Lyn stretched in her seat and yawned before addressing her quiet companions. "So, Lon'qu. Olivia. How did you two end up meeting Basilio?"The two shared a look, almost as if to ask who would answer the question, before Olivia finally relented. "Hee hee… It's kind of a long story.""We have a few days before reaching Fort Scaraba, don't we?""Er… W-well, yes, but…"She shuffled in her seat for a moment, violet eyes peering around the wagon. Besides a curious Lyn and an indifferent Lon'qu, their only other companion at the moment was a sleeping Gregor on Lyn's left. The older mercenary occasionally snored as his hands rested on his stomach, clasped together. Olivia smiled a bit; they'd met only a couple of times while Olivia stayed with Basilio, long before she purchased her own house, but she knew he wouldn't judge her even ifhe woke up in the middle of her story.Olivia took a deep breath before giving a bright-eyed Lyn a firm nod. "R-right. It all started about eight or so years ago..."
It was a cloudless evening in the kingdom of West Ferox. Olivia, a scrawny girl no older than thirteen, stood on a street corner dancing for what little coin she could. With no formal education, she'd learned by watching a red-haired dancer and imitating her movements. She was fine for a beginner, but she'd still hardly scrounged up enough coin to feed herself that day. Her tattered rags did little to protect her from the cold, but at least she still had her box in the alleyway…
Soon night fell and Olivia returned to her destitute alley. She longed for the day she'd be able to rise from the slums, but it seemed today just wasn't that day.
Or so she thought.
"Hey, pr-pretty lady," a man in his twenties slurred, stumbling forward. "Whatchu doin' out here? You're way too beautiful for this dump…""I… Um…" Olivia backed away, trembling. She had no idea what to say to such a statement, nor did she want to entertain him, but she had no means of defending herself. Two similarly wasted men appeared at the first's side, and all three reeked of alcohol and ill intentions.'Please just go away…'
The lecherous men took a few more steps forward, and Olivia finally lost her nerve as she squeaked out, "Th-that's far enough! All of you!"
"Aww... Don't be scared, little one," one of them cooed, grinning with arms outstretched. "We just want a hug..."
"HEY!" a loud voice boomed. Olivia and the men all jumped at the sound, and the lechers turned to see a tall burly man in warrior garb. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"Aw, shit! It's the Khan!"
"The Kh-Khan, eh? He don't look so tough!"
Olivia cowered, hands on her head as the three drunken men charged at the Khan. One of them pulled a dagger and lunged forward only to find his shoulder dislocated. The other two threw cumbersome punches as their accomplice went down with a cry of pain, but the Khan merely grabbed their heads and bashed them together with immense strength. He punched one of them in the stomach several times before throwing him at the other, and soon all three men fled the scene with their tails between their legs.
"And STAY OUT!" the Khan called after them, dusting his hands off. He turned to Olivia with a small grin, and it was then that she was able to take in his appearance. He looked even taller up close, with dark skin and no hair aside from his goatee. He appeared to be missing an eye if the black patch on his face was any indication, and Olivia shivered as he took a step forward with his hands raised in front of him. "Hey there. You're safe now, ya hear? Those men won't be back anytime soon."
He reached a hand forward, almost as if trying to get her to shake it, but Olivia scrambled backwards with a yelp and retreated to the comfort of her cardboard box. She held her knees to her chest as the tears sprang forth. She wanted to say something, anything, but she was far too shaken up by the encounter and the ensuing violence.
The Khan took a long look at the dank, dirty alleyway and sighed. "... This is no way for a child to live. You deserve better than this."
Olivia nodded behind closed flaps, but said nothing. She heard a sigh, then a few more footsteps towards her. She shivered and hugged her knees closer, almost whimpering at this point. "Well, I won't ask you to come with me if you don't want to, but... Here. It's the least I can do."
She heard more footsteps, indicating that he was walking away, and peeked her head out from her box to look at him. To her utter surprise, he'd left her an entire loaf of bread resting on a cloth. Olivia gazed over at him with large innocent eyes, and he faced her with a smile and a nod.
The tears started up as quickly as they stopped. "I... hic... Th-thank... you..."
The Khan nodded again and turned to leave, but was surprised when he felt a small hand tug at his own. He looked back and saw little Olivia clinging to him with one of her tiny hands, clutching the loaf of bread he'd given her with the other. Her violet eyes were moist as she whispered, "P-please... I don't wanna be alone anymore..."
He immediately understood and smiled in earnest. "... Then you don't have to be."
"... And there you have it," Olivia finished, bowing her head. She wiped away a stray tear that had escaped at some point during the tale. When she saw Lyn looking at her with large mournful eyes of her own, her face immediately became as pink as her hair. "St-stop staring!""I'm sorry, Olivia. I just… had no idea you've been through so much. I'm glad that Basilio took you in when he did." Lyn gave her a gentle smile before she turned her attention to the silent swordsman at Olivia's side. "And what about you, Lon'qu? Where do you come into play?""I took a boat from Chon'sin and ended up in Ferox. That's it.""But…" Lyn's brow furrowed. "Surely there must be more to the story—""There isn't."Olivia wrung her hands together in silence, nervously glancing over to her right where Lon'qu sat. He folded his arms and closed his eyes, all too intent on trying to forget. They both knew that there was indeed more to the story, but neither were willing to reopen the wound even years after the blow. Lyn picked up on their somber silence and joined them, no stranger to tragedy herself.No matter, Lyn told herself. She sighed and rested her head in her hands as she stared out the window, nothing but sand for miles. I'm sure he'll open up eventually...She jumped as Gregor let out a particularly loud snore next to her. In his sleep, he muttered something about a "pierogi", but the meaning of the word was lost on Lyn as he fell back into a deep slumber. Lyn sighed and glanced out the window once more before turning her attention to the Sol Katti at her side. She cradled it in her hands, marveling in the sight of the draconic red crossguard and green hilt of her blade. It was a far more flashy sword than the Mani Katti she started her journey with, but she treasured both all the same.Lon'qu looked over at the blade with a somewhat curious expression, but otherwise said nothing. Talk is cheap, Basilio had once said.
Actions speak for themselves.
A couple more days passed before the Shepherds and their Feroxi allies neared their penultimate destination. The decrepit stony fortress known as Scaraba stood on the horizon, its inhabitants blissfully unaware of the bloodshed that would follow."Chrom, are you sure about this?" Lissa peeked her head out of the wagon window to address him. "Is there really no other path to the capital…?""I'm afraid not, Sister," Chrom said, holding the reins on horseback. Robin sat beside him, using a pair of binoculars to spy on the fort in the distance. "Even if we tried sneaking around, we'd have men upon us in an instant. I don't like it either, but we have no choice. We need to get to the capital if we're to rescue Emm."Robin shut his eyes in regret. Part of him hoped that it wouldn't have to come to this, but he knew all too well that the Plegian soldiers within wouldn't just let them pass through without incident. "He's right, Lissa… we'll have to assault them head on. Have Sumia and Cordelia stop any messengers that try to fly off and send word to Gangrel.""And what if Gangrel catches wind of this?""If we stop anyone from leaving, he might not. At least not until we manage to save Emmeryn. Chrom, if you ride with Sumia, you should be able to get close enough to cut any of their wyverns down. I've seen Cordelia in action — she should be fine on her own. And Nowi... Heh. With her in the air, we may as well have already won.""Don't get cocky, kid," Basilio told him as he rode beside them. "The foot soldiers should be easy enough to deal with, but there's no tellin' how good their general might be."Robin nodded. "Right. Proceed with caution, everyone."A Plegian general stood atop the eastern wall of Fort Scaraba, arms folded behind her back. Even through her face-obscuring helmet, she could see the Shepherds' caravan approaching in the distance. Their numbers were far too large to be a Plegian caravan, even taking bodyguards into account. She wasn't the faintest bit surprised when a soldier sprinted up to her side, panting heavily."G-General Taka!" he stammered out, hands on his knees. "There's—""I know," came the frigid response. "Ready the men on the ground. It is time."The Shepherds finally arrived at the foot of the fort, not appreciating how… empty, and quiet it appeared to be. Its doors were firmly shut, and only a single Plegian atop a wyvern dared to greet them. She stood atop the saddle, arms folded behind her back in a strangely calm manner as she stared them down from behind her helmet. "The Ylisseans. And with them, Chronos's brat. How I've longed to meet you…"Everyone stood with their weapons at the ready. Chrom, riding on the back of Sumia's pegasus, gripped Falchion in one hand as he clung to Sumia with the other. "Here I am. I don't suppose you could allow us through peacefully?"Even he knew how foolish the question was."Did Chronos and his lackeys allow my brothers to surrender peacefully, that they could have escaped with their lives?" Taka questioned in an icy, impassionate voice. "What about my uncles? Or my father?"Chrom swallowed a lump in his throat. He was more used to explosive anger from the Plegians he'd fought, so this was an unsettling and unwelcome change of pace. "I… I am sorry, milady. Truly. But you must understand that my father's desires do not align with my own. I never wanted any of that to befall you, and neither did the current Exalt. She has always been a woman of peace, and we just want to bring her home safely."General Taka chuckled beneath her helmet and produced a spear from her back. "Foolish whelp. If your heart is truly set on rescuing your beloved Exalt, then you know what must be done.""Yes... I suppose I do.""Come!" she challenged, pointing her weapon forward. "Break your weapons against us!"A multitude of Plegian soldiers burst forth from the door as she charged forward on her wyvern. Basilio and Flavia led the ground forces as several Shepherds and Feroxi stayed behind to guard the caravan and its weaker inhabitants. Chrom held on for dear life as Sumia ordered her pegasus to dive out of the way of Taka's attack. Sumia and Taka's lances clashed several times afterwards, giving Chrom the occasional swipe at their shared adversary.The ground soldiers were strong, but uncoordinated. Fighters like Lyn and Lon'qu had no problem evading their attacks, even as a few dark mages launched fireballs at them from atop the castle. Vaike and Kellam took a few licks from a particularly crafty swordsman before he was knocked aside by a transformed Panne. The taguel rolled in a circle, kicking a few soldiers away as she spun on her back before getting up and pouncing on an unsuspecting archer. Several wyverns joined the fight from the air, with Cordelia and Nowi taking them head-on."Rargh!" Nowi's dragon fangs pierced one wyvern's throat, the beast emitting a horrid screech as it fell to the earth. Another wyvern flew at her from behind only to be struck in the side by one of Cordelia's many javelins. Nowi turned and blasted it out of the sky with her dragon breath before turning to Cordelia with a scaly grin. "Thanks!""Thank me by staying alive, Nowi!"As Flavia took on a rival swordsman, multiple soldiers cornered Gregor and Basilio. Gregor deftly disarmed one with his blade, and Basilio grabbed his axe and blocked an incoming hit from another. He shoved the axe forward, striking his assailant in the face with the handle, before bringing it down onto his shoulder with two hands. Gregor stabbed another soldier before withdrawing his blade and spinning, slicing him across the throat.Elsewhere, a cloaked Olivia nimbly sidestepped attack after attack, Lon'qu and Virion working in tandem to pick off her assailants. She caught a mage off guard when she pulled a dagger out of her cloak and stabbed him with it in an almost rhythmic manner.
One-two-three, one-two-three...
Virion spotted an enemy soldier behind her and launched an arrow at his throat without hesitation. An axeman lunged at him before Lon'qu rushed forward and sliced his arm off with a single stroke before running him through."Now!" Robin yelled, arm outstretched as he held an open Wind tome. He, Ricken, and Miriel stood in front of the caravan and combined their strength to create a powerful gust of wind magic. Any Plegian soldier that got too close found themselves being cut up and blown back by the attack."D-damnit!" a Plegian soldier cried as he saw another of his allies fall. "There's too many of them!""This is a nightmare! Where's the general when you need 'er?!"As the Plegians' ground forces continued to wane, Chrom grunted as their general's wyvern locked blades with Sumia once more. Sumia and her pegasus were both capable in their own right, but even he could see the fatigue beginning to set in. When Taka pushed forward, Chrom threw caution to the wind and leapt onto the enemy mount."Chrom!" Sumia cried out in shock.General Taka narrowed her eye at him, considerably unamused. "Well, you are a bold one."She raised her spear to block an incoming slash from Chrom, and her wyvern roared as it flapped its wings in a frantic attempt to stay in the air. The weight of the combatants combined with the stress of their fighting, in addition to its previous wounds, proved far too much for the beast as it began to spiral out of control. Chrom clung to the reins with one hand, slashing at Taka with the other, and soon the wyvern crashed atop one of Fort Scaraba's crumbling walls. The two were knocked to the floor by the impact, but both quickly leapt to their feet and stood opposite each other. The wyvern itself let out a whimper as it bled out."Impressive," Taka complimented. She held her lance before her and crouched, ready to pounce. "Like father like son, I suppose."Chrom's nostrils flared. "I am nothing like my father!""Oh, but you are. You have that same fiery look in your eye… It's a shame I couldn't be there to see his flame extinguished, but I suppose you'll do."She lunged forward like a mad viper, her spear deflecting off of Chrom's chest armor. Chrom steadied himself and managed to block the second strike with Falchion, his heart pounding in his chest. Taka was quick and powerful, and she had the range advantage to boot, but if he could block one of her attacks and strike her before she recovered...!Taka began to circle her prey in a slow, almost taunting manner. Chrom glanced over at his left shoulder and noticed the Fire Emblem perched like a pauldron. Emmeryn would probably scream at him later for it, but he knew what he had to do. He backed away and detached the Fire Emblem from his shoulder, clutching it in his left hand like a shield."Hahaha... You think that trinket will save you, whelp?""Why don't you come over here and find out?""Such youthful impudence... When I am done here," Taka said, "I will have three gifts for my king: the Fire Emblem, the Falchion, and your head."She leapt into the air with a fierce cry, spear in both hands as she prepared to bring it down on him. Chrom crouched, shielding as much of himself as he could behind the Fire Emblem. Literal sparks flew when metal hit metal, and the Fire Emblem made a gong-like sound as the spear bounced off of its surface without even leaving so much as a scratch."What the...?!"Chrom rushed forward with a yell, closing the distance between them and bashing Taka across the face with the emblem. The impact shattered part of her helmet, exposing the dark skin of her jaw, and he continued to slash at her with the Falchion as she was dazed. He grunted as her boot collided with his stomach, sending him reeling backwards, and Taka did a spinning attack that swept Chrom off of his feet. Taka jumped up again and nearly pierced his head with her blade before he rolled out of the way and back onto his feet.Taka let out a primal scream of rage as she swung at Chrom again and again, blade striking either his armor or the Fire Emblem itself. "Why... won't... you... just... die?!""If you surrender," Chrom explained between ragged pants, "we can spare you! The Exalt would want it that way.""YOU would spare ME?!" Taka barked. She threw her head back and howled with bitter, aggressive laughter. "You truly have your father's arrogance, boy! Now come! Join him in Hell!"She readied a final attack and prepared to charge before suddenly screaming in agony. A javelin had struck her leg from behind, forcing her to her knee as she dropped her spear. Chrom ran forward and snatched the weapon before hurling it far out of the injured Taka's reach."Chrom!" Cordelia called from above him, another javelin at the ready. "Are you alright?!""Yeah, I'm fine." He nodded, looking down at the rasping general at his feet. "... I'm sorry. I really didn't want it to come to this, but you forced my hand.""Heh… haah… y-you're sorry!?" Taka wheezed and coughed, thoroughly defeated. Cordelia landed her pegasus and rushed over to Chrom's side, clutching her lance and giving her a harsh glare. "That's… you're…"Against her protests, Chrom knelt down and pulled off the helmet, revealing an older woman with dark skin and short black hair. A deep scar in the shape of an X crossed her left eye, leaving it milky white. She looked up at the prince with pure contempt. "... You're a fool. There is no 'sorry' in war, boy. There is only justice… and injustice.""Do you really think Gangrel's fighting for peace? For a better world?" Chrom questioned, furrowing his brow."I do not think it. I know it." She coughed again, some blood landing on his armor. He didn't even flinch as she continued to talk. "Too many Plegians have gone soft… They do not have the same devotion to their home that we do… They're hardly Plegians at all.""... You're wrong. You don't have to be vengeful to be Plegian any more than you need to be kindhearted to be Ylissean. Not everyone is the same.""Heheh… I can't believe it. Thirty years in the Army and the last words I have to hear are meaningless platitudes from a prince with no life experience. Still... To die in battle, defending one's nation… There truly is no better pleasure in life," Taka rasped, a smile gracing her face for the first time in years. Chrom sat back, Cordelia resting a hand on his shoulder, as the fallen general drew her final breath. "Mustafa… dearest brother…give your son a kiss for me…"Her hand went limp, and she died with a satisfied grin. Chrom reached over silently and closed her eyes with his fingers. Cordelia looked down at him with sorrowful eyes, now clutching his shoulder. "Chrom…""How's everyone else?" he asked, trying to take his mind off of Taka's dying words."The fighting's stopped… a handful of enemy soldiers surrendered, but we don't know what to do with him."Chrom stood up, a pensive look on his face. "... Let me talk to them.""Yes, o-of course. I'll fly you down there...""And Cordelia?"She gulped, her face reddening the slightest bit. "Y-yes?"Chrom smiled at her. "... Thanks.""Y-you're welcome..."Near the center of Fort Scaraba, a group of five Plegian soldiers were brought before Robin and Chrom, arms bound behind their backs as they knelt on the ground. Two of them bore defiant looks, another two stared at the ground in silence, and the last of them wept."What do you propose we do now, Robin?" Chrom asked, folding his arms."I think you already know the answer, Ylissean," one of them snarked."Yeah. We know good and well what your old man did to all of his prisoners of war," another said, his voice far more weary and resigned. "Just be quick about it.""Oh, gods," the soldier to the far right whispered, hanging his head as he wept. "They're going to kill us... I'll never see them again. Oh, gods..."A reluctant Robin went over the possibilities in his head. The Shepherds had no plans to occupy this fort for very long, and they'd have to leave almost immediately if they were to reach the capital in time. Leaving a few soldiers behind to watch over them seemed somewhat risky, but taking them into their ranks could possibly slow them down. Vasto was one thing, but five prisoners?He closed his eyes and held his chin in his hand, deep in thought. There was certainly far more room for error in keeping them alive, but to outright execute them… and for doing their job, no less…"No," Robin said. "We… we can't kill them like this. Killing on the battlefield is one thing, but… they've already been beaten.""I agree, but then what should we do?"Robin shifted in place. "I… suppose we'll just have to make room for them in the caravan. Then, once Gangrel's dealt with and the war is over, we can release them. Does that sound okay?"The weeping prisoner looked up at them in astonishment, as did the two mute soldiers. All five of the soldiers stared at the duo quietly before one of them finally spoke up. "... What? You're not gonna kill us?""Of course not. We're not monsters, you know," Chrom said. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry about your friends. I would have spared them all if it wouldn't get us killed. I even tried to convince your general to stand down, but she...""General Taka..." one of the soldiers mused."... I'm sorry. I promise you'll all be able to see your friends and loved ones after the war's over. For now, though..."He gestured to Frederick and some of the other Shepherds, and they pulled the captured soldiers to their feet before hauling them away to some of the wagons. The two previously indignant soldiers stared at each other with large eyes as the two silents ones wore smiles on their faces. The last continued to weep, but wore a similarly joyous expression on his face as he did so.Chrom rested a hand on Robin's shoulder as they watched the prisoners leave. "You did the right thing, Robin. Killing a defenseless soldier — or five, for that matter — just doesn't seem right to me. I'm proud to call you my friend."Robin smiled and met his gaze. "And I'm proud to be yours."While Chrom and Robin were off discussing what to do with the surviving Plegian soldiers, several other Shepherds had gathered to marvel at the fort's interior."Look at the size of this place," Stahl said, whistling as he looked all around."My warren's dens were far more vast and complex than the likes of this fort," Panne remarked. In a gentler tone, she added, "Although I suppose it's rather impressive that humans constructed such a place at all…""No kiddin'. Where's the armory?" Sully barked, fire in her voice. "I bet there's all kinds of cool shit lyin' around in there.""Freddy Bear doesn't like that kind of talk," Gaius snarked as the knight in question passed by."I'll have you use my proper name, Gaius," Frederick snarled. "To be mocked by a petty thief... I'll still never understand why milord allowed you into our ranks to begin with.""Hey, you should thank me!""'Thank you'?""You're welcome!" Anna replied in her usual chipper voice. She and Gaius high-fived as Frederick sighed and shook his head, face resting in his palm.As the Shepherds continued to chat among themselves, several of the healers tended to some of the injuries sustained in the previous battle. In the west wing of the fort, a particular loudmouthed axeman was bragging about his accomplishments to his caretaker."See," Vaike said, "what'd I tell ya, Lissy? Ain't no Plegian soldier tough enough to take me — ""There's an arrow in your back!"Vaike turned his head to get a good look at himself and, sure enough, spotted the shaft of an arrow sticking out of his upper back. "That? Heh… That's nothin'. I don't even feel it!""Stay still," Lissa commanded, reaching a hand forward. "This'll only take a second."He immediately moved away from her, concern written all over his tanned face. "Uh, nah. I can take it from here…""Vaike! I'll patch you right back up!""I'll be fine!""No, you won't!""Yeah I will!"The two squabbled for quite some time, Lissa constantly stepping forward to try and grab the tail end of the arrow. Their arguing stopped only when she stumbled forward and fell into Vaike's arms. The two fell back on his cot, thankfully not pushing the arrow in deeper in the process, and an awkward silence fell upon them both as they realized that their faces were only inches apart, Vaike's hands resting on Lissa's waist."I… um…""Er… uh…""Hey, Lissa, I was just wondering if... you..."Both froze upon hearing Chrom's voice, and they looked up in shock as he entered the room. His words came to a stop as he was immediately unimpressed by what he witnessed.The redness of their faces did not help."Nothing happened!" Vaike yelled, shoving Lissa off of him. She landed on her rump with a squeak before glaring at him. Vaike turned his body so Chrom could see the root of the issue. "We were just talkin' about this arrow, see?""Uh-huh." Chrom wasn't convinced. Ordinarily he would have been concerned, but he knew all too well that a single arrow was no match for the Vaike. He turned a skeptical eye towards his little sister. "Lissa, when did this happen?""He took an arrow for me in the fight against Taka," she admitted. Lissa wrung her hands together and refused to meet Vaike's eye, cheeks still pink. "You really didn't have to do that, y'know… dummy.""'Course I did!" Vaike laughed. "What kind of pal would ol' Teach be if he let ya down?"Chrom chuckled and folded his arms. "Heh. In any case, thank you, Vaike. I suppose I might've been wrong in my assumptions after all."His smile faded. "But I still don't want you two here without Maribelle present, understand?""Of all the… C'mon, Chrom, do ya really think I'd be into someone like her?" Vaike asked incredulously, gesturing to an offended Lissa with a thumb. "I mean, she's no Sumia, or Cordelia, or even–AAUGH!"He looked back at Lissa, who looked incredibly smug as she waved the bloody arrow in front of his face."... Oww," Vaike rasped, a single tear slipping from his eye.Lissa giggled and discarded the arrow before fetching a healing staff. She glanced over at Chrom and said, "Thanks, Big Bro.""Anytime," Chrom said, nodding at Lissa with a smirk. "Just wanted to make sure you were both alright. What about the others?""Maribelle's already gotten to everyone else," she replied, healing Vaike's wound with her magic. "This guy here was just being stubborn, that's all.""Yeah, yeah...""Right. In any case, I want you two to come with me when you're done," Chrom said, leaning against the doorway. "Anna has something important she wants to say.""The merchant-thief lady? What's so important about her?""... She may be our ticket to saving Emm."Both Vaike and Lissa looked over at Chrom, and he looked back at them with a serious expression. "To be honest, I'm still not entirely in love with the plan to infiltrate Gangrel's castle during a ball of all things, but if he finds out about our presence..."Lissa nodded, her face uncharacteristically grim. "... Then he'll kill her.""Lissa...""No, Vaike, she's right. And if Anna's also right, we should be able to sneak in there and bust her out before he even finds out we made it to Paralcya.""So, er..." Vaike scratched his chin. "It's a masquerain party, right?""Masquerade, Vaike," Lissa corrected. "Perfect opportunity to disguise ourselves, right?""You're not going anywhere.""But Chrom—""No, Lissa." Chrom stood his ground. "Even if we're lucky and there's no fighting whatsoever, it's still far too dangerous. Anna said that her sister smuggled out a bunch of fancy get-ups from the capital and she's on the way, but we still need to decide who's going.""Count me out." Vaike threw his hands up and shook his head. "You know I'd do anythin' for the Exalt, but I'd stick out like a sore thumb at one of them fancy parties.""Duly noted.""Man... You'd have to be some kinda crazy to come up with this plan," Vaike said with a small laugh. "And crazier still to go through with it!""Desperate times call for desperate measures, Vaike. I just hope it's enough to get Emm to safety before Gangrel finds out...""Don't worry, Big Bro! If we all put our heads together, we can overcome anything!" Lissa cheered.Despite his innermost doubts, Chrom cracked a genuine smile. "Heh... Thanks, Sis."The sun was setting on the sandy horizons of Plegia. In a small remote area on the outskirts of Paralcya, far from the prying eyes of Gangrel's men, a young mage paced back and forth frantically outside his makeshift hut."This is most troublesome," he said, using a shaky hand to keep his glasses in place. "They should have returned an hour ago, and without our other companions… Oh, what to do, what to do…"The sound of flapping wings caused him to jump. He was more than a little relieved to see a familiar wyvern descending from its flight, its masked rider stroking its scaly head. Behind him, a girl with long blue hair caught the mage's eye and gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry to have kept you waiting, Laurent.""N-not a problem, Lucina," Laurent lied, attempting to steady his nerves. "In truth, I was more worried for your sake. You're both capable fighters, indubitably, but we are in foreign territory all on our lonesome…"Lucina's face grew grim. "Yes, you're right… and we still haven't located the others yet. It would seem that Grima's interference in the future caused us all to scatter across the continent, maybe even across the world. What say you, Gerome?"The masked rider leaned against his wyvern and folded his arms, ignoring it even as it licked at his dark hair. "If they're alive, we'll find them.""... What do you mean 'if'?" Lucina climbed off of the wyvern's saddle and stood next to Laurent. "Surely our friends—""This is a vast and dangerous world we live in, and some of them have their heads screwed on more than others."She shut her eyes as she took in his words, two particular people coming to mind as she silently prayed for their safety.Laurent's gaze shifted between the two as he tried to muster up the nerve to say something. Fortunately, she beat him to the punch. "... Gerome. Laurent. I have made up my mind.""About the Exalt?""Yes. While I was undercover in Paralcya, I overheard some of the civilians talking about her. It seems Gangrel is keeping her alive for some purpose or another. If I could infiltrate the castle and get her out of there alive, we might be able to change the course of history yet.""And how do you propose to do that exactly?"Lucina stepped forward and showed her friends a decorative poster she'd found. Laurent and Gerome eyed it with apprehension. "There is a masquerade ball being held within a few days in the capital. If I were to sneak in disguised, I might be able to discover where Gangrel is keeping her.""Tch." Gerome scoffed. "Ridiculous. I expect this sort of insanity from Owain, but not you, Lucina.""What other option do we have?" Lucina challenged, a hint of ire present in her voice. "Should we stage a full-on assault instead with our imposing number of three, or should we write a strongly worded letter demanding her release? Pray tell, Gerome, what are we to do?"He fell silent. He'd entirely forgotten about her relation to Emmeryn for a moment. Laurent swallowed a lump in his throat before offering his own opinion. "As bizarre as this all sounds, perhaps there is some merit to Lucina's plan. You still have a spare mask or two to loan, do you not, Gerome?""... Ugh." Without missing a beat, Gerome reached into his cloak and pulled out a butterfly mask identical to the one that had been destroyed in Ylisstol. "I'll never understand why Severa liked this one so much, but… Here. Don't lose it this time.""Thank you, Gerome." Lucina smiled and accepted the mask with a grateful nod. "This is only possible because the Shepherds managed to save the Exalt in this timeline. With Naga and the Voice as my witnesses... I will not let their actions here go to waste."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Back in Paralcya, Castle Plegia was in the most chaotic state it'd been in since Chronos started the Crusade. The castle wasn't under attack by outside forces, nor were the normally docile citizens of the capital staging a revolt. As guards and servants ran back and forth in a tizzy, they found themselves dealing with a far greater threat.An irritable Gangrel."No, no, NO!" he snarled, snatching a portrait of himself from a bespectacled artist. "It's all wrong! Why can't any of you ever get the nose right?!""But, milord—""NO BUTS! Do it over!"Gangrel shoved the now wrinkled paper into the artist's hands before storming off. Cape flowing behind him, he strode until he reached the ballroom in the eastern wing of the castle. Two composers stood practically forehead-to-forehead as they argued; behind them, their respective band and orchestra members exchanged nervous glances."Beat it!" the band director yelled. "We were here first!""Ah, but we finished preparing first," the orchestra composer said in a cool, distant tone. "It only stands to reason that the most prudent course of action would be for you to let us practice first. It will make for a far more pleasant sound than your harsh brass instruments, in any case.""You pompous, arrogant tw—""HEY!" Gangrel snapped, getting everyone's attention. Several of the musicians cowered in their seats as he stepped forward with clenched fists. "What the hell is going on here?! The big ball is tomorrow and you're wasting precious time yapping away?!""We were just—""I DON'T CARE! Just... figure something out! Take turns, flip a coin, I don't give a shit! Just make sure it all sounds good, especially my entrance song! Plegian nobility from all over the country will be here tomorrow night, and I won't tolerate mediocrity in their presence!"Gangrel turned on his heel and departed in a huff, leaving them to their own devices. Between the musicians he had "hired" and the dancers the Grimleal had "found", the ball's entertainment would be nothing short of glamorous. Or, at the very least, it would be so long as they weren't as incompetent as they looked."Ugh, good help is so hard to find these days..."He continued his stroll through the halls at a brisk pace, stepping on freshly-cleaned tiles as he checked various things off of his mental list. One of many servants sighed inwardly as he continued to scrub away at the floor, and it wasn't long before Gangrel found his stream of thought interrupted by an annoyingly familiar voice."Milord!" Aversa called out from behind him.Gangrel threw his head back and let out a long, drawn out groan before finally turning to look at her. "What is it this time, Aversa? Can't you see I'm busy telling other people what to do?"She held out two slinky dresses of questionable length, both made of only the finest silk gold could buy. Black and purple alike were accompanied by luxurious golden embroidery, but Aversa sneered all the same. "It seems these dresses aren't quite to your guest of honor's liking. She insists she'd rather go naked than wear such attire.""Typical Ylissean philistine." Gangrel rolled his eyes. "What could she possibly know of fashion? I'll say this much, though; don't you dare bring her out of her cell in such a state! I won't stand for my beautiful celebration to be marred by such a childish display! I won't allow it!""And what, pray tell, do you want me to do? She simply refuses to—""Then make her wear something else!" Gangrel snapped, hands flying up in exasperation. "Honestly, Aversa! I thought you were the one with the brains around here. How hard is it to clothe a woman?"Aversa felt her upper lip twitch as he stormed off. In an attempt to calm herself, she stopped to looked around and take in the sight of Gangrel's castle. The floor was made of pristine beige marble that shined marvelously, so much so that one could even see their reflection in it. The walls didn't seem to show signs of aging—in no small part due to Gangrel's laborers, of course—and large mosaic glass windows rested above, allowing moonlight to shine down into the castle and set her mind at ease.Were it not for the gaudy golden Gangrel statues lining the halls, she might've actually called the place beautiful.
This castle should be mine… Nay, the Grimleal's!
"All in good time, dearest daughter…"Aversa's eyes widened. She turned to ask if Gangrel had said anything, but he was already at the other end of the hall yelling at some poor maid to shine his shoes."... Father?""Yes, Aversa… It is I. Our Lord is still attempting to craft a new form for me after what those accursed Ylisseans did. I cannot rejoin you just yet, but I ask that you indulge that madman's delusions just a little while longer…"Aversa nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Father. Of course…""That's my precious little girl. Do give Chancellor Hexxus and the others my regards… and that little creation of ours as well."The voice left her mind, but it left her with a smile on her lips. A vile, twisted smile that only she could pull off. In due time, Gangrel would get his just desserts, and the Grimleal would stamp out both the Ylisseans and anyone else who tried to get in their way.For the time being, however… Gangrel's wish was her command."You!" Gangrel pointed at a butler. "Make sure the kitchen staff have all the ingredients they need for the cake!""Yes, milord!""And you!" He next pointed to a royal guard. "Head downstairs and tell those Grimleal nuts to keep their freak of nature chained up during the party! I won't have her frightening the nobility.""Of course. Right away, sir.""And you!" Gangrel screamed, pointing to another version of himself. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was only his reflection in a large mirror that two soldiers were carrying. "... Keep up the good work, you handsome devil."Aversa pinched the bridge of her nose and grimaced.
Father, please hurry...
It was almost dawn when an excited Anna sprinted through the halls of Fort Scaraba, clanging two pans together and hollering at the top of her lungs. Once it was discovered that there was no actual danger, many of the Shepherds complained about the sudden (and loud) awakening, and Sully grumbled something about "slugging that red-haired hussy." When the lot of them gathered in the center of the fort, they spotted Anna and Gaius standing near a large wagon with… surprisingly enough, another Anna. This Anna, however, wore far more traditional merchant attire compared to her otherwise-identical counterpart, topping the outfit off with a green beret."Okay…" Vaike yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Either I'm dreamin', or I'm seein' double here.""Trust me, Macho Man, this ain't a dream. It's a nightmare," Gaius snarked.Both Annas shot him a dirty look as Chrom scratched his head. Behind him, Robin stared at both of the redheaded ladies with eyes the size of dinner plates, eyes darting between the two. Lyn followed his gaze, but was otherwise nonplussed. She'd already met an Anna in Regna Ferox, after all, and she was fairly certain she'd met one during her travels in Elibe... somewhere."So, uh..." Chrom cleared his throat. "Anna, would you mind introducing us all to... Anna?""Wow, sis. You didn't even bother introducing me first? How rude," the beret-wearing Anna complained before smiling at everyone else and winking, giving them a thumbs-up. "The name's Anna. Anna the Merchant! Not to be confused with Anna the Nurse, Anna the Gray, Anna the Banana…""Ahem," Anna said, shooting her an impatient look."And Anna the Jester!" she finished, pointing back at her doppelgänger."I'm not a jester, I'm a trickster! Big difference, little sister.""But why do the two of you look the same?" Panne tilted her head, wriggling her nose. "You certainly do not smell the same. One of you reeks of sweets, and the other of loneliness.""Ouch," Kellam muttered.The merchant Anna gave Panne a bitter scowl before moving on. "Anyways… You're probably wondering why we've gathered you all here today."She gestured to the wagon behind her. "Well, that's because a few of you lucky guys and gals are gonna get to wear some of these beautiful outfits I smuggled out of Paralcya! These costumes and the masks they come with are guaranteed to help you keep a low profile while you look for the Exalt. They also look rather dashing if I do say so myself!""... How much?"Both Annas turned to stare at Chrom as Gaius started to lift a chest out of the wagon's rear. "Come again?""Money is no object to me," he said plainly, folding his arms. "As long as it'll help us get Emmeryn back safely, I don't care how much I have to spend. With that said... Name your price."The merchant giggled and batted her eyes, taking a few slow steps towards him. "Well, ordinarily I'd charge by the outfit, buuut... I'll consider giving you a special bundle offer at a discount. How does that sound, handsome?"Sumia and Cordelia's glares went unnoticed as Chrom smiled at her. "That sounds wonderful, Anna. But… How many are included in a bundle?""How many of you are sneaking into the ball?""Well, we can't all go," Robin said. "As much fun as it would be, this is a stealth mission and a rescue mission at the same time. Too many of us would no doubt raise suspicion, especially if we all showed up as a group.""Welp," Gaius grunted, finally setting a chest down on the ground, "you lot are definitely gonna need someone to help you find the prison wing and bust Miss Exalt outta there. That's where the jester and I come in.""Rude!" Anna pouted. "Still, he is right about our skills. Not just anybody sniff out information and pick a lock like we can, you know. And trust me on this one; if you find yourself in a bind, you can count on us both to help worm your way outta there at no extra cost!"Chrom nodded. "Awfully generous of you."Frederick narrowed his eyes at the rogues. "Perhaps a little too generous. What do a pair of thieves like yourself stand to gain from this? If memory serves correctly—and mine always does—you lot broke into Castle Ylisstol during the assassination attempt."The Shepherds' Anna clasped a hand to her heart in mock offense. "Frederick, you wound me! Is a good deed not its own reward?"There was a beat of silence as many of the others eyed her with blank, unchanging expressions. Anna promptly dropped the act with a roll of her eyes. "Look, our main goal here is to rescue the Exalt from under Gangrel's nose. And if their royal treasury happens to find itself a little more empty than usual… Well, I'm sure they wouldn't notice. Plegia's a rich country, after all. I bet the Mad King swims in a pool of gold coins every day!""No," Chrom said, frowning. "Our one and only focus needs to be on getting her out of there undetected. Normally I wouldn't care about stealing from that madman, but I can't have either of you jeopardize the mission.""Ouch, hey... How dumb do you think I am?" Anna, for the most part, seemed genuinely hurt. "I was only kidding... Gaius and I would be more than happy to help out, free of charge! The Exalt's safety will be our topmost priority!""... Very well. I'd be happy to have you both during the infiltration.""Does that mean you're going too?" Lissa spoke up."I have to. I've never been one for fancy celebrations, but this isn't about me. This is about Emmeryn, and I need to make sure she's alright myself." Chrom grimaced. "There's no telling what sort of atrocities Gangrel's subjected her to…"Several of the Shepherds including Frederick and Cordelia closed their eyes as they took in the truth of their leader's words. The merchant Anna sensed the tension and was quick to break the silence. "Well, that's three costumes then! Any other takers?""If Chrom's going, I'm going too," Robin said, stepping forward. Chrom looked back at him with slightly widened eyes, but the tactician just smiled in response. "I can be your eyes and ears in the ballroom since they'll be less likely to recognize me. We may have to do something about your hair though…"Chrom ran a hand through his short blue locks before chuckling. "Yes, I suppose you're right... Not many people have hair quite like the royal family... Thank you, Robin. It means a great deal that you would accompany us. I know Emmeryn would be happy too.""Good, good!" Anna clasped her hands together. "So nice to see a plan coming together. But who's gonna be your date, Robin?""What?" he squeaked. "Why would I need a d-date? Chrom doesn't have one..."Anna rolled her eyes as several of the Shepherds chuckled. "That's because he's gonna be with Gaius and me the whole time, genius. But since you're gonna be out on the dance floor, don't you think you'd look more suspicious if you didn't have a girl on your arm? So who's she gonna be?""I'll go," Lyn said without missing a beat. She knew how it must have looked to the others, but she couldn't deny that anyone else volunteering would have left a bad taste in her mouth. When she noticed Robin staring back at her with pink cheeks, she scrambled to find a viable explanation. "Y-you know, as your bodyguard! I mean...""Ah…" Robin kept a straight face, but there was just the slightest hint of disappointment in his voice. "Y-yes, of course…"Anna smirked as Gaius unloaded another chest from the wagon. "Lovely. If no one else wants to go, then we just need someone to act as our chauffeur. I hear parking in the capital is difficult this time of year.""Okay, so who's that gonna be?" Sully folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "I don't really care who else goes as long as it's not me, but who's got the stones to drive into the capital undercover?""It has to be someone the Plegians won't recognize," Stahl said."Indeed." Miriel adjusted her glasses. "Furthermore, it would indubitably have to be someone who lacks presence. Someone who couldn't possibly arouse suspicion no matter what they did.""Yeah!" Nowi cheered. "It just has to be someone really plain and quiet!"The Shepherds all reached the same conclusion as they turned to a tall suit of armor and grinned in anticipation. Kellam deadpanned in response. "Oh, sure, now everyone notices me.""But it makes sense!" Ricken argued. "No one's more unassuming and normal-looking than you, Kellam!""I mean, I guess that's true, but—""Then it's settled." Sully clasped a firm hand on his armored shoulder and gave him a charming grin. "You are hereby the royal chauffeur, Kellam. Don't muck this up, alright? Everyone's counting on you."Kellam blushed. "Ah… r-right. Will do. Or, won't do. I mean—""Okay, so that's five costumes and one for Mr. Chauffeur over here." Gaius scratched his head and yawned. "Any other takers? We've got plenty of getups to choose from over here…"Virion stepped forward with a grin. "Well, if you insist… It simply wouldn't be a ball without a legendary figure like myself in attendance.""Wait," Gregor said. "... Who are you again?""Six it is then!" the merchant Anna announced. "If there aren't any other takers, than six costumes and a chauffeur outfit will come up to a grand total of… Wow, lucky you! Only twelve-thousand gold pieces!"Chrom's face didn't change, but Robin nearly choked. "H-how much now…?"Anna elbowed her sister in the ribs. "C'mon, sis, this isn't some casual affair! We're talkin' the Exalt's life over here! Can't ya be a little more generous for once?""Not the words I thought I'd hear from her of all people," Vaike mumbled."Okay, okay, fine. Six-thousand. Take it or leave it.""For outfits that we may never use again?" Robin asked."Hey, I'm throwing in an extra one for free! Plus I already cut the usual price down fifty percent! A gal's gotta make money somehow…""Very well, Anna," Chrom agreed. "Six-thousand it is. Can we at least try on some of them before we make the purchase?"The merchant placed a finger to her chin and winked. "You bet your pretty little ass, blue blood!""Frederick." Stahl pointed at her with a smirk. "She said a bad language word."Frederick flushed as several others could be heard snickering. "Will you all stop that?! Honestly, now. It was hardly funny the first time, and it's certainly not funny now."He turned to his left to see Cordelia stifling a giggle in her hand. Under his glare, she cleared her throat and stood up straight. The sight and sound of such an esteemed knight laughing caused a strange feeling in his chest, but he forced it down and managed to ignore it. There were far more pressing matters at the moment anyhow."Frederick is right, Stahl," Maribelle said, holding her parasol over her head to shield herself from the sun. "There is nothing wrong with minding one's manners, even in times of war."Sully gagged behind her, causing Kellam and Stahl to chortle quietly."Wonderful! Then it's decided," Anna announced, hands on her hips. "Come one, come all! … Or at least the lot of you who are actually gonna wear these things. The rest of you are dismissed!"As the Shepherds began to disperse, a pit formed in Lyn's stomach. She wouldn't dare complain aloud with Emmeryn's life hanging in the balance, but she hated the more formal occasions in Caelin. The dresses she was often forced into felt far too constricting compared to her normal clothing, and they were typically too ornate for someone like her who preferred simplicity. And the makeup... the makeup! Sacaeans had no need for such trivial matters! Florina once tried to liken it to war paint, but Lyn just wouldn't have it.She shook the thoughts from her head. This was all for the greater good, she rationalized. Unlike Chrom, neither she nor Robin were at risk of being recognized by the Plegian nobility. As long as they kept a safe distance away from Gangrel, they'd surely be able to gather intel and help the others sneak Emmeryn out of the castle. All she had to do was not draw too much attention to herself.And then there was the matter of being Robin's date.Bodyguard, she attempted to reassure herself. Just his bodyguard… that's all.Lyn was brought back to reality as two people grabbed either of her arms. "Wha…?""Come, darling," Maribelle cooed. "Lissa and I here will be more than happy to help you find you the perfect dress.""Yeah!" Lissa yelled, tugging on her arm a little harder than she should've. "Ooh, you're gonna look so pretty when we're done with you, Lyn!"Lyn forced a smile even as she cringed internally.Oh, Mother Earth and Father Sky... Give me strength.In one of the fort's many rooms, Robin sighed as he finally stopped fidgeting with his elegant purple tie. Anna's sister had been kind enough to loan everyone a large mirror to observe themselves in (while also not explaining just how she managed to smuggle those out of the capital), and he took the opportunity to get a good long look at himself. Robin didn't mind the color scheme—indeed, the black jacket and slacks worked well with the thin purple stripes in his eyes—but the accompanying mask left a bit to be desired.He furrowed his brow, turning the gold-bordered mask in his hands. Half of one side was a deep shade of violet, and the other half was black. It was a strange design choice to be sure, doubly so considering the mask left his eyes and mouth exposed even as it hid his upper face and nose. He just hoped that Chrom would have a better disguise…"Robin?" Maribelle called from outside the doorway. "Are you decent?""Yes, of course!"Lissa and Maribelle entered the room, only for the latter to look back when their friend didn't accompany her. "Lyndis?""I'm not doing it.""But Lyn—""No, he'll laugh at me!""Robin would never!""Yeah!" Lissa agreed. "You look great, Lyn! Now get in here!"There was a deep sigh from outside, and Lyn walked into the room without another word, her eyes glued to the floor.Robin's jaw dropped as he laid eyes on her.She wore a dress that was largely blue save for the cream-colored chest, almost the same shade as her traditional Sacaean attire. The dress billowed outward in a bell shape, and a triangle pattern adorned the outermost hem in shades of red, blue and beige. A similar headband sat atop Lyn's head, a golden hairpiece accompanying it on her left hand side. Finally, her upper face was concealed with a mask not entirely unlike Robin's, the primary difference being the dueling red and blue.She noticed Robin gaping at her and flushed, thankful that her mask would conceal at least some of her shame. Lissa and Maribelle's knowing smirks, however, did little to comfort her."W-well?" Lyn asked at last, staring at Robin. She couldn't believe how well he filled out his suit, and she forced her wandering eyes to settle on his own as a result.
Those big, beautiful brown eyes…
"W-well..." Robin's voice cracked. "What?"Lissa slapped a hand to her forehead. "Robin! You're supposed to compliment her! Isn't she lovely?""V-very! I... um... you…" He paused and cleared his throat before speaking again. "... You look beautiful, Lyn.""Ah… Thanks, Robin," Lyn said, wringing her hands together. A smile crept onto her face. "Um… You look rather handsome yourself.""You see, Lyndis? I told you that we'd find you the perfect dress." Maribelle beamed."It can't be that perfect considering it's still a little tight in the chest area...""Well, you said no to practically every other dress Anna had!" Lissa whined. "You're one tough customer, Lyn... Still, I'm glad we managed to find something.""Indeed. And with that, I do believe our work here is done," Maribelle said, motioning for her to walk with her. "Come along, Lissa.""Yeah, of course!" Lissa nodded. "Meet us outside when you're finished. Virion and Maribelle are gonna teach you guys how to dance before we leave. Won't it be fun?""Yeah... fun," Robin repeated, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. He promptly wiped it away as they left the room, giggling. Now it was just him and Lyn standing in the middle of the room, unsure of what to say to the other. "So…""I like your suit," Lyn complimented, gaining a bit more confidence as she grinned. "It's very slimming...""You think so? Vaike likes to joke around and say that I'm on the smaller side as is, haha..."She laughed along with him and shook her head. "Well, pay him no mind. I think you're perfect just as you are—inside and out.""Ah... same," Robin blurted. "Ah, uh, no! I mean, I feel the same... but about you."Lyn felt the heat creep up her neck. These moments alone with Robin were something of a rarity nowadays, and she simultaneously loved and hated the way he made her feel. Her heart thumped in her chest, almost as if screaming to be released. She wanted to release it, to hold and kiss and caress him like it was her last time, but she knew it was neither the time nor the place. Not with Emmeryn counting on them."Heh..." Lyn coughed, trying to rid herself of her more amorous thoughts."Then it appears we're in agreement."She turned around and held her arm out for Robin. "I'm not exactly a fan of ballroom dancing, but it'd be rude to keep the others waiting, right?""Right," Robin said, linking his arm with hers and smiling. "Let's go."While Robin and Lyn were getting dressed for the mission, Chrom stared at his reflection in silence. Even as a boy, he never enjoyed ballroom dancing or wearing what Vaike and Sully disparagingly referred to as "monkey suits." Still, he thought the black and gold attire looked decent enough, even if it reminded him too much of a bumblebee.Now, the black bird-like mask, on the other hand...He sighed as his eyes drifted upwards and reached his groomed, now jet-black hair. Chrom supposed that he should've considered himself lucky that Anna's sister had a few extra hair-changing tonics in her wagon (sold separately, of course), but he still missed the familiar shade of blue that ordinarily covered his head. He also could have done without the gel that left him feeling odd and sticky."Stop it, Chrom. You're doing this for Emm," he admonished himself. "You can't afford to be selfish right now. Not when she still needs you.""Captain?"Chrom looked over to see Sumia standing in the doorway, staring at him with an unreadable expression. Rosy cheeks only continued to redden as she got a better look at his suit, eyes traveling up and down his form. "I… um… I j-just wanted to make sure that…""That I could dress myself?" Chrom finished, chuckling."N-n-no!" Sumia shook her head frantically, grey-brown curls flowing left and right. "That's not it at all. I just… You look… Wow."Chrom turned back to the mirror and gave himself another glance, raising an eyebrow. "You think so? I've been told that blue suits me better, but… well, I suppose I can't be too recognizable during what's supposed to be a stealth mission, right?""Right! But… um… I think you'd look good in anything, really.""... Oh." Chrom's heart did a flip. He bit his lip in an attempt to calm his nerves. "That's… very kind of you to say, Sumia. Thank you."Her smile faltered just a bit, but it went unnoticed. "You're welcome, Captain.""Sumia, please. We've known each other for years; Chrom is fine." He turned back to her and gave her a reaffirming grin. "No need to be so formal.""Hee hee! Says the man attending a royal ball later.""You know these affairs really aren't my thing. Look, I can't even get the tie right…"She perked up immediately, seeing an opportunity to be useful. "Oh! I think I know how to fasten one of those. Do… Do you want me to help?""That…" Chrom blushed, berating himself in his head. He felt like a child again, having to be properly bathed and dressed by his old caretaker, Nurse Nan. Still, he wouldn't want to draw any unnecessary attention to himself at the ball by wearing even a slightly-crooked tie. "... Sounds good to me."Sumia wasted no time in striding over to him and adjusting his tie. Even as her entire face burned a brilliant scarlet from being so close to him, she kept her eyes and attention fixated on the black and gold striped tie in her hands. Once in a while, she would stick her tongue out to the side as she concentrated.Chrom, meanwhile, couldn't help but stare down at her with bright eyes. The other Shepherds had often remarked on how much of a looker Sumia was, even in spite of her clumsiness. Vaike, Stahl, Virion (of course), and even Sully had once or twice commented on her features; fair skin, a slim figure with arms and legs toned by Frederick's hellish drills, and earnest large eyes framed by long silky hair. She only came up to his chin, but she was no less formidable in battle for it.
And no less beautiful, as well…
"And… there." Sumia took a step back and grinned, admiring her handiwork. Her face returned to its usual color as she placed her hands on her hips with pride. "That oughta do it!""Thank you, Sumia," Chrom said, coughing to ward off the blush. "And, if it's not too much trouble… Could you not tell anyone about this? I don't want the others to know I'm a prince and soldier that can't even put on a tie properly."She covered her mouth and giggled, causing his heart to skip a beat. "Sure thing, Cap.""Sumia," he groaned."... Chrom?""That's much better." Chrom smiled. "You know I've never been one for formalities.""Hee hee... True enough."The two continued to chat, unaware of the redhead standing just outside the room. Virion had asked Cordelia to go get Chrom for what he pompously referred to as "lessons in waltzing", but the thought left her mind as soon as she spotted Sumia getting handsy with his tie. She knew that it was wrong to eavesdrop on people, especially considering that Chrom and Sumia were both her friends, but curiosity had gotten the better of her. Still, the act reminded Cordelia far too much of Frederick's "special request" of her involving Robin, Lyn and Virion. She'd been opposed to the idea from the start, but here she was spying on others anyway..."Hypocrite," she whispered to herself. "You're a filthy hypocrite, Cordelia..."With only an hour or so until departure from the fort, Virion and Maribelle had taken it upon themselves to instruct their partygoing allies on how to dance like a noble. After all, a wallflower would stand out far more than one of many dancers, Maribelle had rationalized. The two took Lyn and Robin as their dancing partners for the exercise; Chrom had insisted he knew enough to not draw attention to himself, and Gaius and Anna had assured the others that he'd be more focused on locating Emmeryn with them anyway. Olivia watched the dancing lessons with bated breath, but when Lyn had asked her if she wished to partake, she turned a bright red and fled the scene.Before long, everyone had packed up their belongings and found their seats as several of the Shepherds began to hold a discussion in front of the wagons."Okay, everyone!" Anna said, dressed in a red and black ballgown reminiscent of a ladybug. "How are we gonna drive into the capital without tipping off the Mad King?"Robin was the first to speak. "We should drive far ahead of the caravan. If everyone else parks well on the outskirts of the capital, Kellam should be able to drive us to the castle without attracting too much attention.""Sounds good to me." Chrom nodded. "What if we need the others, though? Say someone catches on to us and we need to fight our way out..."Lyn crossed her arms and frowned. "I hate to say it, but there's a good chance we won't be able to bring our weapons to the ball for self-defense. This dress might be obnoxiously poofy, but there's no way I can fit more than a dagger in here..."You're right, Lyn. I'm hoping it won't have to come to blows, but maybe we could send the others some sort of signal...?""Like a fireball?" Lissa asked."That's perfect," Robin said with a boyish grin. "I should be able to smuggle a Fire tome in my jacket. As long as it stays closed, there shouldn't be an issue. I hope I won't have to use it anyway, but if all else fails...""We still have a means of assistance. I love it." Lyn beamed at them both. "Good idea, you two.""Yeah, yeah, great," Gaius said, tugging on the brown tie that matched his suit. "But what about the prisoners? Vasto, and those other five Plegian guys. Who's gonna watch 'em?"Frederick folded his arms. "We shall watch them in shifts. The Khans kept a watchful eye on them this morning, so it's the Shepherds' turn this time.""Then we are in agreement," Virion chimed in, fixing his cravat as he admired his pale blue suit. "I must say, Anna, your sister has an eye for fashion!""That she does, Virion! That she does...""Right," Chrom said. "Then it's settled. If nobody has any other concerns, we should leave as soon as possible. The capital's close, but it's already midday... We certainly wouldn't want to be late, now would we?"Everyone immediately began to find their seats in the wagons, with a dapper Kellam sitting atop the westernmost carriage. He tipped his new hat as Robin and Lyn approached, the former holding the door open for the latter."Such a gentleman," Anna noted, nudging Gaius. "Why can't you be more like Robbie?""Don't start.""Have fun at the ball, you guys!" Sumia called as Chrom and the others entered their designated wagon."Yeah! Knock 'em dead with your mad dancing skills," Vaike said."T-take care!" Olivia stammered."And for gosh sake," Lissa added sternly, "watch your language!"Frederick exhaled through his nose as Kellam signaled for his horses to move.The sun was less than an hour from its daily descent as the citizens of Paralcya went about their usual business. Despite living what many outside Plegians called "the high life", the peasants of the capital were still barred from even setting foot inside the castle without Gangrel's explicit permission. Only Plegian nobility (and foreign nobility from non-Ylissean countries) would be allowed entry to the ball, and the commoners resented them for it.As many a commoner passed each other on the streets, they paid no mind to the tall black manor looming to the southeast of the castle. Purple banners with ominous eyes fell on either side of magnificent oak doors, and a third banner hung overhead with a single eye that seemed to follow people at random. The family that lived there was well-known for their devoutness to the Grimleal, as well as their prowess in the dark arts. To an outsider, they were witches or demons in human skin.To their only daughter? They were worse."Tharja, darling, you must lighten up," her mother said as she ran a brush through her long black hair. "Even people like ourselves must smile from time to time, no?""I'm smiling on the inside."Tharja sat up straight before the mirror, "Mother Dearest" not realizing (or not caring) how hard she was brushing. Tharja's mother was a tall, spindly woman with eerie pale skin and ebony hair. The corners of her lips curled up as she continued to tend to her daughter. "I remember my first ballroom dance. It's where I met your father, after all."She turned to a shorter red-haired man standing in the corner of the room. "Isn't that right, Yatoha?""A-ah! Sure is, dear," Tharja's father replied. Despite his smile, he wrung his hands together in an almost nervous fashion. "And I've never been happier…""I still think you're too soft on the girl, Gothel," an elderly woman with silver hair criticized from her rocking chair in the other corner of the room. "Why, she wouldn't even accompany us to last week's service! What kind of Grimleal living in the capital refuses to pray to the Lord?"Tharja rolled her eyes, a feat that proved difficult due to her mother switching focus to applying her makeup. "I had experiments to conduct, Grandmother. Surely Grima would approve of me furthering my hexing and cursing capabilities.""Lord Grima!" Her grandmother sucked her teeth. "Honestly, Tharja. Why can't you be more like that nice boy we found for you?"Tharja sneered as her mother applied black lipstick to her mouth. "He's a… unique case."There was a knock at the door, followed by the cry of a crow."Ah, that must be him now!" Gothel clasped her hands together as she finished admiring Tharja. Her daughter wore a dress that largely resembled a black wedding gown, only shorter with purple accents and eyes to show their allegiance to the Grimleal. "Yatoha! Be a dear and let him in, would you kindly?""Ah! Y-yes, love!"Tharja groaned as the door opened and she heard the irritatingly familiar voice of her date. "Nya ha! Heya, Tharja's dad! Wanna see my collection of scars?"It was going to be a very long night.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The royal ball was only a couple of hours away, and the Mad King had taken it upon himself to ensure that everything was perfect... or at least as close to perfect as possible. He walked into the kitchen and grinned at what he saw. The food was nearly finished being prepared, and the beautiful white cake in the center towered over even the tallest of bakers. To complement its height, the cake was also quite wide; wide enough to store a person inside, even.
Simply marvelous, all of it. I really must give my compliments to the chefs sometime...
After returning to his chambers for a hot bath, it wasn't long before Gangrel began to groom himself. He hummed and sang as he slicked his wild red hair back with oil. Once he was finished combing, he took a step back and admired himself in the mirror. He'd foregone his usual crown, but the lavish silk robes he wore were more than breathtaking on their own. Red and black meshed together as a gold sash tied the ensemble together.Satisfied, Gangrel winked at his reflection before leaving the room, a regal gold-trimmed cape trailing behind him."Right. Now that I'm looking as beautiful as ever, I need to make sure that blonde brat looks at least half as good!"He made his way to the prison in a matter of minutes. Were it up to him, the prisoners he'd amassed over the years would be stored below ground. With the Grimleal occupying the area under the surface, however, he had to settle for using the western wing of the castle as a dungeon. The two soldiers at the very end stepped aside when they saw him, but not before unlocking the door they guarded.Gangrel flung open his "guest of honor's" cell door with a grin. Emmeryn, who'd been thoroughly bathed and tended to since they last spoke, gave him a weary glance as she stood before him. A black, backless dress clung to her thin form as a dark violet sash snaked around her waist until it became a bow. The Brand of the Exalt on her forehead was covered by a purple cloth that bore six eerie eyes."My, my..." Gangrel looked her up and down. "Turns out black and purple really can make anyone look good. Aversa certainly had her work cut out for her, though...""Must I really wear such a gaudy ensemble?""Does it bother you to be adorned in such beautiful Plegian finery? You really do take after your father, don't you, princess?""Don't be absurd, Gangrel." Emmeryn's eyes fluttered shut. "It merely bothers me when it comes from you of all people.""Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't realize that you were the Queen and I was attending your ball!" Gangrel snapped. He huffed and turned away from her when she didn't even look at him. "Honestly, now. It's rude enough being alive when no one wants you; the least you could do is pretend to to be a good sport."He waved a flippant hand over his shoulder. "The ball is in a few hours. Some of my men will come for you when it's time for you to join me. Be a good little guest and play your part well enough, and I'll consider making life here a little easier for you. Understand?""No.""Good!" Gangrel smiled. "See you then!"Once he'd finally left her cell, Emmeryn sank back to the ground with a bitter sigh. Even after all this time spent as his captive, she still couldn't believe that over a decade of pacifism had led to this. She'd always been fair in her policies, hadn't she? Perhaps too fair, as Chrom would say."Chrom..."Her thoughts drifted to her younger brother. Knowing him, he'd surely find a way to save her. Emmeryn could only hope that Lissa was still with him as well; she'd overheard a few Plegian soldiers talk about the failed siege of Ylisstol, and how a man named Vasto had ultimately fallen in battle against the Shepherds. Chrom had protected the Fire Emblem, but the castle itself was no longer safe with Gangrel still in power."Naga..." Emmeryn bowed her head and clasped her hands together. "Please give them the strength to protect each other. I care not what happens to me, but please... Keep my friends safe. Keep my siblings safe."Kellam maintained a straight face as he rode the wagon through Paralcya. The desert capital was a marvel to him with its surplus of buildings and people, a far cry from the humble village of his childhood. Civilians and soldiers alike greeted each other amicably even through the sweltering heat of the sun, and children giggled as they chased each other in a game of tag. Kellam tensed up when he made eye contact with a group of pitchfork-carrying farmers and a soldier. He gave them a small unassuming wave, and they grinned and waved back in kind.
What a nice city…
He rode in silence, nodding as a few helpful Plegian soldiers guided him towards the castle with their arms."So far, so good." Inside the wagon, Chrom was nestled between Robin and Lyn, all three already wearing their decorative masks. "Anna, are you sure it'd be wise of us to leave our weapons behind?""Do you really think they'd let you just waltz in there with Falchion at your side? You know, the one weapon that could out you as a member of the Exalted family?"Chrom grimaced and turned to Robin at his left. He merely tilted his head as if to say, "She has a point.""But how are we to get through the front?" Lyn asked, her fingers drumming her knees.Anna winked behind her feathered black and red mask. "You just leave that to Little Miss Anna!""Gaius," Virion said, getting the rogue's attention. "Are you positive that—""Trust us on this one, Ruffles. If there's one thing Anna's good at, it's getting her way." Gaius placed his hands behind his head and gave a toothy grin. "I guess you could say she really drives a hard bargain."There were multiple groans in the wagon. Gaius's good mood faded in an instant, even as Anna giggled. "Yeesh. Tough crowd..."The wagon suddenly came to a stop. Lyn peered out of the window to see a couple of Plegian guards walk forward and speak to Kellam. Her heart almost stopped then and there before the men directed Kellam toward the castle courtyard where the other wagons were."Little close for comfort," Robin mumbled, hand resting on his face as if he were going to start biting his nails at any moment.Despite her own nervousness, Lyn reached over and placed her hand on his knee. The two shared a tender smile for a few seconds before she hastily withdrew, realizing that Chrom was still sandwiched between them."Sorry…" She blushed.He chuckled. "Don't mention it. We're all in this together, after all."After a few more minutes of riding, Kellam finally pulled to a complete stop before climbing down from the rider's seat and opening both carriage doors. Once everyone had exited, they straightened out their clothes and made sure to put on their masks if they hadn't already.The party made their way towards the castle's front gate while Kellam stayed behind to look after the wagon and its horses. Various Plegian nobles had already formed a line, so the group joined at the end with Anna leading them. She walked over with an extra swish in her step, heels clacking in tall leather boots that went to her thighs. At her side was a small purse, as unassuming as the rest of her.The group waited patiently as the line grew shorter and shorter. Chrom's eyes widened a considerable amount when he spotted the pair of guards at the front scrutinizing what appeared to be letters of invitation."Chrom," Lyn whispered, "what are we going to do?""I… I don't—"Anna turned back and pressed a gloved finger to his lips with a glare. "What did I just say not too long ago? Have some faith in me, guys."Gaius folded his arms and chuckled, but everyone else exchanged uneasy glances before they finally made their way to the front."Greetings! Nothing new to report," the guard on the right said. His partner smacked him over the head. "Ouch! Oh, wait. I mean… Letters of invitation, please!"Anna gave him a deadpan stare. "Do you know who I am?""Uh-oh," Gaius muttered."Do you know who I am?!" She raised her voice, throwing her hands up for emphasis."Now they're in for it…""I am Princess Anya!" Anna yelled loudly enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear. "Daughter of the Valmese emperor! Perhaps you have heard of me?!""He has a daughter?!" the other gatekeeper blurted, his eyes growing larger by the second. "I… I didn't know that brute had children! I've never even seen him before!""Well he does," she declared, "and, as his only daughter, King Gangrel has offered me an invitation to tonight's ball to ensure future peace between our nations. An invitation that was sadly swept away during my passage across the sea, and lost to the waves forever.""Indeed, I am here on behalf of the emperor," she lied before gesturing to her perplexed companions, "and this is my Valmese entourage.""Saint Caspar, of the island of Novis," Anna said, pointing to a bewildered Virion. She next pointed to an equally confused Chrom. "My bodyguard, Kai'tang of Chon'sin!"Anna moved on to a smug Gaius and concerned Lyn. "My cousin, Sir Gustav of New Rigel! And here we have Lady Liprica of Spaño!""And last, but certainly not least," she said, draping her arms around a skittish Robin's neck. "My dearest brother, Prince Wallace of Valm. If you doubt the validity of my claims, perhaps you could take it up with our father. On the battlefield."As numerous Plegian nobles whispered and muttered behind the group with varying degrees of surprise, excitement and indignation, both gatekeepers shuddered at the mere thought of fighting the foreign emperor. The guard on the left spoke up at once. "Th-that won't be necessary! Please, go right ahead. Just… please don't tell your father about this, alright?""Of course!" Anna winked. "Thank you for your understanding! Come along, entourage."The party of six entered the castle, even as four of them could feel their hearts pounding in their chests. The main hall was large and lavish with a red carpet rolled down the middle. Many Plegian nobles in formal wear and stylized masks could be seen talking to each other and observing (sometimes quietly disparaging) numerous marble busts of Gangrel."Anna," Chrom whispered once they were far away enough from everyone else, "what the hell? We're not any of those people you described! Was that your idea of a plan?""Well it worked, didn't it? Do you really think those guys are gonna blab to Gangrel when, in their minds, he should already be expecting us? It'll be fine!""I don't know, Anna." Robin shook his head and sighed. "That was far too risky. We'd be better off forging an invite next time...""Lady Liprica?" Lyn gave Anna a funny face. "Who's that? And where is this… Spano?""Spaño," she corrected. "There's an accent over the 'n', for crying out loud! Sheesh... Haven't you ever read up on Valentian history, Greenie?""What is Valentia? Or Valm, for that matter?"Virion's eyes lit up behind his pale blue mask. "Valm is the continent to the west of us, just across the sea; Valentia is what Valm used to be called. It was renamed after the Saint-King, Alm, liberated the Valentian people of their gods some two-thousand years ago. If memory serves, he wielded a Falchion much like the Exalted family.""Oh, that's right," Chrom said, scratching his chin. "Emm read us a story about him when we were little. He lived during the time of the Hero-King, Marth.""And during that time," Anna jumped in, "there was a humble little village in the southernmost part of Valentia called Ram. Jump ahead two-thousand years, and now it's part of a larger country called Spaño. Their oranges are delicious!""I… I see." Lyn nodded and blinked, taking in the sudden history lesson. She'd have to ask for some more information later on if she wished to know more about this strange new world. "Marth and Alm… I suppose they're like the Eight Legends of the Scouring."Anna frowned. "The what now?""Haven't you ever read up on Elibean history?" Lyn teased."... I don't like you.""Okay, everyone!" a guard called once all the guests were gathered in the main hall. "His Majesty would like all of his guests to come to the ballroom. Right this way, if you please..."The group of six complied, following the rest of Gangrel's guests as a pair of soldiers led them down the hall and to the right. When they finally entered the ballroom, neither Robin nor Lyn could believe their eyes. They expected some modicum of extravagance, but they had no idea Gangrel could be so… festive. The ballroom itself was well-lit, the entire room having a golden hue as a result. Magnificent chandeliers hung overhead, sparkling as though they were made of diamond. Many round tables populated the room, and some of the other guests had already congregated near either the buffet tables to the left. A great white cake stood off to the side, guarded by two soldiers.In the very back of the ballroom was a grand stage where many musicians sat in chairs. Many of them held ornate, unfamiliar brass instruments, but others held more delicate-looking string instruments. One even held a guitar as a percussionist stood in the back. The pianist, a man in a black cloak and white half-mask, played a soft melody to the left of them as two composers begrudgingly shook hands."Quite the ensemble they've gathered," Virion noted, squinting a bit. "I daresay I might actually know some of those musicians... "The guests were escorted off to the side as bouncy music began to play. Many dancers in colorful exotic garb began to enter the room in a pair of lines. They winked and smiled at many of the nobility as they twirled about with colorful ribbons. Robin's face flushed as he caught sight of the scantily-clad women, and he looked away out of respect. Chrom and Lyn had similar reactions; Virion and Gaius, meanwhile, had no problem leering. It took every bit of willpower Anna had to not smack them over the head."Ladies and gentlemen," a smooth female voice announced. The room darkened considerably, but a single ray of light shone down upon a tall, curvaceous woman in a slinky black dress. She stood in the doorway with a grin, long white hair giving way to the purple tattoos on her cheeks. "It is my greatest honor to welcome you all here tonight. No matter where we hail from, we are all blessed on this day, for our Lord and Savior has deemed us worth blessing."Chrom's blood boiled. He recognized the woman as Aversa, the witch who'd kidnapped Maribelle following the attack on Themis. He wasn't surprised that Gangrel's right-hand mistress would be here, but the very mention of Grima and his "blessings" was enough to drive him up a wall. What sick god demanded sacrifices in the form of innocent lives? Chrom's father was no saint, and he knew as much, but his mother almost certainly didn't deserve any of Grima's "blessings."He tensed up as a hand reached his shoulder, but he relaxed when he saw who it belonged to. Robin gave him a look of solidarity, as did Lyn. Chrom nodded at them and took a deep breath as Aversa continued her spiel."And now, without further ado… I'd like to introduce the man, the myth, the legend himself. Please put your hands together for our dearest King Gangrel!"The nobility applauded out of politeness as the musicians played a brassy riff that bordered on obnoxious. Aversa stepped off to the side, letting the well-dressed king strut into the room. He grinned and blew kisses at many a guest as he walked by, basking in the glory as the light followed him.Chrom balled his fists."Thank you, dearest Aversa," Gangrel crooned, now standing in front of the musicians on stage. He motioned towards the audience and said, "And thank all of you for joining me in this, my finest hour! I love each and every one of you! And now, to show my affection and dedication to Plegia… I'd like to perform a little number for you all.""Ah, crap, singing..." Gaius reached into his suit jacket, grumbling. "Gonna need another sucker for this one."For all of Gangrel's numerous faults, singing was surprisingly not one of them. What had started as a soft, tender ballad had careened into a wild, bombastic piece where the brass players made themselves known, yet Gangrel never once faltered. Given the usual scratchiness of his voice, no one had any idea how he'd managed to sound so… smooth.Despite his feelings towards the singer himself, Robin was unable to stop his head from bobbing back and forth. While the audience at large was fascinated by Gangrel's performance, his eyes traveled towards the ceiling and widened at what they saw. A figure in a dark suit had taken to the rafters with a dagger in hand, creeping towards an ill-placed chandelier. As soon as Gangrel stood towards the very edge of the stage, the figure began sawing away at the rope holding it in place.The proverbial and literal high point of the song came when Gangrel hit and held an impressively high note, to the point where it shattered several champagne glasses and even some of the pearls a noblewoman was wearing. The chandelier that hung over his head began to shake and rattle, and one of the nearby soldiers took the initiative."Your Majesty! Look out!"The soldier immediately rushed onstage and pushed Gangrel off to the side. The chandelier came crashing down in an instant to the surprise of everyone and the amusement of Gaius. Many guests shrieked in horror as the band's music came to an abrupt halt. Robin's head snapped upwards, but the would-be assassin was already gone."Your Majesty!" Two more guards rushed to his aid immediately. "Are you alright?!""Argh! No, no, no!" Gangrel yelled, dusting himself off and rising to his feet with their assistance. He glared at the injured soldier underneath the demolished chandelier. "You interrupted me in the middle of my high note! The big finale!""That was the middle?" Chrom disdainfully whispered to Virion, who merely shrugged in response."I'm sorry." One of the soldiers knelt and grabbed the downed one by the arm. "You've interrupted His Majesty's high note."The soldier that took the hit was dragged out of the ballroom to who-knows-where as the guests murmured among themselves. Gangrel noticed and promptly cleared his throat. "Ah… No need to be alarmed, my friends! Just a faulty chandelier, that's all. I'll fire the person responsible later. In the meantime... Eat! Drink! Be merry! Please help yourselves to only the finest Plegian cuisine. Our guest of honor should be here shortly, so enjoy yourselves until then!""Damn it. That must be Emmeryn," Chrom whispered to Gaius and Anna. "When are we going to find her?""When the coast is clear and the guards are either too drunk or too distracted to stop us," Gaius answered matter-of-factly. "We'll find her, Blue; count on it."Most of the audience applauded Gangrel as he accepted a full glass of wine and sat upon a mighty throne near the buffet tables. Aversa stood at his side, sneering at the empty chair next to him. Several soldiers began to sweep up the remnants of the chandelier, and the musicians played what Anna affectionately referred to as "waiting music" until they were finished."You know, it's a shame that bounty hunter from Rosanne couldn't stick around to join us," Gangrel lamented, swirling the wine around in his glass. "Oh, what was his name again? Alfred? Alfredo? Alexandre? ... Oh, whatever. I'm sure he could have used the time to relax and lighten up a bit!""Mm, yes. Quite.""Are you up first, Aversa? Sing that song I like; you know the one."Aversa forced a smile. "... As you wish, milord."One of the musicians began to pluck an upright bass as the drums joined in. Soon, both the brass and string sections were playing an upbeat tune in perfect harmony as Aversa made her way onstage. She ignored the whistles and hoots she received as the lyrics escaped her throat in time with the music."And it feels like a dream," she sang, holding her heart, "when you love me so tenderly~!""She is so tacky," a snooty noblewoman grumbled.On the other side of the ballroom near the entrance, two burly men in suits listened to the music from afar. The taller one, a bald man with a goatee and a scar over one eye, folded his arms and frowned. His rounder, gray-haired companion laughed and clapped him on the back. "Why so serious, Mustafa? It's a party! Loosen up a little.""I see little reason to celebrate, Campari. It's been a week since her last letter and I still haven't heard from Taka. You know how talkative she is; it's not like her to be quiet for so long. Something is amiss.""Yeah, it is weird, come to think." He scratched his chin. "Your sister never misses a party either… Why, I still remember the time she managed to drink me under the table! Can you believe it?! ME! Campari, Conqueror of Casks!"Mustafa chuckled, but his frown returned soon after. "Aye, I remember that night all too well. I just… I'm concerned. Not for my life, but for hers. Taka is far too reckless for her own good, and consider how many generals we've lost in such a short period of time.""Yeah…" Campari emptied his wine glass before signalling a server to give him a refill. He ended up taking the entire bottle and handing him the glass instead. "Vasto was a little punk, but I miss the kid. Orton too.""Mhm.""Nya ha! What are you guys talking about?"Mustafa and Campari turned to see a familiar young face in the form of a white-haired boy in a tuxedo. He exuded cheerfulness even through his crow mask, but the dark-haired girl at his side looked anything but happy."Ah, Henry." Mustafa smiled. "It's been far too long, lad. You remember Campari, of course?""You're the guy who builds houses for all my birdie friends, right? Tee hee!""'Ey! Don't say that out loud, boy," Campari admonished him with a glare. He looked at the girl at Henry's side and tipped his glass. "And this is?""Tharja," came the reply. Her arms were folded as she looked off to the side with a face devoid of emotion. "A pleasure.""Ah… the Countess's daughter." Mustafa nodded with a softened expression. "A pleasure to meet you, lass. May you both enjoy yourselves tonight.""Nya ha ha! Right back at ya, Mustafa." Henry latched onto one of Tharja's frigid arms. "C'mon! Let's cut a rug, sugar bug!"Tharja grabbed Henry's wrist and glared daggers into his always-shut eyes. "Never. Call me that. Again."She dragged him away from the older men as he laughed that mirthful laugh of his. Mustafa and Campari could only look at each other and shrug before they observed the other guests dancing in the crowd. Mustafa's gaze drifted to his right where he saw a middle-aged woman in blue dancing with a boy of about eleven years. The pair laughed as they spun around, and he grinned when they beckoned him with eager eyes."... Mustafa." Campari got his attention. When their eyes met, the older general nodded. "Go be with your family."Mustafa nodded back in response.Back on the dance floor, Lyn was tapping her foot to the beat of the music. Music was still a part of Sacaean life back on the plains, but never before had she heard something quite like this. Even given the dire circumstances, the very sound started to fill her with the urge to dance, and she looked at Robin with a twinkle in her eye."C'mon, Robin!" she urged, grinning and grabbing his arm. "You should be dancing!""Wha? Um…"Robin fumbled over his words as he tugged at his suddenly-too-tight collar. Virion and Maribelle had been… thorough in their teachings, to be sure, but they'd mostly taught him basic slow dancing techniques and the like. This song, catchy as it was, was far more upbeat and fast-paced than what he'd anticipated.He looked over to his left and saw Lyn stepping from side to side in time with the music. She had to lift the hem of her dress whenever someone drew too close, but she seemed to be getting into the swing of things easily enough. Robin grinned as he felt a newfound sense of confidence wash over him, and he began to clap to the beat of the song as his body moved on its own."See? There you go!""I... I'm doing it! I think..."As Lyn continued to sway back and forth in her heels, Robin placed his arms parallel to each other and began to spin them, occasionally stopping to point out with one of them. He backed away as he did so, inadvertently bumping into someone in the process."Ouch, hey!" a harsh feminine voice exclaimed, more annoyed than anything else."Oh! Sorry," Robin apologized, turning to the person in question. He saw a girl in a macabre black and purple dress reminiscent of a torn wedding gown. Long black hair was held in place by a jagged golden tiara, two subtle pigtails on either side of her head. A black cat mask obscured the upper portion of her face save for her sharp gray eyes."You'd better be sorry, you little..." The girl froze as she laid eyes upon him. She saw a handsome, almost boyish face with big brown eyes staring back at her. He had an almost goofy smile on his face, but his eyes seemed all too sincere. Her heart skipped a beat as her anger dissipated and an unknown emotion took its place. "Uh...""Uh… Hello?" Robin chuckled, waving a hand in front of her face. "Are you alright?""Y-yes," she lied, breaking eye contact as the heat flooded her face. Her eyes darted back to his face before disappearing beneath her dark bangs altogether. "I, um… I have to be somewhere else right now."She vanished into the crowd of dancers, leaving Robin at a loss for words. "That was… odd.""Who was that?" Lyn was hardly audible over the uproarious applause as Aversa and the musicians took a bow."I'm honestly not sure. She didn't even give me her name…"Outside the ballroom, Tharja stood with her back to the wall. Something was terribly wrong. Her palms were far more sweaty than usual, her heart seemed though it would explode at any given moment, and it felt as though her face was on fire. She rested both hands on the wall behind her to steady herself."Who was that?" she asked no one in particular. "Who was that?"That young man in the black and purple mask… He exuded such an air of innocence, yet something dark almost certainly lurked underneath the surface. Even barring that, he seemed so… normal, compared to many of the people her family raised her around. Henry might've been the talk of the town, and his magical prowess was not to be denied, but his people skills were… lacking, to say the least.But that man, on the other hand..."I must know more about him," Tharja said, "no matter what it takes. But how do normal people socialize? How do they… flirt?"She racked her brain for a moment before remembering a book Mother had forced upon her during a dreaded shopping trip once.
Aha! Make Him Fall for You in a Fortnight!
"Of course!" she exclaimed, clenching her fists. "That cheesy drivel should be able to claim the heart of any man! Now I just need to put it into practice… Eee hee hee!""Heyyy, Tharja! Whatcha doin' cackling to yourself like a weirdo?"Tharja jumped as her parent-sanctioned date made himself known, but she was quick to calm herself. "It's nothing to be concerned about, Henry. Now go away."Henry waggled his finger. "That's no good, Tharj. It's a party! You should be out there celebrating, not talking to yourself!""One, never call me 'Tharj' again. Two, what are we even celebrating in the first place? Our narcissistic king dragging out a long, fruitless war and turning a blind eye to the repercussions of it all? Is that it?""Tee hee! Pretty much."Tharja's upper lip twitched. "You're an idiot, Henry. Why do you even work for that madman if you know it's all pointless at the end of the day?""Pssh, Gangrel's not so bad!" Henry laughed. "I get the feeling he really appreciates me, you know? I can't really say that about a lot of folks.""Henry, name one time he actually referred to you by your name instead of 'Boy.'"For the longest time, all he did was stare at her with that vacant smile of his. Tharja tapped her foot for a few seconds before opening her mouth again. "... Well?""Well what?"She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Unbelievable. I think I'm actually dumber as a result of this conversation now. What was Mother thinking?""Mm..." Henry rested his hand on his chin. "I think that she was thinking that this would be the perfect opportunity for you to mingle! You know, get chummy with some of the other Plegian nobles! Maybe even marry and continue the family bloodline, nya ha!"Tharja shuddered at the thought. "That sounds like her alright. Honestly, that woman... Does she ever think of anybody other than herself? She's no better than Gangrel in that regard! Why, I'm almost surprised she didn't marry him instead. But no; she wanted someone she could control. Someone who wouldn't raise so much as a finger in her direction no matter what."She leaned against the wall and folded her arms with a long sigh. She had no idea why she was revealing her family drama to Henry of all people; maybe he cast a truth hex on her when she wasn't looking. Were that the case, she'd almost certainly have to kill him later.Henry himself let out a small chuckle before mimicking her posture, hands in his pockets. "Well, I don't know what it's like to have a proper family, but I'd say that she probably just thinks she's doing what's best for you.""Oh, yes. Just as Chronos thought he was doing what was best for society. Just as Gangrel thinks he's doing what's best for society. They're fools, the lot of them.""Yeesh. You've sure got a lot of pent up anger inside, Tharjy. You should come blow off some steam with me! See, tonight I'm running a super secret errand for—""Not interested," Tharja cut him off, "and don't call me Tharjy.""Aww... well, okay."They fell silent, peering into the ballroom once a new song began to play. The entire room now had a purple hue—thanks to Aversa's magic, no doubt—as many guests took to the dance floor. The bassist set the mood as the rest of the band followed his example, playing an infectious tune. Tharja sneered in distaste at the dancers, but Henry gave her arm a small tug. "C'moooon, they're playing our song! We gotta dance!""Our?" she shot back, raising an eyebrow. "There is no our or us, Henry. ""Aww…"Henry's shoulders slumped even as his smile remained. Tharja glared at him, but her annoyance faded as a brilliant plan crossed her mind. She could easily worm her way into the crowd and use the festivities as an excuse to get closer to the stranger she'd encountered before. An eerie smile crept onto her face. "... Very well, Henry. I'll give you one dance, then you leave me alone. Got it?""Hee hee, yay!" He eagerly grabbed her hands. "C'mon! Let's shake our groove things, baby!""My groove thing will not be shaking anytime soon, and I am certainly no one's infant!"After Gangrel accepted his wine and sat down, Anna and Gaius sprang into action. Security outside of the ballroom had grown lax as many of the guards stopped by to observe the party and ensure the guests' safety, as well as that of the king's. Anna asked one of them where a lady could "powder her nose" and was told that the bathrooms were located to the left of the ballroom exit, just at the far end of the hall. She then instructed Virion to mingle on the dance floor, to which he happily obliged. Gaius disappeared sometime earlier, and soon Anna left the room with Chrom in tow."Okay," Chrom said, looking all around them as they walked down the hall. "So far, so good... But how do we know where the prison wing is?""What do you think I've been doing this whole time?"Gaius stepped out from the corner of the hallway, hands in his pockets."You know where she's being kept?""Sure do, but we gotta be quick about things. The guards rotate frequently. It turns out that if they're not in the ballroom, they're patrolling the area. So we gotta be real careful, Blue."Chrom nodded, though his heart raced in his chest. "Very well… but what if we encounter any guards in there?""Leave it to me." Anna tapped her purse and then the boots under her skirt. "These clothes ain't just for show, after all. When your dress doesn't have pockets, you gotta get real creative about where you keep your essentials.""Right. That's certainly resourceful of you, Anna.""Enough chit chat," Gaius said, bringing his voice down, "we got a blueblood to save!"Sure enough, Gaius led the other two to the western wing of the castle undetected. He peeked his head out into the hall, making sure the coast was clear before creeping along the wall. Anna nodded at an uncertain Chrom, prompting him to do the same as she followed suit. The door leading to the dungeon was locked, but Gaius fixed the issue in half a minute. Soon enough, all three slunk their way down the stairs.The prison itself was more akin to a pigsty; lit torches illuminated the filth and grime as Chrom looked on in horror. Dried blood could be spotted coming from under some of the cell doors, and it took every ounce of willpower to stay composed. Gaius had the three of them duck behind some crates close to the entrance before peering out himself. A couple of guards were talking and laughing near a final cell at the very end of the hall, but no one else seemed to be present."How many?" Anna whispered."Two." Gaius squinted before rejoining them behind the crate. "Maybe more.""What do you mean, maybe? Is it two or not, Gaius?""Shh! I think I have a plan." He turned to Chrom. "How we doin' this, Blue? Lethal or nonlethal?""You were planning on killing them?!" Chrom whispered, staring at Gaius like he'd kicked a puppy."Hey, I don't like it either—hate blood, really—but a guy's gotta come prepared for the worst. Besides, it's not like you've never killed a soldier before…""It's different when you're fighting for your life on the battlefield," Chrom argued, shutting his eyes. His thoughts drifted to the Plegian soldiers they'd spared after the battle against Taka. "But these men… Some of them might not have done anything wrong. They could even have families, Gaius…"Anna rolled her eyes. "Fine, we'll do things the pacifist way... Pacifist being a relative term, of course. You still got that rag and bottle I gave you, Gaius?"He tapped his suit jacket, grinning. "Sure do.""Well, forget it. I checked with that egghead Shepherd; it won't work quickly enough.""Really? Damn it…"Chrom glanced back and forth between the two of them with wide eyes, his mouth slightly parted. He knew that the pair had technically been criminals before joining the Shepherds, he just hadn't thought that their methods might be so… dark.
Maybe gaining their loyalty wasn't such a bad idea after all…
"Okay," Gaius whispered, staring at Anna and holding up a thin wire. "I still have this. If I only choke him until he stops moving, he should be okay, right?""Maybe. Now we just need to draw one of them closer before dealing with the other one. You got the pebble?"Gaius groaned and took off his shoe, pulling out a small rock that'd been pressed against his arch for some time now. "Unfortunately…""... Why didn't you just store it in your pocket?""Hey," one of the guards said. "Did you hear something?""Yeah. I think it came from over there…""Shit!" Anna swore under her breath. "We're running out of time here. Gaius, distract one of them. I'll sneak around the crate and deal with him. Chrom, follow my lead and help us when the other one shows up.""Got it.""Understood..."One of the guards began to walk away from the cell door and towards the crates. Anna peeked her head out around the left-hand side before deciding it was safe to crawl over there. As the guard finally made his way to the crates, a pair of hands belonging to Gaius sprang out from behind them. "Wait! You caught me! I surrender.""This area is off-limits to partygoers," the guard replied gruffly, spotting his sleeves. "Now come out of there and I'll escort you back to the ballroom.""Yes, of course…"Gaius rose from the crates, still holding his hands up. Just as expected, the guard was caught unawares when Anna crept up behind him. She wrapped an arm around his neck and pressed down on his head with her free hand. "Ack! What the—?!"The other guard sprang from his post and rushed over to help his friend, but was similarly caught off-guard by a punch to the jaw courtesy of Chrom. Gaius ran over to help him choke the man out as Anna dragged the first still-struggling guard behind the crates."Shh…" she whispered in his ear, ignoring the flailing limbs and desperate struggle for air. "It's alright… You're gonna be okay."Eventually, both guards stopped struggling and Gaius pickpocketed the keys off of one of them. Chrom's hands were still a bit shaky as he dragged the other one behind the crates, but he managed to calm himself for the time being."Okay," Anna said, "now that that's settled, put on their clothes.""... I'm sorry?""It makes sense," Gaius mused. "The guards can go anywhere in the castle without looking suspicious, right? If we put on their clothes and helmets, we should be able to escort Emmeryn outside and to Kellam undetected.""Wouldn't it look suspicious if we took her outside at all?""That's why we need to be quick about it, Blue.""This is ridiculous," Chrom breathed."Maybe," Anna agreed, "but right now, it's the only plan we've got. Now, c'mon, you two; get those clothes off!"She paused as he and Gaius gave her an odd look."... What?"Soon, Chrom and Gaius both discarded their formal wear for guard attire, topped off by helmets that mostly concealed their eyes. Anna kept an eye out for any returning guards, and soon she signaled that the coast was clear. As they walked down the hall, the eerie silence unnerved Chrom to no end; he was almost certain there'd be more prisoners down here.
Unless they're already…?
Chrom came back to reality as Gaius unlocked the final door. He let Chrom do the honors, and he opened it to reveal his older sister dressed in a short black dress that she'd normally never wear. Her face was caked in Plegian makeup, and a cloth was draped across her forehead as it displayed a strange insignia over her own Brand. Her eyes were closed in an almost serene manner."Come to collect me, have you?" Emmeryn spat, not even bothering to look at him. "I suppose Gangrel always was better at sending others to do the dirty work for him.""Emm…" Chrom gasped.Her eyes shot open immediately, and her jaw dropped when she spotted the familiar face under the helmet. "Ch… Chrom? Is is truly you?"He rushed forward and embraced her in a tight hug, one that she was all too quick to return. "Emm… It's been so long… Are you hurt? What did he do to you?!""Nothing I couldn't handle," Emmeryn answered with confidence. She felt a familiar warmth in her heart as she rested her chin on his shoulder. "... Thank you, Chrom. Truly. I'd almost given up hope of being rescued. I'm sorry for making you come all this way, and sorrier still that Phila and the others had to pay for my foolishness…""It wasn't your fault," he whispered, a hand in her hair. "Not ever… Gangrel is to blame for their deaths, and we're gonna make him pay. But first we need to get you out of here."Gaius had respectfully averted his eyes and given the siblings their privacy, but Anna rushed back into the cell with a grim face. "Bad news, boys; more guards are on their way.""How long do we have?""Hey! You there!"Everyone jumped as three guards made themselves known at the other end of the hall. There was a brief, almost maddening moment of silence before one of them cleared his throat. "... His Majesty requests her presence. Please join us in the ballroom. That is all.""Uh, yes!" Gaius answered in a gruff voice. "Roger that!""Hey!" the second soldier exclaimed, pointing at Anna. "What's she doing here?""I was just giving the imperial princess here a tour of the castle's facilities; His Majesty's orders and all. I'll be taking her back now.""... Oh, okay," came the nonchalant response. "I guess that makes sense. Wouldn't want to get on the emperor's bad side by spurning his daughter, right?""Right." Gaius smirked. "I'll escort both ladies to the ballroom now; our associate here will stay behind and hold the fort."The trio of guards nodded and left, with Gaius and Anna following them out soon afterwards. Emmeryn did not resist as Gaius gently took her by the arm and escorted her from her cell. Now that she knew that her brother and his allies were here, she had just the slightest sliver of hope that their efforts would bear fruit.Gaius had passed Chrom the keys before leaving, and the prince was just about to follow them out when he heard a rasp from one of the cell doors. He turned his head towards the source of the noise and squinted into the darkness."... Hello?""... Ch-Chrom?" a familiar voice wheezed. "Is… Is that you? My, how you've grown…"Chrom unlocked the cell door and walked in to get a better look. The figure at his feet had long, pale blonde hair that was notably matted and unkempt, and the rags he wore gave way to his gaunt figure. Still, the face was unmistakable."Father Libra?! What are you doing in a place like this?""I left the eastern palace in search of a young missionary that had gone missing," Libra explained. "Lucas, that poor soul… The Grimleal killed him. I can feel it in my heart. I was too late to save him by the time I reached the sands of Plegia, I'm sure of it, but then I heard that the Exalt too had been kidnapped…""So you came all this way for her?" Chrom was almost at a loss for words. "... Thank you, Father Libra. I can't believe those monsters kept you chained down here like an animal. Our prison conditions are far from perfect, but you look like you haven't been fed or bathed in who knows how long…""You should go." His voice was hoarse. "The Exalt is not yet out of the woods, and I would only slow you down.""No." Chrom frowned, starting to unlock the shackles around his wrists and ankles. "I'm not leaving you here to die. We're all making it out of here alive; you, me, Emmeryn, Robin… all of us. Now come here."He helped Libra to his feet and let him wrap an arm around his shoulder. "Chrom… I appreciate this, but what if one of Gangrel's men sees?""I'll think of something! I just… I can't leave you here. Not after all you've been through."For the first time in what felt like years, Libra felt a genuine smile cross his face."Chrom… Thank you."As Anna led Chrom away from the ballroom, the party continued without missing a beat. Most of the music up until this point had been catchy and fast-paced, leaving Robin and Lyn little time to relax. They occasionally found themselves dancing with either a Plegian noble or Virion, and both felt a little sore by the time they found a table to sit at."Goodness, Robin," Lyn said, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief. "I don't think I've ever seen you this sweaty before… Well, aside from our first encounter on the plains, of course."He smiled tiredly and nodded in thanks. "Heh... Indeed. I may not know much of Plegia myself, but the nobility are certainly more energetic than I would have expected…"The two shared a chuckle. The string section began to play a slower piece, changing the room's atmosphere. Many members of the nobility grabbed a partner—many of the opposite gender, but a few of the same—and swayed across the dance floor in pairs. As Robin stared at them and tried to memorize their steps, Lyn rested her face on her hand and gave him a dreamy smile. When he looked back at her, he blushed before gazing back into the crowd with a bashful smile of his own.Lyn gulped as she steeled herself.
Okay, Lyn, time to take the initiative. You can do this
—
"Pardon me." A sultry voice interrupted her thoughts. Lyn looked up to see the same raven-haired girl from before standing at Robin's side, resting her palm on the table near his arm. "I love this song, but my partner is a little busy for the time being…""Oh! Um…" The heat crept across Robin's face in an instant. Not wanting to be rude, he said, "Well, I suppose I could take his place for now…""Such a gentleman," the girl cooed. She looked over at Lyn and gave her a wicked cat-like grin; all too fitting given her mask. "You don't mind if I borrow him for a bit, do you?"Lyn forced a smile of her own, even as she grasped her champagne glass with a little too much force. "Not at all… You two go have fun."Robin looked back at her in surprise, and her face softened as she gave a more genuine nod. The other girl took Robin's arm and urged him towards the dance floor without a second thought. Lyn managed to stay her hand long enough to down her drink. What did she care? They'd been dancing with different partners all night long, male and female alike. What did this one matter?
Maybe it's because it's a slow song...?
Out on the dance floor, Robin took his partner's left hand into his right just like Maribelle had shown him. His own left hand hovered for a moment before finally settling on her waist, and he led the dark-haired girl in a waltz."Is… Is this okay, Miss?""You're doing wonderful." She batted her eyes at him beneath her mask. "Incidentally, my name is Tharja.""Tharja… I see. So you're from around here, I take it?""Unfortunately, yes." She let out a dry chuckle as her free hand reached his shoulder. "Though I'm surprised you don't seem to be… Might the good gentleman give me his name?""Rob..." Robin bit his tongue for a moment, remembering the alias Anna had given him. "Wallace. Prince Wallace of Valm, at your service.""My, my... And here I thought you were Plegian for a second." Tharja smiled as they spun in a slow circle. "Tell me more about this... Valm."He felt a drop of sweat roll down the side of his face. "It's, uh... big. And, uh... Really pretty?""Just like your eyes." Tharja smiled and closed some of the distance between them. "You have the most beautiful brown eyes I've ever seen... Are they from your mother's or father's side?""Ah… I'm not sure, actually," Robin answered, avoiding eye contact. The two were exceedingly close now, and he no longer knew where to look. Even as a chill ran down his spine, he stopped himself from letting his eyes drift too low. "I never really knew my parents…""Oh… How tragic." At this, Tharja drew even closer and began to trace circles on his chest with her index finger. She looked up at him with saucy eyes and smirked. "Well, I might not be able to reunite you with them, but…"She stood on her toes and placed her hands on his shoulders, her lips far too close to his ear."I'll be your mommy."
What in the actual—
"That's… very kind of you…" Robin turned his head away from her and cleared his throat. "But I think I'm okay being an orphan for now.""Ah..." Tharja sank back, the wind thoroughly removed from her sails. "I see..."Night had already fallen on the Shepherds' camp not too far from Paralcya. They were more than prepared to defend themselves to the best of their ability, even with their relatively small numbers, but the need hadn't yet arose. In one of the tents on the outskirts of camp, Vasto sat on the ground in chains alongside his five fellow Plegian soldiers. One of them noticed him grinning to himself and frowned."'Ey! What're you smilin' at, Vasto?""Oh, nothing." He smirked. As if on cue, a crow entered the tent holding what appeared to be a bobby pin. It dropped the pin at Vasto's feet before leaving just as quickly as it came. Just outside, a murder of crows flew above the patrolling Shepherds, watching and waiting."A little birdie told me that tonight's our lucky night, boys..."At last, the musicians' song drew to a close as many happy couples departed from the dance floor. After one too many failed attempts at wooing Robin, Tharja thanked him for the dance and bowed her head before disappearing into the shadows once more. Just as Robin himself was about to return to Lyn, he felt a small yet powerful hand grab his wrist. He looked back to see a young man with short, dark blue hair in a matching suit staring him down through a butterfly mask."Marth?!""Voice down. Walk with me."Despite every fiber in his being telling him to refuse, Robin nodded and allowed himself to be led from the dance floor and out of the ballroom. Once they rounded a corner and entered an secluded, empty hall, he realized that now would be the perfect time for Marth to kill him. But why would he, given that they had always fought on the same side? Was he that disgruntled about his defeat in Regna Ferox? And what about the time they fought together in Castle Ylisstol?"Why are you here?" They asked each other at the same time. Robin's eyes went wide, but Marth's signature mask hid his own confusion.Robin adjusted his tie and cleared his throat. "So, uh... Lovely night, isn't it?""Oh, spare me," came the usual gruff voice. "What are you doing in a place like this, Robin?""I could ask the same of you! Didn't you disappear after the battle against...?" He paused, trying to remember the name of the sorcerer Chrom and Lyn had killed."Validar," Marth finished."Yes, thank you. Why did you vanish afterwards? We could have joined forces..."Robin remembered the ornate blade that Marth usually carried, but he didn't spot it anywhere on his person. "And what about Falch—""Quiet!" he hissed."Sorry," Robin whispered with a wince. "It's just... Why do you have another Falchion? Chrom said there's only ever been one passed down within his family. Is yours the Valentian one?"Marth shook his head. "That is another blade altogether. In any case, I'm here tonight because I heard the Exalt would be here. My associate and I planned to free her at some point and bring her back to Ylisstol. I hope you enjoyed my little chandelier stunt, by the way.""That was you?!" Robin blurted. He covered his mouth and glanced around, relaxing once he was sure it was still just the two of them. "I just... Wow. Chrom and I came here with the same idea in mind, actually. The rescue, not the... chandelier thing.""I see... Then it seems our paths align once more.""Chrom should be freeing her now, actually. But... Where is this associate of yours, anyhow?""Here."Robin jumped at the dark, raspy voice behind him before turning. A taller gentleman in a black suit stood with his hands in his pockets, his matching mask obscuring his eyes entirely."A-ah! And you are...?""It's not important. I'm just here to assist Marth.""We're fine, Michalis." Marth nodded. "You may go now.""Hmph."He left without another word, leaving the pair alone once more. Robin cleared his throat before looking back at Marth. "So, uh... Michalis?""He's just here in case anything were to go wrong.""Okay... And I don't suppose you're going to tell me about the other Falchion you possess?""Later."Robin threw his hands up in frustration. "What's with all the cryptic deflections? Why can't you just—"Marth grabbed his collar with both hands and pinned him to the wall. Robin let out a surprised noise as his face drew closer, voice barely above a whisper. "Robin, you have no idea how much information I have to give you. To give you, Chrom, and just about everyone else in the Shepherds. But due to the severity and strangeness of our situation, there's no telling what kind of consequences it could bring. If I'm not careful, entire lives could be wiped from existence, and I can't risk that. Not now, and not ever."He pulled back a bit and took a deep breath. "I promise to tell you everything one day, but only when I can be sure that doing so won't end our journey prematurely. Can I ask you to be patient until that day comes?"Robin took in the seriousness of his words and, after a brief moment of silence, nodded."Good." Marth breathed a sigh of relief. "Good... Thank you, Robin. Truly. You have no idea how much this means to me—""Hey! What are you two... Oh."The pair looked over to see a guard staring at them. Marth was still clinging to Robin's collar, and their faces were much closer than they would've been in a normal conversation. The guard blushed and averted his eyes. "Oh, I see. Um... carry on, gentlemen."He left, humming a small tune to himself. The pair exchanged an awkward glance before Marth released Robin, allowing him to straighten out his suit. Marth cleared his throat. "Right. So we're in agreement then.""Yep.""Good." Marth turned to leave. "Let us never speak of this again.""Of course," Robin said, trying to cough away the awkwardness. "Don't worry; we'll bring Emmeryn back home.""... One can only hope."Back in the ballroom, Lyn poked at the half-eaten food on her plate with little enthusiasm. She found the sautéed meat and vegetables tasty, but not nearly as enjoyable as they should have been. At first she figured she just wasn't very hungry, but seeing so many couples out on the dance floor made her realize that something else was missing altogether."Lyn?"Her eyes darted up from her plate to meet Robin's. "Oh, Robin! I was just thinking about you...""You were?" There was a gleam in his eyes. "I... Heh, sorry. I just ran into Marth of all people. He was chattier than usual, I'll say that much...""Marth is here?""He is! Or... was, at the very least. Turns out he had the same idea as us this whole time. Strange, isn't it?"Lyn couldn't help but giggle a bit. "Robin... You know Marth is female, right?""I..." Robin's brow furrowed as he looked off to the side. "... Really?""She is. I had an... awkward encounter with her in Regna Ferox."His face went red. "... Oh.""I'm sure she has her reasons, but—"There was a roar of applause and cheers as the current song came to an end. The pair turned their attention towards the stage where Aversa stood and cleared her throat. "What a wonderful band of musicians we have here tonight! His Majesty shall be here momentarily with a very special guest, but in the meantime, please enjoy this final piece sung by yours truly..."The brass players stayed their hands as the pianist opened with a slow, gentle melody. The strings accompanied him, enveloping the ballroom in a warm harmony. The lights dimmed a bit, and Robin suddenly felt a tug at his heart. He looked over at Lyn only to find her already staring at him with a small smile."Lyn..." He smiled back and held his hand out towards her, hoping now more than ever that Virion and Maribelle's lessons would pay off. "... Would you honor me with a dance?"
Finally!
Lyn's heart thumped in her chest, begging to be released. She stood up and took his hand as she grinned from ear to ear. "I thought you'd never ask."The pair made their way to the center of the ballroom, navigating past many a swaying couple. Just as they'd rehearsed, Robin took Lyn's right hand into his left and placed his right hand on her upper back. Lyn's free hand flew right to his shoulder. The position brought them closer together, making them flush from the contact. Robin tensed up for a moment before remembering the basics.
Left foot, right foot... Left foot, right foot...
Meanwhile, Lyn's ears burned as she followed his lead, moving back and forth to the beat of the ballad.
Don't step on his toes, don't step on his toes, don't step on his toes...!
By now, the smell of cologne and perfume had filled the ballroom. Many other couples swirled around them with grace, and once Robin was more comfortable, he led Lyn as they slowly did the same."And should you lose your way, remember yesterday," Aversa sang with a smile. "Remember me this way. Remember me this way..."Were it not for her senses going wild, Lyn might've chuckled at such a fitting choice of music for them. All of this had started in large part due to Robin being dragged from Elibe and losing his memories in the process, but now that he was holding her... Now that she was holding him...None of it mattered.Lyn allowed herself to enjoy the moment, the distance between them almost disappearing entirely as they drifted closer to each other. She could feel everything: the fiery blood pooling in her cheeks, the warmth of Robin's gentle hand caressing hers, the sweat rolling down her forehead as it almost collided with Robin's...Robin, meanwhile, could hardly breathe. No one had ever had this effect on him before. He'd danced with several partners tonight, Tharja included, and yet the affairs always seemed so casual in spite of the formal setting. Now that Lyn's chest was flushed against his in such a way that he could almost feel her heart beating, his mind was in a tizzy. He fumbled some of his steps, mumbling apologies as he accidentally trod on the hem of Lyn's dress. Expecting a reprimand or two, he relaxed when he saw nothing but kindness in those large green eyes of hers.Kindness... and adoration.The song had almost reached its conclusion, and any doubt Robin had once had was cast away by a powerful urge. His eyes glided across Lyn's face, taking in her features, before resting on her lips. When they moved back up to meet her own, she gave a small nod before leaning forward, her eyes fluttering shut.This is it, Robin thought, psyching himself up. It's now or never...!Here it comes, Lyn told herself, her heart pounding in her heated ears. We're really going to...!Robin trembled in his shoes, but it was too late to back down; she'd already closed her eyes and puckered her lips in anticipation. Slowly but surely, he let his own eyes close as he leaned forward. His lips drew closer and closer to hers, mere inches apart, until—"Attention, everyone! Attention!""Oh, come on!" Lyn yelled, breaking away from Robin to face the source of her irritation. Many of the other guests were started at her sudden outburst, and fear seized her heart when she realized the interrupter was none other than Gangrel himself.The Mad King chortled from his throne, folding his arms. "Having a bit of fun, were we? Good, good; that's what these things are for, after all! But now it's time for me to have a little fun of my own, wouldn't you agree?""And who better to assist me in my time of need," he continued, gesturing towards the doorway, "than the Exalt herself?"Gangrel smirked in triumph as a soldier brought Emmeryn into the room. There were a few cheers and jeers from some particularly zealous noblemen, but the rest of the Plegian nobility gawked in utter silence. Some of the other attendees, namely Mustafa and his family, looked on in disdain as Gangrel hooked his arm in Emmeryn's and dragged her towards the center of the room. Tharja stared with large eyes from the corner of the room, but Henry was nowhere to be found.Emmeryn kept her chin up as she walked alongside Gangrel, cursing the unreasonably sharp heels she'd been forced into. She felt the gaze of the crowd envelop her, but she refused to back down. As they reached the center, she spotted a white-haired man in a dark suit staring at her from the mass of spectators, a lady in blue beside him.
Is... Is that Robin? And Lyndis?
Emmeryn! Robin and Lyn thought at the same time.Gangrel cleared his throat, snapping the three out of their thoughts. "Now then... As is customary for such an esteemed event, our guest of honor will have the honor of sharing a dance with yours truly."He turned to Emmeryn with a malevolent gleam in his eye. "Do try to keep up, my dear, because this is a lively little ditty imported straight from Valm! Without further ado, I give you... Mila's Divine Protection!"The brass section opened with a brash, bombastic riff. The guitar and percussion joined in next as Gangrel led Emmeryn in a wild dance unlike anything she'd experienced in Ylisse. She stumbled when he wrapped an arm around her and led her to her right, grasping her other hand. The strings entered the fray as he led her back the way they came, and Emmeryn's stomach reeled when he suddenly twirled her around.Robin and Lyn were at a complete loss for words. They looked towards the ballroom's entrance to see Virion talking with the same guard who'd brought Emmeryn to them. They seemed to be having a frantic conversation as Gangrel's audience clapped to the beat, lost in the music. Robin squinted when he saw a flash of orange beneath the guard's helmet, and his fears were somewhat mitigated as Anna joined the duo."Lyn." He nudged her softly. "There are the others... Do you see Chrom?"By now, even the castle's soldiers had gathered in the ballroom to witness the Mad King's mad dance. A soldier walked up to Anna's group with a withered blonde man over his shoulder, talked to them for a bit, then left with Virion in tow."That must have been him," Lyn whispered, her heart starting to race anew. "But what about Emmeryn?""I'm still working on it..." Robin's gaze fell on the dancing duo in the middle of the room. "We can't very well yank her away at a time like this... We should talk to Anna and figure something out while they're distracted.""Right!"The moon was high in the sky as Chrom snuck out of the castle with Virion. Libra, who'd been drifting in and out of consciousness since being found, was still slung over their shoulders as they made their way to their wagon in the courtyard. Kellam, who'd been dutifully watching over the carriage since arriving, almost did a double take as they approached him."Virion? ... Who are your friends?""It's Chrom," Chrom answered, "and this is Father Libra, an Ylissean priest and a prisoner of Gangrel. I need you to keep him in the wagon for the time being, Kellam."He obliged without hesitation, helping to load the injured man into the carriage. "Got it. But... what about Emmeryn? And the others?""We're not leaving here without them. Just wait here until we return, and if you see someone coming, don't draw any attention to yourself, alright?""Gee, sounds like a real tall order," Kellam snarked."We're counting on you, Kellam," Chrom said, turning to leave. Virion nodded at their chauffeur before following him back out of the courtyard.A wave of anxiety washed over Kellam as he looked at the snoozing man in the carriage. He looked up at the stars in the sky and frowned."I have a bad feeling about this..."While Chrom was busy sneaking Libra out of the castle, Gangrel was busy having the time of his life. He took great joy in dragging Emmeryn across the dance floor like a ragdoll, reveling in the notion that he was humiliating the face of Ylisse in front of the nobility.His nobility.He took a break from spinning Emmeryn around and looked towards a nearby Aversa. He whistled and, with a roll of her eyes, she tossed him an elegant red rose that he caught between his teeth. There was much applause as he led the Exalt in another dance, twirling the flower with his tongue. He spat the rose out beside them and brought Emmeryn down into a dip. When Gangrel leaned down to kiss her, she grabbed the rose and held it in her teeth before giving him a defiant glare.Gangrel sighed before bringing her back up and snarling into her ear, "Why so serious? It was only for show!""And I suppose that giant white cake is also for show, is it?""Hmph. You'll see, princess... You'll see."The audience continued to gaze upon the two of them as they spectated from a distance. Closer to the ballroom's entrance, Anna's group had formed a tight circle and began to discuss their plan of action."Anna, what are we going to do now?" Lyn asked."I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin'..." Anna stuck her tongue out to the side as she searched for an idea. A smile grew on her face as one came to mind. "Ooh, I know! After the big goof's done with his number, I'll get his attention by doing something drastic. While I'm doing that, you guys can nab the rest of my smoke bombs from my purse and wreak some havoc! When that's done, we grab Emmeryn and make a break for the exit!""'The rest of?'" Robin raised an eyebrow. "What happened to the others?"She winked. "You'll see.""This seems all too risky," Lyn mumbled."Never stopped us before, and we're running out of time anyway," Gaius pointed out. He and Robin grabbed the remaining smoke bombs from Anna's purse. "Incidentally, I may have slipped a dagger into my jacket as part of a contingency plan. I'd hate to use it, but it's there if we need it. We should thank Gangrel's chuckleheads for being so lenient, by the way.""Right." Robin nodded, feeling the small black spheres in his hands. "And failing that, I still have a Fire tome in mine. If I can get close enough to a window, I should be able to shoot a fireball into the sky to alert the other Shepherds.""Everyone."The group turned to see Chrom walk up to them in his guard disguise. Virion stood watch outside the ballroom, keeping his eyes peeled for any stray guards."We're almost done here, tiger," Anna said with a wink. "Good thing too, cause, uh... It looks like so are they!"She pointed at the dance floor where Gangrel was still dragging Emmeryn around. To Emmeryn's complete and utter dismay, he'd taken it upon himself to sing along during the song's final stretch. She struggled in his grasp as he sang the final note from the bottom of his lungs. After so much torment at his hands, it was then that she realized she'd finally had enough.With all of her strength, Emmeryn slammed her heel down on his toes.Gangrel's voice rose several octaves as he let go of her and grasped his foot with both hands, hopping on his good one. Aversa and Tharja couldn't help but smirk, and the rest of the audience sans the Shepherds applauded the performance. When Gangrel was finished reeling, he glared daggers at a smug Emmeryn before addressing the crowd with a bow."Thank you, thank you! And thank you, dearest Emmeryn," he snarked at her, "for joining us on such a lovely night."Gangrel straightened his robes. A server came by with a glass of water, and he accepted it with a nod before downing the drink and tossing the glass itself over his shoulder. "Ah... ahem. Now that that's over and done with, I feel I must confess something to you all. Ever since our lovely Queen Anastasia passed away, I've been ruling over Plegia alone. I loved it at first, but lately I've realized that every king needs someone to support them through thick and thin.""You know how much I abhor those dreaded Ylisseans," he went on, smiling at the numerous nods he received, "and yet, there's one in particular whose kindness has ultimately won me over."The room fell silent once he got on one knee. Emmeryn's glare dissipated and was replaced with shock as he presented her with a small box. "Emmeryn, my sweet... I know there's been no shortage of animosity between us over the years, but I'm a changed man. You have changed me. Would you—""Your Majesty!"Gangrel stood up at once. "WHAT?! What now?! Who dares to interrupt such an important moment in Plegian history?!"Many of the guests gasped, as did the Shepherds, when they turned towards the ballroom entrance. Standing in the doorway were a bloodied Vasto and Henry, both out of breath. When Gaius quickly peered out of the room, Virion was nowhere to be seen. A small crimson trail dotted the floor down the hall.
Ruffles!
"Chrom, what's going on?" Robin whispered. "Why's Vasto here? Where's Virion?""I... I don't know...!"A million thoughts raced through his mind. How did Vasto manage to escape? The boy at his side... Was he responsible? If so, how? What about the Shepherds? Were they okay? And what of the other soldiers they'd imprisoned? Where were they? And where did Virion get off to?"Ah, Vasto!" Gangrel clasped his hands together with a gleeful grin as he stood beside a confused Emmeryn. "So you're alive after all. I suppose I was right to trust Henry's intuition on this one."Mustafa and Campari gaped at the odd duo in disbelief, and Tharja's eyes widened a bit at the state of her date. Henry laughed through his exhaustion and pain. "Nya ha ha! I told you, Your Majesty! A crow's nose always knows!"There were many murmurs in the crowd. Gangrel looked Henry and Vasto up and down before grimacing. "Ugh. You could have at least bothered to clean yourself up before coming here. What happened to you, Vasto? We all thought you were cut down during the failed invasion of Ylisstol! You know, the one that failed under your command?""Hey, you should..." Vasto coughed up some blood. "You should be thanking the Ylisseans, Your Majesty! After all..."He pointed at the disguised Shepherds. "I wouldn't have even made it this far if not for them!"There were numerous gasps and cries in the audience. One noblewoman in particular clutched at her pearls, and another draped a hand over her forehead as she fainted. Gangrel followed Vasto's finger and grinned when he saw the Shepherds staring back at him. All except for one who glared back with the same defiant glare Emmeryn had."Oh, my!" Gangrel placed a finger to his chin. "It seems we have some party crashers in our midst! How delightful!""Now hold on just a moment!" Anna yelled, stepping in front of the group. "I have something I would like to say."He tilted his head and squinted. "Princess Anya? So you did get my invitation after all! But what are you doing with those accursed—""Sorry to disappoint," Anna said, "but your princess is in another castle!"She lifted up her skirt and reached into her boots. Anna pulled a sizable dagger out of either of them, twirling the knives before her. Several nobles screamed at the sight as some of Gangrel's soldiers began to surround the Shepherds. Gangrel grabbed Emmeryn and pressed a dagger of his own to her throat. "Did you fools really think you could just waltz into my castle and ruin my special night without consequences? Did you?!""Anna, what do we do now?" Chrom whispered, his voice harsh. "One wrong move and he'll kill her for sure!"Anna ignored him and stared ahead at the Mad King with a smile. "Well, Gangrel, if there's anything I've learned from my time in this world... it's that it pays to look up every now and again.""... What?""Now!"The nobility gasped as numerous little spheres descended from the rafters. Gangrel himself looked up and gasped, his grasp on Emmeryn loosening when he spotted two masked men above him. Anna shoved Chrom towards Emmeryn as Gaius and Robin threw some more smoke bombs overhead, and soon the entire ballroom was consumed by a thick smokescreen. Soldiers and nobility coughed and sputtered, trying in vain to swipe away the smoke.Gangrel coughed and rasped, dropping the knife, and Emmeryn finally freed herself from his grasp when she stomped on his good foot. Chrom was quick to grab her by the hand, covering his nose and mouth with his other arm."C'mon, Emm! We've gotta move!""Lead on!"Within seconds, the ballroom descended into chaos. Chrom, Emmeryn, Anna, and Lyn had managed to navigate their way out of the room as Robin and Gaius threw down the last of the smoke bombs. Anna caught up to them, tossing Chrom and Lyn either of her daggers."Which way?""Out!"The group began to sprint out the way they came, following the trail of blood Virion had presumably left behind. The trail led all the way outside the front gate, but the party only reached the main hall before rows of heavily armored soldiers marched in. Their spears were at the ready as sturdy helmets obscured their faces. The gate shut behind them as they marched forward, purple smoke emanating from the openings in their armor."Shit!" Chrom swore. "Now what?"The soldiers lurched forward, and Robin looked all around the room for answers. The stained glass windows were far too high for them to climb out of, but—
That's it! The windows!
Robin reached into his jacket and pulled out the Fire tome he'd been holding on to. With a grunt, he conjured a fireball in his hand and flung it towards the nearest pane. The glass shattered upon impact, and he sent a few more fireballs out into the night sky for good measure. With any luck, the other Shepherds would still be in good enough condition to answer their prayers."That should do it for now," he said, panting a bit. "It doesn't look like we can muscle our way through the front, though; we need to find another way out!"Gaius nodded. "Everyone follow me, and stay close!"The group left the armored soldiers behind as Gaius led them down the hall and around a corner. Any guard that drew too close was cut down by either Chrom or Lyn. They heard Gangrel barking orders at his men far behind them, and their footsteps quickened with every word. When the group sprinted up the stairs and reached the second floor, a squad of soldiers barred off the left hand side with their spears held horizontally."Psst," Gaius whispered. "You four go on ahead. Anna and I'll find another way outta here, but you guys gotta save Miss Exalt no matter what!""Gaius..." Lyn's heart sank in her chest.Anna turned to them and winked. "Don't worry about us; we've been in worse situations. I'll tell you all about 'em once we meet up again, but you guys gotta get moving!"The guards started to move towards them in a line, and the others made eye contact with the rogues before nodding and running away, fleeing into the right hand hallway. Anna took off her boots and placed them over her arms like makeshift gauntlets as Gaius drew a dagger from his jacket, the two standing back-to-back."So..." Gaius eyed the soldiers circling them. "Odds of us getting out of this alive?"Anna grinned, holding her boots in front of her face. "Why, I'd wager we have an even fifty-fifty chance!"In spite of the circumstances, a chuckle escaped his lips."... Bring it on."Chrom, Emmeryn, Robin and Lyn ascended the castle until they were out of breath. At one point they'd reached a hallway with numerous suits of armor lining it, and Chrom and Lyn knocked over as many as possible in an attempt to slow their pursuers. Guards harangued them at every corner, hellbent on catching them.Or, at least, that was how it seemed. Once they'd reached the highest floor of the castle, however, Robin had pieced together their true intentions."A dead end," he lamented as they reached a brick wall. They'd taken a hard right when they reached the top of the stairs, flying past the throne room in the process. "They must have been planning to corner us all along... Damnit! This is all my fault. If only I'd thought to search for another escape route first..."Chrom let go of Emmeryn as they took a moment to rest. Lyn shut her eyes and took a few deep breaths. Things had gone so wrong in such a short amount of time, but all they could do now was try to think of another solution. "...What's done is done. Maybe we can find somewhere to hide until they let their guard down and open up the front gate.""I... I'm not so sure that will be the case." Emmeryn closed her eyes, holding her burdened heart. "Chrom... Everyone... I'm sorry I put you through all of this...""It's not your fault." Chrom placed his hands on her shoulders. "It's nobody's fault but Gangrel's. If he'd just listened to you in the first place, none of us would even be here!""But...""Listen to me... Robin, Lyn, Gaius, Anna, Virion..." His heart stung at the mention of the last three. "... We chose this path. We chose to put ourselves in harm's way. You can't blame yourself for our decisions, Emm. Especially when he left us no other choice. Regardless of what happens next... whether we live or die... I'm proud to call you my sister.""Chrom..." Emmeryn's eyes watered. She wiped away a tear and smiled. "Heh... You've grown into such a strong and capable leader. I'm proud to call you my brother."Robin and Lyn smiled at the scene, but everyone froze as they heard a clap behind them.And another.And another.Everyone snapped into action and formed a barrier around Emmeryn at once. Gangrel stood at the end of the other end of the hall, now dressed in his usual attire. Numerous soldiers flanked him as he slowly applauded them. "How precious. Really. If only Chronos could see you now..."Chrom and Lyn stood in front of the other two, brandishing the daggers Anna had given them. Chrom's voice was low and full of venom. "... Gangrel. Time and time again, Emmeryn's done nothing but try to make amends with you and Plegia on the whole! Yet you've rejected her at every opportunity! Spat on each and every last attempt to make things right! And for what? More senseless violence and death? Do you know how many people have died in this conflict?! Do you even care?!"Robin grit his teeth as his Fire tome sputtered. A few sparks flew from the pages before it became as useful as an ordinary book. "Gah... It's no good..."He flinched when a hand reached his shoulder. When he turned around, Emmeryn gave him a smile before leaning over and whispering into his ear."Take care of Chrom and Lissa for me."Robin drew back in surprise, and Chrom mimicked his reaction when Emmeryn walked ahead of them, tearing off the cloth that once covered her Brand. Lyn, still clutching the dagger, furrowed her brow as she took another step forward."Oh? You're approaching me?" Gangrel could hardly contain his amusement. "After all that time spent running, you're coming right to me? Just like that?"Emmeryn tilted her head, the corners of her mouth curling up in a sad smile. "You're right, Gangrel.""... What?""For years, I did run. I deluded myself into thinking that all of life's problems could be resolved with words alone. I tried my damnedest to avoid any and all acts of violence. I dismantled my father's army. I offered you parley after years and years of unprovoked schisms. I even opposed the formation of my brother's militia at one point.""I still stand by the opinion that Father was a monster," Emmeryn continued, pointing at Gangrel, "but you are no better than he. You're a bully and a coward."The room went silent. Gangrel's gaze fell to the floor as his soldiers exchanged nervous glances. Chrom and Lyn continued to stare him down, almost as if challenging him to make a move, but the Mad King simply placed a hand to his face and let loose a string of chuckles.Chuckles that quickly spiraled out of control."Hehehehe... Hahahaha... AH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HAAAA!" Gangrel threw his head back and howled with laughter. Once he calmed down a bit, he gazed back at her with tiny red irises. "Was that your idea of a joke?! Is that truly your best attempt, Emmeryn?! This is bad comedy!""You're the joke, Gangrel!" Chrom snapped. "Now let us out of here!""I tire of you, boy." Gangrel waved a hand in their direction. "Men, you have your orders! Sink your blades into their flesh! Paint the walls with their blood! Tear them all to pieces!"The guards lifted their weapons and charged with a war cry. Chrom and Lyn prepared themselves for battle, but Emmeryn stood with her hands in front of her. She was well aware of the dangers of casting magic without a tome or staff to channel it through, but she didn't care anymore. In her mind, the safety of Chrom and his allies far surmounted that of her own.She focused her energy, and soon ribbons of light flew from Emmeryn's fingertips, shooting towards Gangrel and his men. Many of the guards were ensnared in the magic as her companions gaped at her."Emm..." Chrom's jaw dropped."Emmeryn," Robin gasped, "when did you—"A few guards broke free of the ribbons and charged ahead. Emmeryn lifted one of her hands upwards with a harsh frown, summoning a fireball that exploded underneath them. As they were knocked to the floor, more soldiers rushed past a stunned Gangrel. Chrom and Lyn cut down anyone who got near Emmeryn, and the other guards were caught off-guard when she coated the floor with ice."This is ridiculous!" One of them turned to flee. "I'm out of here!""HEY! No one leaves without my say so!" Gangrel snarled. "Stand up and fight, damn it!"Emmeryn chanted some words under her breath as she brought her hands together, focusing her magic into a sphere of light. At the same time, the Brand of the Exalt glowed a bright yellow on her forehead."I'm sorry," she apologized to the guards, "but you've forced my hand."She launched the ball towards the center of them, the force of the impact sending many a soldier flying off to either side. Gangrel bared his teeth and growled as he drew a Levin sword from his robe. "So you have been holding out on me all these years! Well, color me impressed!"He sent a wave of electricity flying forward. Emmeryn stumbled as she took the brunt of the attack, and the others felt the jolts resonate through the air. Robin spotted an unmoving soldier nearby and took his spear, crouching as he held the unfamiliar weapon in both hands. He, Chrom, and Lyn stood in front of a coughing Emmeryn."Chrom..." Emmeryn rasped."Hang in there, Emm. We're gonna win this here and now!""Rrgh... You!" Gangrel turned his head towards a guard struggling to rise from the floor. "Tell Aversa, Mustafa, Campari, and anyone else who can pick up a weapon to get up here right now!""Y-y-yes, sir!"He ran away as Gangrel smirked at his enemies, twirling his sword. "Well? What are you waiting for, Princey? More reinforcements?""By the time they get here," Chrom said, "you'll be dead where you stand. Robin, Lyn! With me!""Got it!""Okay!"The trio charged towards Gangrel with their weapons at the ready. Emmeryn observed them from afar, and when she coughed into her hand, she wasn't the least bit surprised by the blood that coated her palm.Lyn was the first person to reach Gangrel. Her swings were wild, but had a certain grace to them even as they missed their mark. He deflected a slash before leaping into the air. He kicked her away with both of his feet and landed on his own with a backflip. Chrom was the next to approach Gangrel as Robin helped Lyn back to her feet. Chrom's swings had more raw strength behind them, but he was lacking in finesse.Gangrel sidestepped a swing before forcing Chrom to the floor with a leg sweep. He brought the sword down with both hands, but Chrom had already rolled out of the way and stabbed him in the side."Ack! Okay, now I'm angry!""You took the words right out of my mouth." Chrom glared at him.He aimed another swing directly at his face. Gangrel parried it, spun around, and slammed his fist into Chrom's nose. He recoiled, but Lyn and Robin took his place. Gangrel took a few licks from her dagger before stunning her with a palm strike to the face. He batted her away with an electrified blade, sending her rolling off to the side."Lyn!" Robin called after her. Gangrel took advantage of the situation and grabbed his lance before lifting it, striking Robin in the jaw. "Agh!""R-Robin..." She reached her hand out towards him, struggling to rise to her feet."Enough already!" Gangrel forced Robin to the ground with a foot to the stomach. Chrom ran towards him only to be floored by a wave of lightning at his feet. Gangrel spotted Emmeryn standing a fair distance away, hands held out as she attempted to heal her friends. "Grr...!"Gangrel sprinted towards Emmeryn and leapt into the air. Her hands flew in front of her as she produced a small dome around her. The Levin sword collided with the barrier, sparks flying as he brought it down with both arms. A few more seconds passed before the dome exploded, sending the two flying in opposite directions. Gangrel groaned upon hitting the floor, and Emmeryn coughed up some more blood when she forced herself to her feet.Her eyes were glassy, and her breath was ragged as she looked all around the hall. Many soldiers lay unmoving, Lyn had an arm around Robin for support, and Chrom himself was still struggling to get up himself. She ran towards him and began to cast some healing magic, ignoring the pounding in her head and the strain in her heart."Ugh...!" Gangrel wiped the blood from his mouth as he glared at the Ylissean siblings. Behind him, at the very end of the hall, Aversa and Mustafa had arrived with heavily armored soldiers. He cackled. "You're a fool, Chrom! All of your efforts were for naught! Still, at least you have the honor of dying in front of a live audience!"He grinned at Emmeryn, his blade crackling and surging with magic. "I told you I would kill everyone you love before you die, and I intend to keep my word. Starting with Brother Dearest!""NO!"The entire world slowed to a crawl. From his spot on the ground, Chrom could see everything. Gangrel's wicked, sadistic grin. The bolt of lighting flying from his blade. The look on Emmeryn's face as she threw herself in front of him.The bolt of lightning lodged in her stomach."No!" Chrom yelled, his voice breaking as Emmeryn crumpled to the floor beside him. He rushed over to her side and cradled her thin form. "Please, Emm, not you! No! No!""Oh, gods," Robin breathed. Lyn followed his gaze and gasped. "Oh, no, no, no, no..."Gangrel's men had already gathered behind him, but the Mad King himself hadn't even moved. He stood and stared at his enemies with wide, empty eyes and parted lips. This was what he wanted, wasn't it? Then why was his heart suddenly overcome with a nostalgic sense of dread? Why wasn't he ecstatic? Why did the scene remind him of...?Everyone recoiled as the brick wall behind Chrom and Emmeryn exploded. Chrom held her close, his back to the wall as he shielded his sister from the falling debris. A large green dragon roared as many of Gangrel's men screamed and fled. Mustafa and Aversa stood at either side of their king, trying to shake him back to reality."Nowi!" Lyn cried. "So you saw the signal after all!""No time for chitchat! Climb on, all of you!"Robin turned to a still kneeling Chrom. Emmeryn's chest rose and fell yet, but her breathing was shallow. "Chrom... We have to—""I'm not leaving her, Robin.""... I would never ask you to."Nowi lowered herself so that the others could climb onto her back. Robin and Lyn helped Chrom go first as he clung to Emmeryn with one arm, holding onto Nowi with the other. Once the two were secure, a shaken Robin and Lyn climbed on behind them."Milord, they're getting away!" Aversa shouted at Gangrel. "Don't you care?""I... What?"There was a second, final roar. Gangrel finally turned his head towards the smoking hole in his castle, but the dragon had already disappeared with the Exalt and her companions."Your Majesty..." Mustafa's voice was quiet. "... What happened?"Gangrel turned his gaze towards the moon. Dark clouds in the sky began to rumble as he stared after someone who was already long gone."... Milord?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
When Gangrel and his followers returned to their guests, the ballroom was exactly as they'd left it.A complete and utter mess.The room still smelled of smoke. Many of the castle's servants tended to the disoriented nobility, treating their eyes with water and healing magic. Several others attempted to fan away the leftover smog using whatever they could. Aversa rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers, casting a wind spell that cleared the air in seconds. Thankfully it seemed that mild irritation was the absolute worst of the guests' complaints, but neither they nor Gangrel were in the mood to celebrate anymore."Everyone!" He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Please remain calm! My finest soldiers are already on the hunt for those repugnant Ylisseans! They will rue the day they ever set foot in this castle!"One of his guards returned from the second floor with a grim look and a few fresh cuts on his face. Gangrel was quick to get his attention. "You there! Status report! Where are the rogues who committed identity theft and attempted to mass poison us?!""I don't know, Your Majesty. They killed three of our men upstairs when we tried to apprehend them. Sure didn't make it easy on the rest of us, though...""I don't give a damn about that!" He ignored the gasps and murmurs coming from his nearby guests. "What about the perpetrators? Any clues left behind?""All we found of the rogues were a pair of leather boots and... some sort of letter."The guard brought forth a small piece of paper. Gangrel snatched it from him and read it under his breath. "'Thanks again for the party, Gangrene. See you real soon… Love, G and A.'"There was a crude depiction of a smiling face drawn at the bottom of the paper, complete with a wink that exuded smugness."Gahh…!" Gangrel tore the scrap to shreds like a rabid cat. "Damn them! Damn them and their accomplices! I'll have their heads!""Er... W-we couldn't find the other two culprits either, milord. We think they used the smokescreen to escape the castle before the front gate was shut.""Oh, my! What a brilliant deduction, soldier! I'll have to give you a raise for such an astute observation!"The guard's eyes lit up. "Really, Your Majesty?""NO!" Gangrel screamed in his face. "Useless wretch… Get back to work and find those imbeciles!"The guard bowed his head and walked away, sniffling. Another approached him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, leaving Gangrel to sneer at the scene. "Ugh, I'm surrounded by idiots! Complete and utter fools! Morons of the highest caliber!"His piercing red eyes danced across the ballroom in a rage, desperately searching for someone else to screech at. Many of the nobles were on their feet again, talking and whispering among themselves in fear and indignation. A healer looked over Vasto and Henry as they caught up on old times with Campari. Aversa was doing her best to keep up with the rampant whining of the partygoers.Gangrel finally settled on Mustafa as the general consoled his wife and little son. "Mustafa! You and Aversa failed me earlier by letting the Ylisseans get away! I order you to gather your troops and chase those dogs down at once!""Must we continue to fight after all these years?" Mustafa's wife, still in his arms, glared at their king with spiteful brown eyes. "Haven't we suffered enough?!""Sonya," Mustafa whispered, "you mustn't—""Heh! Your wife certainly has more bark than you, Mustafa. Now go! That dragon of theirs could be anywhere and we're losing time. Rally your men and check the Midmire first! They may be trying to cross the Feroxi border north of there!""But I…"The Mad King snapped his fingers. Several of his soldiers stepped forward at once and surrounded the family of three, spears aimed at their necks. Mustafa held his family close, and Sonya tried to comfort their son as he cried. Many nobles and soldiers gawked at the scene including Campari and Vasto. Aversa narrowed her eyes at Gangrel from afar, and Tharja similarly seethed in silence from her corner of the room.Gangrel tilted his head and smiled, but his voice was devoid of warmth. "Do I make myself clear?"After a brief pause, Mustafa sighed and hung his head in shame. "Crystal.""Good." He turned away from the family and faced the crowd, signalling for his men to stand down. "Let this be a lesson to all of you, soldier and noble alike. We cannot allow ourselves to fall prey to infighting at a time like this! Plegia's enemy is Ylisse! That's the way it is, and until I've avenged those we've lost, that's the way it will be! I will not tolerate insubordination or dissent in any way, shape or form! If I have to make an example out of anyone who thinks they have the stones to challenge my rule... So be it."Gangrel took a deep breath before looking at his general once more. "... Rally all of your soldiers, Mustafa: infantry, cavalry, and anyone who can ride a wyvern. Track those creatures down and put an end to their insolence!"Without another word, he turned on his heel and made his way towards some of his other guests. A few of Gangrel's guards scowled at Mustafa before leaving. He glared back briefly before turning his attention to his frightened son."Shh... Dry those eyes, lad." He patted the boy on the back. "They're gone now. I'll keep you both safe, I swear on my life.""D-Dad…" His brown eyes still brimmed with tears. "Do you have to go…?""... Aye, lad." Mustafa nodded solemnly. "I do.""When is Auntie Taka coming home?"He feigned ignorance. Mustafa knew deep within his heart that if the Ylisseans had made it this far, Fort Scaraba was already lost. Taka would never surrender to them of her own volition."... I don't know, Joseph.""The Midmire... I don't like this at all." Sonya sighed. "They say those who venture out into the bog never return..."She placed her hands on either side of her husband's battle-hardened face. "Be safe, my love. Come home alive."Mustafa brought his family together for a tight embrace. With a heavy heart, he kissed them both goodbye."... I will."On the other side of the ballroom, Campari was engaged in a conversation with a bloodied Vasto. Henry stood beside them with his hands on his knees, grinning but still reeling from their previous escapade."I don't understand, Vasto. When Bruta showed up with this little whelp on her saddle, we thought for sure you were dead. How the hell did you manage to escape?""Ha! Those idiots spared me and dragged me all the way here." Vasto snorted boorishly. "Honestly, even I couldn't tell you why. They probably thought that I'd 'see the error of my ways' if I spent enough time around their merry band of vigilantes, but they're not innocent. They're not the good guys in this story. I saw the atrocities they committed at Fort Scaraba first-hand. The few soldiers that survived were taken prisoner and tortured for days on end... Just like me.""By the gods!" Campari clenched his teeth in contempt. "Those savages... Then Taka must be…!"Vasto nodded. "Dead. Cut down without remorse. That prince of theirs didn't even bat an eye as he chopped her head clean off. After that, they holed up in Fort Scaraba before moving towards the capital. Henry teleported me out of their little camp, but the other prisoners weren't so lucky. They gave their lives to save us...""Damn those Ylissean mongrels! I'll kill them all myself, I swear it!"As the older general fumed and went off on a tangent about "the good old days," Vasto smirked to himself. He knew the truth of what really happened at the fort and during his escape, but Campari didn't need to know. If anything, stretching the truth a bit would only bolster both his morale and that of the other soldiers, and that could only be beneficial to their cause.His cause.Campari continued to rant, and while Vasto feigned interest, Henry's attention drifted to Tharja. As the other Plegians' voices mingled together and formed an incoherent cloud of noise, the dark-haired beauty took the opportunity to slink out of the ballroom. Henry watched her leave without a word, but the corners of his mouth drooped until his lips formed a straight line."Campari!" Gangrel shouted, snapping all three out of their thoughts as he walked over to them. "Lazy old mutt. Where were you when I called for assistance upstairs?! Mustafa and Aversa at least had the decency to show up before failing me!""Ah... my apologies, milord," he said, scratching his head. "I did the best I could, but I—""Save your excuses! I want you to assemble your troops and do a full city-wide search for those deplorable degenerates! Leave no stone unturned, no house unsearched, and take the silver-haired boy with you too!"A malicious smirk crept across Gangrel's face. "His talents should come in handy should someone prove themselves... uncooperative. Now go!""Y-yes, of course," Campari said. "Come along, boy.""Yessir! Nya ha ha..."The two left the room with several of Gangrel's soldiers, and Vasto was about to follow them when the king's spindly gray hand reached his shoulder. "Not you, Vasto. I have a special task for you and you alone.""Your Majesty?"Gangrel leaned over and whispered in his ear. "I want you to keep an eye on Mustafa from a distance. That man's always been far too soft for his own good; make sure he follows his orders to the bitter end! Do that... and I'll reinstate you as Air Commander. Understood?"With everything to gain and nothing to lose, Vasto nodded at once. Gangrel smiled in response and patted his shoulder. "Wonderful! Hop to it."After listening to the complaints of the nobility (and tasking Aversa with taking care of them), Gangrel strutted out of the ballroom with a seemingly satisfied smile. As soon as he was alone, however, his shoulders slumped and his grin vanished. He couldn't help but think back to the fight with Chrom and his accomplices. Everything had been going well for him until that madwoman did what she did..."Emmeryn..." He clenched his fist. "You fool..."To the northwest of the Plegian capital stood the Midmire. The harsh desert sands receded and gave way to a bleak, marshy swamp with little in the way of vegetation. The skies above were gray year-round, rumbling incessantly in rage and despair. Hot, sticky air clung to anyone unfortunate enough to wander here, as did the local insects. Most off-putting of all were the massive bonelike protrusions that sprung from the earth like a macabre rib cage."Ugh... It's brutal out here," Stahl complained, swatting away a mosquito. Several of the Shepherds fanned themselves with whatever they could as they searched the skies for their missing friends. "I sure hope the others get back soon...""Anyone see Sumia or Cordelia yet?" Ricken asked. "It feels like it's been hours since they left...""Keep your shirt on, kid." Sully rolled her eyes as she fed her horse some oats. "It's been all of ten minutes."Under her breath, she muttered, "Kellam, you dastard... You and the others had better be okay..."The caravan stopped in the Midmire on Frederick's orders. While he and most of the other Shepherds kept an eye on the skies, Lissa paced back and forth and nibbled on her thumbnail. Despite Maribelle's words of encouragement, she couldn't stop her thoughts from racing. She was already worried enough about Chrom and Emmeryn, but then the incident with Vasto and the other Plegian prisoners happened. None of the Shepherds had been seriously injured, but the screaming and that awful, terrible scene wouldn't leave her mind no matter how she tried..."Ah...!" Panne stood on her hind legs in taguel form, her head high in the air. The others looked at her as her nose twitched and a familiar draconic scent filled her nostrils. "There... That has to be Nowi."There were a few neighs followed by a roar. A pair of white pegasi came into view as a shimmering yellow and green dragon emerged from the clouds between them. They neared the ground, and the other Shepherds spotted Robin and Lyn riding with Sumia and Cordelia respectively. They cheered, but their celebration came to an end when they saw Chrom cradling a bleeding Emmeryn on Nowi's back."It's gonna be okay, Emm," he whispered over and over again, "you're safe now. He can't hurt you anymore. You're gonna be okay…"Her breath was heavy and labored, but she smiled at him as though nothing was wrong.The Shepherds gave their fliers some space as they finally landed. Vaike and Sully helped Robin and Lyn off of the pegasi as Frederick gingerly took Emmeryn from Chrom's arms. Once Chrom himself was back on the ground, Nowi shifted back into her humanoid form and collapsed into a nearby Donnel's arms."Nowi!""I'll be okay..." She gave him a tired grin. "Just help Emmeryn...!"As she shuffled off to the side, Lissa made her way through the crowd of stunned Shepherds. Her worst fears were realized when she spotted her battered, bloodied sister in Frederick's arms."Emm! Are you okay?! What did they do to you?!""Lissa...?" Emmeryn's cloudy gray eyes opened. "Is... Is that you? I'm so glad you're alright..."Basilio and Flavia came forward with a brown quilt from the caravan. They stretched it out on the ground and stepped back, allowing Frederick to carefully lower Emmeryn onto it. Lissa and Maribelle approached her with their staves aglow, doing everything in their power to close the wound. Maribelle did her best to stay composed, but Lissa's hands wouldn't stop trembling."The damage is… severe," Maribelle lamented, her staff resting over Emmeryn's chest. "I've never encountered such internal scarring before… Your Grace, what did that monster do to you?""This was…" She coughed. A trickle of blood escaped the corner of her mouth. "Most of this was… my doing.""What are you talking about?" Chrom knelt beside her and took her hand into his own. "Emm, what did—""Magic is powerful… but also very dangerous. It's why tomes and staves were invented… To channel it safely." She coughed again. "After years of repressing my abilities… and using so many at once without aid…""... Why, Emm? Why did you do that? We could've… I could've—""I made a conscious decision," Emmeryn rasped. "I… couldn't let you die, Chrom… or them…"She looked over at the two that had fought at their side. Lyn stared back with moist eyes, but Robin looked as though his heart were about to break in two."You've all sacrificed so much for me..." She smiled as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "Words can't express my gratitude..."Lissa's eyes welled up, a few tears of her own dropping on her sister's face. Even as strain began to overtake her body and mind, the end of her staff glowed with desperate light. "Emm, don't do this! Don't leave us… Please!"Basilio glanced over at Flavia and tilted his head with a glum look. She nodded, and the two left the siblings to grieve without a single word. One by one, the Shepherds followed suit, their faces no less somber. Before long, Emmeryn laid with Chrom and Lissa kneeling on either side of her, Frederick and Maribelle standing nearby, and Robin and Lyn watching quietly from a distance."Chrom… Don't be like me," Emmeryn pleaded with glassy eyes. "Don't be like our father. Forge your own path. One with compassion and strength in equal amounts… Not just one or the other.""Emm," he croaked out. "I... I'm sorry.""It wasn't your fault... and it wasn't Plegia's either. The fault is Gangrel's and Gangrel's alone. I truly wish I could have helped him, but…""I know." Chrom's thumbs glided across her knuckles. "... I know.""Maribelle..." She looked over at her and smiled. "Thank you for being Lissa's friend all these years. Thank you for being there for her when I couldn't be.""Y-Your Grace..." Maribelle wiped a tear from her eye. "It has been an honor... and a pleasure.""And Frederick..." Emmeryn coughed up a bit more blood, but her serene smile returned. "Th-thank you for keeping Chrom and Lissa safe after all this time... I know they're in good hands.""I... I could do no less, Your Grace...""Robin... and Lyn." Her eyes settled on them both. "I'm sorry our time together was so short... I truly wish we met under better circumstances. May we meet again in a better life.""Emmeryn…" Robin's voice broke.Lyn's lip quivered. "Emmeryn... I..."The dying Exalt turned her attention towards her siblings. She placed a tender hand on either of their faces. "Chrom… Lissa… I'm sorry. I'm going to see Mother and Father now. I'm glad I got to see you all one last time… I know you'll succeed where we failed."There was so much more she wished to say, but she hadn't the strength to continue. Emmeryn's eyes fluttered shut, and she smiled for the last time."No... No, this can't be happening!" Lissa grabbed her sister's shoulders and attempted to shake her back to life. "Wake up, Emm! Wake up! Don't leave us... Please... Please just wake up...""Lissa..." Chrom placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked back at him and saw eyes just as misty as her own. "She's gone."Any semblance of composure Lissa had vanished. She hurled herself into her brother's arms and wailed, burying her face in his neck. Chrom held her close and shut his eyes in a futile attempt to stop his own tears. Maribelle kept her sobs down to the best of her ability, and Frederick hung his head in in silent shame."Chrom…" Robin's voice was hoarse.There was no response."Chrom," Lyn said, her heart heavy. "I don't know what to say…""We failed her," he choked out at last. "I failed her.""Chrom, you couldn't have known—""I should have never left her side! Gangrel kidnapped her because I wasn't there to protect her in the first place! This is all my fault!""Ch-Chrom," Lissa sobbed. "Don't say that…! It w-wasn't your… Oh, Chrom!"For a few minutes, the only sounds that could be heard were Lissa's cries and the rumbling of the clouds above them. Chrom and Lissa clung to each other, but Robin was frozen in place. Part of him wanted to comfort them both, but what could he do? Did he even deserve to speak at a moment like this? He, whose words would be little more than empty platitudes. He, whose rescue plan ultimately resulted in failure.He, who let Emmeryn die."Robin," Lyn whispered. She grabbed his hand and rubbed it with her thumb, but he didn't even look at her. His gaze was locked on the grieving siblings before them. "... Robin?""Oh, gods."His breath hitched in his throat as both tears and rain began to fall. Lyn understood at once and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tighter than ever before."... What happened, Frederick?" Chrom looked up at him. "Where did we go wrong? Everything was going well until Vasto showed up... He ruined everything!""The fault was my own, milord." Frederick grimaced. "I made a grave error and failed to account for a Plegian ambush. It was nightfall when a harsh cloud of smog rolled in. A dark mage appeared and freed Vasto before the two of them vanished, but the other prisoners..."He took a deep breath. "The mage set them aflame.""I... Gods," Chrom rasped. Lissa trembled and whimpered in his arms. "Why would they do that?""To facilitate their escape, I'd wager. I have no love in my heart for enemy soldiers, but those men hardly deserved such a cruel fate. To be needlessly sacrificed in such a torturous, barbaric display... It's nothing short of disgusting."Chrom let go of Lissa and stood up from the quilt, clenching his fists. He could feel his vision growing red as his heart filled with an intense hatred he'd never felt before. "Vasto, that bastard... I'll kill him. I'll kill him with my bare hands!""I will accompany you every step of the way, milord, but first we must rally the others and find an escape route. This rainfall will only get worse, and who's to say Gangrel hasn't sent men after us already?""G-g-guys," Lissa said, hiccuping as Maribelle hugged her. "What about Emm? We can't just—""I know, Lissa." Chrom's voice softened. His eyes lingered on Emmeryn's unmoving form, taking in her serene expression. "... I know. I'd never leave her in this wasteland. Not in a million years. She... She deserves to be buried at home.""Chrom!" The group heard Sully yell. "We got an enemy spy over here!"Everyone turned to see her and Stahl pointing a lance at a cloaked figure between them. The stranger held their pale hands up in surrender as Vaike held a sword to their back."You still never answered our question, you know," Stahl said. "If you're one of Gangrel's assassins, better fess up now. These two aren't exactly known for their patience.""I already told you," a snide female voice replied, "I'm not your enemy. I come in peace.""You're about to leave in pieces," Sully snarled. "Now get talkin'!"The others stared at the mysterious figure with varying expressions of surprise and apprehension. Frederick stood in front of them, ready to fight barehanded if necessary. "Remove your hood at once, stranger!"The figure lifted their hands to the hood and slowly brought it down. The others' faces didn't change, but Robin's eyes grew larger when he realized he was staring at none other than the dark-haired girl he'd met at the ball."... Tharja?""So glad you remembered me..." She smiled at him and him alone. Her face soured when she turned her head towards Sully. "I assume my compliance demonstrates my good intentions?""Hardly," she growled in response. "Because of your shitty king, their sister is dead!"Tharja's gaze wandered past Frederick and the others. When she saw the body lying on the quilt, she felt an unfamiliar pang in her heart. She struggled to find the words. "I... You have my condolences. Truly. Believe me when I say that I despise Gangrel with every fiber of my being, but we don't have time to discuss this here. More of his men will be here soon; I came here to warn you.""Why?" Everyone flinched at the bitterness in Chrom's voice. He looked at her in disbelief and shook his head. "... Why would you do that?"She refused to meet his eye. "... I have my reasons. What Gangrel did was abhorrent, but it's not enough for him. He won't stop until he's dragged everyone to the deepest depths of hell with him. Even now, his men are hot on your trail."Chrom and Frederick exchanged skeptical glances, but the former calmed down a little. "... How much time do we have?"A wretched reptilian roar rang out from above, forcing everyone's hands to their ears."None!" Tharja winced.The Shepherds present huddled together around Chrom, Lissa and Emmeryn. Tharja stood at their side in a defensive stance, hands crackling with electricity as she glared at the wyvern rider above. He was a bald, burly man with a goatee and a scar across his eye; the same she'd met at the ball."Ylisseans!" He spotted the body in the center. "I… I am sorry. Truly, I am. Emmeryn was a kind and gentle soul, and she—""Don't!" Chrom yelled. His voice was laced with venom. "Don't you dare speak her name!""... Your anger is justified, Prince Chrom, but I don't want this any more than you do. I only desire for peace, just as she did. If you lay down your arms, I can convince Gangrel to—""To what?" Frederick sharply cut him off. "Execute us later rather than sooner?! That monster doesn't know the first thing about mercy! We'd be better off taking our chances with weapons in hand!""The Midmire is completely surrounded, Ylisseans. I… I do not wish for us to come to blows.""Then why are you doing this?!" Lissa cried. "How can anyone work for such a horrible person?!"Thunder crashed in the background, and the general sighed. "... I have to, lass.""Enough of this!" Chrom barked. "If you insist on standing in our way, then you leave us no choice but to fight.""... Aye. Just know that I never wanted it to be this way."The Plegian general pointed his axe forward before flying off to the west. Several more wyverns took his place, circling the Shepherds, and the distant sound of galloping accompanied the rain and thunder."Destroy the wagons," a wyvern rider ordered. "Let none escape!""Everyone, regroup with the others and gear up for battle!" Frederick yelled. "I may have failed the Exalt in life, but I shall not allow them to desecrate her body any more than they already have! Keep your wits about you, and do not let the enemy attack the caravan! We'll be stranded here otherwise!"Chrom, Lissa and most of the others ran south of their position as Frederick retrieved Emmeryn's body, but Robin didn't move an inch. He couldn't stop staring at the spot where Emmeryn had lain... had died."Robin!" Frederick barked at him.There was no response."Robin, move!" Lyn screamed.He was only broken out of his trance by the shriek of an impending wyvern. Time slowed to a standstill as the beast descended towards him with its wicked wings outstretched, framed by the flash of lightning in the distance. Robin closed his eyes and made his peace with whatever gods awaited him on the other side.
This is what I deserve.
The wyvern screeched again, and Robin's eyes flew open to see it ensnared in a barrage of lightning. He looked to his left and saw Tharja holding her hands in front of her as the lightning continued to fly from her fingertips, frying both the wyvern and its rider. The attack stopped after a few seconds, leaving them to plummet to the muddy ground below in a charred, smoking heap."Robin, is it?" Tharja questioned, raising an eyebrow. "... Stay close to me. We need to move.""I... Y-yes." He nodded. "Thank you..."The skies above the Midmire darkened and rumbled as Plegian forces began to emerge from the north and west. The Shepherds converged at the convoy in the southeast. While Frederick gently laid Emmeryn's body in one of the wagons, Chrom held Falchion with a new resolve. He breathed a small sigh of relief when he noticed that the Fire Emblem was still tucked away safely, but his relief turned to rage as soon as he spotted enemies in the west.
I'll kill them all... I swear it!
Lyn armed herself with both of the Kattis and the silver bow Robin had bought her. She glanced at the muddy hem of her dress and grimaced, cursing the dress's limited mobility. Without a moment to lose, she grabbed the Mani Katti and cut the skirt portion of the dress to a much more manageable length.She grabbed both blades and gave them a few swings.
No mercy... Let's do this!
Robin, meanwhile, decided to arm himself with both of the Levin Swords in the inventory; the one he'd acquired before reuniting with Lyn, and the one Anna had given him.
I hope everyone else is okay...
"Our orders, Robin?" Miriel asked him."Huh?""C'mon, Rob, keep it together!" Vaike yelled. "I... I know things ain't great right now, but we still need ya here!""Chrom!" Cordelia cried.Everyone followed her gaze. Without warning, Chrom had sprinted far ahead of everyone else and was now behind enemy lines. Robin was quick to regain his bearings. "Cordelia! I want you, Sumia and Nowi to keep an eye on the skies! If you see a wyvern, strike it down! The rest of us need to split up; some of us move forward to support Chrom, and the rest stay to defend the caravan!""Ha! Leave the defending to us," Basilio said. Flavia, Gregor, Lon'qu and Olivia stood behind him with their blades at the ready. "I'm no slouch with a bow, y'know. Those flying bastards won't know what hit 'em!"Frederick climbed onto his horse and clutched the reins. "Very well. I shall assist milord at once!""Don't leave us out of this, Frederick!" Stahl yelled, mounting his horse alongside Sully and Vaike. "He's our friend too!"The four rode after Chrom. The remaining Shepherds formed a circular formation around the wagons as the roar of wyverns filled the air and the Plegian army's soldiers began to close in on their position. On opposite sides of the caravan, Robin and Lyn readied themselves for combat."Prepare yourselves!" Robin shouted. "Here they come!"True to their orders, the Shepherds who stayed behind fought tooth and nail to defend their only means of transportation. Sumia and Cordelia wasted no time in skewering wyvern and rider alike. Nowi and the mages blasted them out of the sky. On the ground, Basilio and Flavia fought tirelessly alongside their Ylissean allies.From the north, a Plegian soldier sprinted towards the caravan. He cried out when a lightning bolt pierced his armor, and three more lodged themselves into his chest soon after. As he collapsed with a final bloody gurgle, Tharja didn't so much as bat an eyelash. She didn't care that these were her own countrymen she was killing. She didn't care that this could be considered an act of treason. She knew good and well that she wasn't going back; all that mattered now was her escape."Thunder!" she yelled over the rain. She flung a ball of electricity at a few more enemy soldiers' feet, sending them into the mud."Traitorous wench!"She turned to her right. A mage in dark robes and a bird-like mask stared her down with a staff in one hand and a tome in the other. Both were tossed aside as he grabbed a third weapon from his back; a long spear with a blade similar to that of a Levin Sword. He spun it in front of him, grunting as it crackled to life, before rushing at her with a yell.Tharja hurled thunder ball after thunder ball at him, but the blade absorbed them all and only grew brighter as a result.
Damn it!
The enemy mage closed the distance. He slammed the spear into the earth and unleashed a shockwave that sent Tharja flying backwards. She used her magic to land on her feet, but he ran after her and swung the weapon at her with all his might. Preparing for the worst, she held her arms in front of her face, but a third party was there to block the blow."Hah...!"Tharja lowered her arms and gasped. Standing in front of her was none other than Robin. Sparks flew between his blades and the enemy's, and he grit his teeth as the dark mage pushed back with surprising strength."This is... nothing!" Robin uttered.Tharja flanked their opponent and hit him with a ball of dark magic, but he didn't even flinch. He backed away from Robin, planted his spear into the earth and launched himself forward feet-first. The unorthodox attack struck Robin in the chest and sent him into the mud. The enemy mage turned and swung his weapon in Tharja's direction. She braced herself, but the oncoming wave of magic knocked her off her feet as well."Hh... Hah..." Robin, still reeling from the assault, got up and slashed the mage across the back. He was met with a sharp blow to the chin and a palm to the chest. "Gah!"His swords clattered as they hit the ground, and a final boot to the stomach made him join them."Weak... So weak." The masked mage shook his head in disappointment. He held the electrified spear above Robin's face. "Now die in the name of the Fell—!"He never finished his sentence. Robin's eyes flew open as a warm spatter of blood hit his cheek. He saw the tip of an arrow jut from the dark mage's chest. He gasped and rasped and wheezed beneath his mask, dropping his weapon as he turned to look at his assailant.A very livid Lyndis."You stay the hell away from him!"She darted forward with a primal screech, swapping her bow for her blades. The mage feebly lifted his hands in surrender, but Lyn closed the distance in a heartbeat and impaled him through the stomach. She withdrew her swords just as quickly, letting him fall to his knees and cradle his bleeding abdomen.Without thinking, Lyn brought both of her blades to his neck before slicing his head clean off.The corpse slumped off to the side. She sighed and sheathed her swords before helping Robin up. "You okay?""I... I think so," he replied, shaken from the violence. "... Thank you, Lyn.""Don't leave my side." Her tone was harsher than usual. "Not even for a second, do you hear me?""But Lyn—""I can't lose you here!" she screamed. She saw him flinch and immediately regretted it. "... We can't lose you here, Robin. We already lost someone we care about today. Please... Just stay close to me. I won't let a single one of them touch you ever again.""I..."The two were jarred back into reality by a horse's neigh. A trio of Plegian cavaliers rushed towards them, and Lyn instinctively drew the Mani Katti from its scabbard. The pair gaped when the horses and their riders were impaled by a series of dark purple spikes emerging from the ground. A few nearby soldiers saw the scene and fled in horror. Robin and Lyn looked behind them to see Tharja with a purple tome in her hands."Sorry to interrupt such a tender moment," she snarked, "but we're not done yet.""I could have handled them myself," Lyn scoffed. "... But thank you.""Hm hmm... Whatever you say."She sauntered away, and Lyn continued to scowl at her before turning her attention back to Robin. "... Come on. The others might still need our help."He nodded without a moment to lose.Far west of the caravan, a Plegian soldier hit the ground with a final grunt. Blood pooled from his chest and mixed with the mud and rain. He was one of several bodies left in the wake of the Ylissean prince. Chrom's swings were wild and relentless as he butchered multiple soldiers with Falchion. The recklessness of his actions was lost on him at the moment; every hit he took only made him angrier."Urgh!" One of the soldiers took a slash to the chest, stumbling backwards. Chrom lunged at him like an animal and slammed his blade deep into his shoulder. "Gack!"He kicked the soldier to the ground. Chrom clutched Falchion with both hands and plunged it into the enemy again and again. When a swordsman ran at him, he parried the oncoming attack and slammed his fist into his nose.As he staggered, Chrom ran him through."Monster!" a nearby Plegian cried, turning to flee. "The general will hear of this!"He ran away, but it wasn't long before his allies took his place. Now Chrom was surrounded. Plegian soldiers circled him, taunting him, daring him to make a move. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears and feel the taste of copper filling his mouth. He was caked in mud, water and blood, but he wasn't the least bit deterred. He snarled at his enemies and brandished Falchion all the same."Well?! Come on then! I'll kill every last one of you!"Not one of them moved. A guttural roar escaped Chrom's lips as he ran forward and attacked a soldier at random. The soldier raised his lance to defend himself, but an overhead swing cleaved the weapon in two. Chrom downed the soldier with a slash to the eyes, and a few more shared similarly grotesque fates before an arrow grazed his side."Damnit!"Chrom charged at the archer who'd launched it, but another soldier tackled the prince to the ground. The two wrestled for a bit before Chrom broke his nose with a brutal headbutt. The injured soldier rolled off of him, but several more moved forward to surround him once more.
Damn... Not yet... Not here!
A series of neighs filled the air. The soldiers looked away from Chrom to see some of the Shepherds riding towards them. Sully leapt off of her horse and hurled a javelin that impaled one of the assailants through the chest. Her horse kicked a nearby soldier away, and Stahl and Vaike soon entered the fray with their own weapons. It wasn't long before the mere sight of Frederick charging through the rain sent some of the survivors retreating."Milord!" Frederick cried. He dismounted and helped Chrom stand. "You're hurt!""I can still fight." Chrom brushed him off. He looked at his surroundings. Several soldiers were still standing and fighting some of the Shepherds, but more and more of them were beginning to show signs of hesitation. In the distance, he spotted the Plegian general from before observing the battle atop his wyvern."There." He pointed. "That's the general. I have to defeat him, Frederick. If I do... Then maybe we can get out of here alive.""Milord, you're wounded! At least let us accompany y—""No... He's mine," Chrom growled. "Keep the others safe, Frederick. This is my fight."A chill ran down Frederick's spine. "But—""That's an order, Frederick!"With Falchion at his side, he began to run into enemy territory once more. Frederick shook his head in disbelief. "Shepherds! Keep the enemy away from Chrom at all costs!"In the northwest corner of the swamp, Mustafa dismounted his wyvern and patted it on the head with a sigh. He'd been too late to assist Gangrel at the castle, but after seeing what had become of the Exalt, perhaps it was for the best. Her pale, bleeding body in the Ylissean prince's arms had been too much for him to bear. He knew she was dead before he even left the castle. So many innocent Plegians and Ylisseans had died, and all for a war that nobody wanted in the first place.Were he a single man, he'd have abandoned his country long ago."Um... General?"Mustafa looked to his left. The soldier who'd spoken to him was barely in his twenties. His spear was planted in the ground beside him as he fidgeted with his hands."At ease, lad. Speak."He took a deep breath before doing so. "I... F-forgive me, General, but I... I don't want to fight the Ylisseans anymore. Not after what I saw at the castle."His eyes widened a bit. "So you were there too...""Is it true?" another soldier asked. "... Is the Exalt really dead?"Mustafa sighed, the sight of her corpse burned into his mind. "Aye. She's gone.""I heard she died protecting the prince." A cavalier shook his head. "No wonder he's gone mad! I don't wanna fight someone like that!"Several of the soldiers began talking and arguing among themselves. Mustafa opened his mouth to say something, but one of his wyvern riders cut him off."Craven, all of you!" he yelled. "Our orders are to fight, not to question orders! Didn't you hear His Majesty? Insubordination is death!"The group fell silent. Gangrel had been exceedingly transparent regarding his expectations. Not knowing where else to look, Mustafa's platoon turned to him for counsel."General Mustafa..." The first soldier who'd spoken up stared at him with fearful brown eyes that reminded him all too much of his own son. "... What are we going to do now?"He weighed his options. They'd lost far too many men as is, and the Ylisseans were already on their way if their eyes in the sky were to be believed. Mustafa had no intention of giving up, but if he could save as many lives as possible from here on out..."Fall back, all of you.""Huh?!""What?!""General!""I'll buy you all some time," Mustafa told them. "On my honor as a general, I will hold the Ylisseans off to the best of my ability!""General, this is suicide!" the cavalier protested. "I won't let you do it!""That's an order, soldier!""And one I refuse to follow, sir!"Mustafa glanced around in surprise. Some of his soldiers had already retreated, but a few still refused to leave. They stood with their heads held high and their hearts full of conviction. Even if death awaited them, they would not falter."... No matter what happens," he said, smiling, "I'm proud to have served with you all."At long last, Chrom had arrived at his destination. He stood in a plain gray field devoid of life and hope. Now that he was closer to the enemy general than ever before, he could get a better look at him. The general blocking his path was tall and muscular, most of his body encased in chainmail armor. Gone was the wyvern he'd once flown on, and he had but a few troops left at his disposal. A large pommel could be seen poking out from behind his shoulder, but he held an axe at his side."Prince Chrom," Mustafa rumbled. "I—""No... I don't want to hear it. Let's just get this over with.""... Aye." The general walked over to one of his soldiers and handed him the axe. He addressed his troops with a loud, commandeering voice. "Stand down, everyone! This will be a fair fight."Chrom looked around suspiciously as the soldiers obeyed. Mustafa walked forward and unsheathed a greatsword from his back, grasping it with both of his mighty hands. "You've done well to make it this far, Prince of Ylisse. A lifetime ago, I had the honor of fighting your father. He had the same look in his eye that you do now.""How dare you." Chrom glowered. "... How dare you compare me to that man!""Yes... The same look indeed. But enough preamble; I am ready when you are."Thunder clashed in the background as the rain continued to pour. Chrom went on the offensive as Mustafa stood rooted in place. He blocked the prince's rushing blows with ease, but he refused to retaliate. Even as some of the swings forced him backwards, he merely grunted as his blade took the brunt of the impact."Yes... There is much strength behind your strikes. Strength... and hatred," Mustafa said. "Is this the strength my sister faced in her final moments?""Don't play mind games with me! Stand up and fight!""I have no desire to harm you, Prince Chrom... But you are right. It pains me to fight, but fight I must to protect those I love." Mustafa took a deep, labored breath and swung his sword. "Gods forgive me!"The sheer power of his swing sent Chrom backwards, even as he blocked. The general charged at him with an overhead swing. Chrom rolled off to the side as the sword struck the earth, and he took a swing at Mustafa's face, just narrowly missing his eye. The two continued to trade blows; Chrom fought with all his might, slashing and stabbing into his armor multiple times. Mustafa's swings were slower, but he seemed to miss more often. When he actually struck Chrom, it was always in the side; never in the head.By now, the rainfall had reached its peak. It doused both combatants unrelentingly, almost blinding them. Chrom and Mustafa's breath ran ragged, but the former continued his assault. His heart was beating faster than it ever had. He hated this. He hated this entire situation. He hated how Mustafa seemed to be testing him, toying with him.But most of all... He hated himself.Falchion forced its way into the side of Mustafa's stomach. He cried out in pain and stumbled backwards.With a feral cry and the last of his strength, Chrom brought his blade down hard. Mustafa attempted to block the blow, but the sheer force of the divine blade split his sword in two. Falchion sliced him down across the chest, piercing his armor and cutting through his flesh. He dropped his broken weapon and groaned as he collapsed in the mud.Chrom took a few steps towards him, snarling and baring his teeth. He stood over Mustafa and held a bloodied Falchion held high above his head. Lightning split the sky and, for a brief moment in time, Mustafa saw not Chrom, but Exalt Chronos himself."F... Fall back," Mustafa rasped at his men. "Fall back, all of you!""But General!""GO!"Reluctantly, the rest of Mustafa's men fled. Chrom glanced at them for a moment before turning his attention back to the general at his feet. He readied his blade once more. "You... You're finished.""Chrom, no!"He paused. Chrom turned to see Robin staring at him with the most horrified expression he'd ever made."... What?""Don't do it," he begged, shaking his head. "Please... He's already been defeated. Emmeryn wouldn't want you to—""Emmeryn's not here!"Lightning crashed in the distance once more. Chrom still held Falchion, but it was no longer in the air. His arms hung limply at his side, the memories of his sister flooding back into his mind."She… She's not…"His vision became blurry as his eyes stung all over again. Despite his feelings, and despite his own words, he knew that Robin was right.That she was right.Chrom's breathing became more and more frantic as he looked over at Mustafa; not as an adversary, but as a fellow human being. There were deep gashes in his face and armor—gashes he inflicted—and his greatsword was in pieces beside him. His eyes were large, and his face was frozen with fear as he held a bloodied hand in front of him.Had they all made the same face when he...?A wave of nausea washed over him. Chrom fell to his knees, dropping Falchion. "What… What have I done?""Chrom."Robin's hand was now on his shoulder. When they made eye contact, he shook his head in silence."This wasn't... your fault." Mustafa coughed, doing his best to sit up. "I care not what you do with me, but please... Please spare the rest of my men. They never wanted this war. Many of them are only fighting because Gangrel threatened their families. Just like he threatened mine…""What?!" Chrom and Robin both blurted. Chrom immediately grit his teeth and punched the ground. "Damn him! Does that madman only exist to make everyone around him suffer?!""He wasn't always like this…" Mustafa rose to his knee with Robin's help, still clutching his chest. "The Grimleal… They changed him.""Chrom," Robin said, his voice ragged. "The Plegian troops... They're retreating, all of them. What do we do now?""I… I'm sorry, Mustafa." Chrom sighed. "This wasn't your fault either; it was Gangrel's and Gangrel's alone. Emmeryn even said as much herself... Gods, damn him!"He took a deep breath and calmed himself down. "... Robin. Tell the others not to pursue the troops. If a Plegian is laying their arms down and surrendering, they're to be let go. Any runners are free to go as well."Robin nodded with a small smile, but he soon nudged his head in Mustafa's direction. "And the general? He's in no condition to fight anymore...""... We can take you prisoner." Chrom faced him. "Just until the war's over. Once Gangrel's been dealt with, we'll release you and you can see your family again.""You… You would offer me mercy, even when I threatened your lives?" Mustafa's mouth hung agape. "I… I do not deserve such kindness…"The pair moved to help him to his feet, but they froze when he suddenly yelled, "Get down!"Mustafa lunged at them and shoved them to the ground. He cried out, blood flying from his mouth. He grunted and collapsed off to the side with a sickening gurgle. Chrom and Robin quickly got up to check on him, and their hearts sank at what they saw.A hand axe protruding from his upper back."No!" Robin yelled. "Why...?"An obnoxious cackle filled their ears. Both looked up to see Vasto staring down at them from his wyvern, a maniacal grin plastered on his face."I always knew you were an Ylissean sympathizer, Mustafa," he sneered. "You are hereby relieved of duty!""Damn you, Vasto!" Chrom snarled. "Come down here so I can end you myself!""No can do, Princey! I've got places to be and people to see!" Vasto smirked. "Incidentally... Thanks for sparing me way back when, jackasses! Now two people are dead because of you! Hahahaha!"He flew away without a second to lose. A bolt of lightning clipped one of his wyvern's wings, but the beast managed to carry its master away from the scene all the same."Mustafa..." Chrom knelt at his side. "... I'm sorry.""Nn... Don't be, lad. I suppose it was only a matter of time..." Mustafa closed his eyes. "Sonya... I'm sorry. Take care of Joseph for me..."By the time the other Shepherds had finally arrived, the old general was long gone. Chrom and Robin stood over him with bitter, remorseful expressions. Chrom had been genuine in his suggestion of taking him with them, but Vasto's untimely arrival put an end to that dream. Chrom faced the others with a vacant look in his eye; he was relieved to hear that no one else had died in the skirmish, but the night's events would haunt him for the rest of his life."Is everyone ready?"The emptiness in his voice was unsettling. Seeing his friends and comrades-in-arms nod, Chrom sighed and looked to the roads north of their position."... Then let's move."Crash.A mirror shattered in a rage.Smash.And another.Crash.And another.To say Gangrel was upset would be the understatement of the century. As he grumbled and swore and flung various pieces of furniture around his chamber, his blood boiled. How dare those Ylisseans show up uninvited! How dare they ruin his special night! And how dare that blonde-haired Exalt—his own prisoner, no less—throw herself in front of her brother in such an asinine way!"Damn her..." Gangrel sank to the floor and slammed his fist into the marble tile. He'd seen it all before: the look in her eye as she fell, the selflessness of her action, that unbridled urge to protect someone…A tear escaped from his eye as he struck the floor repeatedly."Damn her, damn her, damn her…!"
Tenda was a bustling village in the northwest region of Plegia. Even with the threat of the Mad Exalt hanging over their heads, the villagers did their best to live out their day-to-day lives in relative peace and tranquility. Gangrel was the only child of a pair of peasants. Their house was small compared to most of the other houses in the village, but it was enough for them. For a time, life was good.
That all changed one terrible summer morning...
When Gangrel's father entered the house, his eyes were wide.
"What is it, dear?" his wife asked.
"They're here," he uttered. "The Ylisseans are here... You two need to hide in the cellar!"
Many villagers shut themselves in their homes as a multitude of horses approached the outskirts of town. Several soldiers in silver armor bearing the Brand of the Exalt rode ahead to investigate. After a few minutes of knocked doors refusing to open, they reported back to their white-clad leader. Exalt Chronos was a tall man with dark blue hair and a full beard. Attached to his left shoulder was the Fire Emblem; in his right hand was the Falchion.
"Exalt Chronos," a cavalier said. "... There's no response."
"... Very well," he answered impassionately. "Then we'll just have to smoke them out."
Chronos nodded at his men, signalling for them to ready their bows. A mage in hooded white robes came by with a Fire tome, lighting the tips of their arrows. Once they were all set aflame, the Exalt waved his hand forward.
"Fire at will."
Dozens of blazing arrows soared through the skies, striking many a house. Within minutes, the entire town was engulfed in flames. Men, women and children fled their homes in a panic only to meet their fate on the end of a sword or spear. Chronos rode ahead, striking down anyone he could with the Falchion. The Grimleal would pay for their crimes against Ylisse, even if they had to pay in blood.
Chronos heard a woman scream and rode in her direction. A small house on the other side of town was ablaze, and a family of three was pulled out of it by several soldiers. The red-haired father of the household was pinned down and speared several times.
"You monsters," his wife wept, clutching her little boy. "What did we ever do to you?!"
Chronos stared at them in silence. Despite their protests, the soldiers forcibly separated the mother from her son. One of them approached the red-haired boy with a sword in hand.
"Nn... NO!" She wrestled herself free. "Leave him ALONE!""MOM!"
It was over in seconds. The boy's mother had thrown herself in front of him. He stared at her in disbelief as the blade pierced through her back and out her chest, some of her blood landing on his cheek.
"Run, Gangrel…" A single tear rolled down her face. "We… love you…"
She collapsed to the ground next to her husband. Gangrel couldn't take it anymore. He could only do what his mother told him to do and run away from the terrible scene. His parents and neighbors were dead, his entire village was burning, and the sight of his parents' corpses was permanently etched into his fragile young mind.
"Milord," a soldier said, watching the boy flee. "Should we…?"
Chronos lifted a hand to silence him. "... No. Leave him be. He'll never amount to anything. He's more likely to die out there in the wilderness."
The Ylisseans took their leave soon after. The village of Tenda, along with its neighboring villages, would soon be nothing more than a memory.
A tragic, painful memory.
By the time Gangrel finally finished punching the ground, his knuckles were bloodied and the tile was cracked. He was almost certain he'd broken his hand. Still, even that pain was nothing compared to the pain of losing his home.His family.After escaping the burning village, a young Gangrel fled to Paralcya. With no parents or money to his name, he was forced to resort to thievery to survive in the capital. Years would pass before he became a soldier in the Plegian army; it was around this time that news spread of the Exalt's demise.Plegia's previous ruler, Queen Anastasia, was a firm but fair monarch. When she heard that the newest Ylissean Exalt on the throne was a child advocating for peace, she was quick to voice her approval and plans to cooperate.Her people were quick to voice their disapproval, however, and quickly acted on it.One night, a lowly soldier in collaboration with the rising insurgents crept into the queen's private chambers and slit her throat.That soldier… was Gangrel.The ensuing power vacuum was intense, but as it was Gangrel who'd done the deed, it was decided that it was he who would take her place. He proved to be a fine ruler; a man of the people whose ideals of Plegian nationalism sat well with many.For a time, it was good to be king… and then Aversa wormed her way into his life under the guise of being his "Royal Advisor." The Grimleal had existed in Plegia since its formation a thousand years ago, but Gangrel would've purged them all given the chance.Aversa had been a constant thorn in his side for the better part of a decade now, but he would have been able to tolerate her more if not for one little thing.The Darksphere.Gangrel turned to the stone in question, glaring as it rested on a plush pillow on his nightstand. His fury grew as the gemstone appeared to wobble back and forth. It mocked him, taunted him with its mere presence."You." He stood up and stormed over to the stone before clutching it in his hands and shaking it repeatedly. "YOU DID THIS TO ME!"He heard laughing. His eyes instantly flew to the last of his surviving mirrors. At first he saw himself laughing, but then the figure swirled and distorted until it no longer resembled him. Instead, it now resembled a much older Chrom with a beard. That same man who'd taken everything from him...Gangrel roared and flung the Darksphere at the mirror. It shattered at once, but the Darksphere merely bounced off and rolled along the floor without even the slightest scratch on it. Gangrel sank to his knees and wept through grit teeth."Damn those Ylissean worms," he cursed. "Damn those Feroxi trash… Damn those Grimleal bastards! DAMN THEM ALL TO HELL!"
Gangrel…
He whirled around, searching for the source of the noise. The voice was horrid and croaky, as if its owner had lived long beyond the average Plegian's lifespan. Gangrel leapt to his feet and drew his sword with his good hand. "Who's there? I told Aversa I wasn't seeing anyone right now! Now come out and die already!""Death... is a curse," the voice said, coming from the darkest corner of the room. "Life... is a blessing, and it's the light that ultimately saves us from the darkness in our hearts."Gangrel's eyes narrowed, and his grip on his weapon only tightened as the voice continued to talk to him."We all think that at first, Gangrel." A withered, decrepit husk of a man stepped out of the shadows. "We are all wrong."Gangrel took on a fighting stance as he analyzed the strange man. He wore green, decidedly non-Grimleal robes with a star medallion resting above his stomach. Long dark hair receded a considerable amount from his forehead, and his skin was a sickly gray much like Gangrel's own. His skin, however, was wrinkly beyond belief. He gazed at Gangrel with glassy pale eyes, one of them almost entirely white."Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my castle?!" Gangrel demanded, pointing his blade outward as it sparked. "Are you a ghost? One of Aversa's nightmare creations, perhaps?!""You are right to fear me, Gangrel," he rasped, "but I assure you I mean no harm. In life, I was known as Gharnef. Now…"The old man held his arms out. "Now I am one with the Darksphere. I am Sable, and Sable is I. Believe me… I know your plight all too well."Gangrel let out a short, joyless chuckle. "So that's it then? You're the one who came up with that ridiculous nickname the Ylisseans cling to?"He glared down his sword at the apparition. "You still haven't answered my question, devil ghost. Begone!"Gangrel launched a lightning bolt at the strange man, but it merely phased through him and hit the wall behind him instead. Gharnef cackled wretchedly in response. "You are a fool! You cannot kill that which is already dead!""GET OUT OF MY ROOM!""I will not. At least not until you hear my proposal.""I don't give two shits about your proposal! Now get!"Gharnef folded his hands together and closed his eyes. "You reject the Darksphere, Gangrel. Even now it calls out to you, just as it did to me… just as it did to Hardin. Yet you ignore its power all the same.""I don't want its power! That devil stone ruined me! I was meant to be so much more than… this!""Aye, you were…" Gharnef nodded in understanding. "... But the Darksphere is not to blame. Your anger, and your heartbreak… These are that blasted Exalt's fault. Were it not for him and his ilk, you would have never lost your home. Your family. I know all too well what it's like to have your life tarnished by some blue-haired brat…""But the Darksphere saved me," he concluded, "and it can save you too.""Save me? Save me?!" At this, Gangrel began to shake and tremble. "Heheheh... Hahahaha... AHAHAHAHAHA!""Is this some kind of twisted joke?!" he snapped. "All my dreams and ambitions have gone to shit, and it's that accursed stone's fault! Save me... Pah..."Gangrel lowered his blade and stared at the floor. "Nothing can save me now…""Your reluctance to give in is holding you back," Gharnef told him, stepping closer. Gangrel didn't even flinch. "If you allow the Darksphere into your heart and mind, you will know power like never before. Never again will you feel guilt. Shame. Regret. Indeed… if you pledge yourself to it entirely, the Darksphere will make you invincible in both body and mind. That prince to the east? A mere fly compared to you! Those barbarian Khans? Fleas! That red-clad maniac to the west? A single thanatophage!"Gangrel looked to the Darksphere still sitting on the ground. Even now, it seemed to pulsate and wobble back and forth, almost pleading to be held. After a few moments of silent deliberation, he turned back to Gharnef with a raised eyebrow and addressed him softly. "... You really think this could work?""I know it!" Gharnef egged him on, clenching his wrinkled fists. "Now come, grab the Darksphere and allow yourself to be immersed in its great power!"He wrung his hands together eagerly as Gangrel walked over to the gemstone with a mystified look in his eye. He'd held it more than enough times, but never before had it possessed such a pull... It was as though his heart was being drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Gangrel's breath was shaky as he held a trembling hand above the orb. Good and bad memories alike began to blur as the darkness seeped into the farthest reaches of his mind.Gharnef nodded, his withered lips forming a wicked grin. "Good, Gangrel... Gooood. Embrace your feelings of anguish and torment. Let the hate flow through you! Let it guide your every move, feed your every desire! Let it claim you, that you may obtain power beyond your wildest imagination!"Both hands now hovered above the orb."DO IT!"He finally clutched the Darksphere and held it to his chest. Gharnef could only watch on in silent glee as the Darksphere's newest host began to whisper and laugh, its power surging through his body and mind. Gangrel's red irises shrank, and his mouth contorted grotesquely as he grinned from ear to ear, unable to stop himself from giggling maniacally."Hee hee hee… Hahahahaha…!"Finally, he threw his head and hands back as he let out a mad cackle unlike ever before."AHHH-HA-HA-HA-HAAAAAA!"It wasn't long before the commotion prompted a few soldiers to enter the room, ready to defend their king. They gaped at the messy room with glass and furniture scattered everywhere, but then that they focused their vision on the Mad King instead. He was the only one in the room, hunched over a dark orb as he continued to cackle."M-milord…? Your Excellency?"Gangrel's vision shifted to the three in his midst, and his smile only grew."... King Gangrel?""It's playtime."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Under the shroud of nightfall, the caravan departed from the Midmire. Chrom rode in one of the frontmost wagons, holding Lissa the entire time. She'd cried so much she nearly vomited, and she fell asleep in her brother's arms soon after. With no one else inside, Chrom let his own tears fall freely."Emm…"His eyes stung. Less than a year after Lissa was born, their mother was abducted by Grimleal forces while en route to Themis. It wasn't long before news spread of her demise and sacrifice to Grima. From that moment on, Emmeryn was the closest they had to a mother figure. The Crusade ended sometime later with the death of their father. It was then that Emmeryn assumed the role of both parents, in addition to her role as Exalt. For years she had been their strength, their salvation... Their reason to go on.And now she was gone. Taken from them far too soon.The soft pitter-patter of rain drummed along the roof of the wagon. Chrom held Lissa close and shut his eyes. When she wasn't busy with her duties as Exalt, Emmeryn would often read them stories during nights like this. Stories of the Hero-King and his allies who'd overcome great obstacles in spite of the hardships they suffered on their journey. Chrom knew that war was hell, that it could take anyone from him at any given moment…But nothing could have prepared him for this.Thunder boomed outside the wagon. Lissa startled in his arms, but ultimately relaxed.The rain fell harder now, pelting the roof. Lissa remained fast asleep, but Chrom was restless. His body ached, and numerous thoughts plagued his similarly pained mind. Thoughts of how Emmeryn had done so much for them. Thoughts of how she gave her life not just for him, but for Robin and Lyn as well. Thoughts of his ensuing anger and how many men he'd killed… no, murdered at the Midmire.And Mustafa…He grit his teeth. To be forced into such an unjust war and then betrayed by a fellow soldier… Mustafa surely deserved better. He and Emmeryn were both victims of Gangrel, along with everyone else that had died since he rose to power. Chrom's own hands might have been stained a permanent red, but he would use those blood-soaked hands to end the Mad King if it was the last thing he'd ever do.A pained grunt jarred him from his thoughts. It was then Chrom realized he'd been squeezing his sister too hard. He loosened his grip on her, and Lissa snuggled back into his grasp with a tiny, almost thankful smile.Chrom smiled back, but he couldn't stop himself from thinking about Emmeryn once more. He'd been so insistent upon bringing her back home—even knowing how dire the situation was—that he hadn't even stopped to consider what might happen to her body until the dark mage who'd joined them brought it up."Not to be grim, but a deceased human can only go so long without deteriorating," Tharja told him. "I… know this can't be easy for you, but I know a hex that can preserve her for up to three weeks, if you'd like."Nobody seemed comfortable with the idea at the time, not that one could blame them, but they all agreed that Emmeryn didn't deserve to rot away. She was a kindred soul devoted to her people, and Chrom resolved that she would be returned to Ylisstol and receive a proper burial no matter what. He just hoped Tharja was acting in good faith.After allowing her to perform the hex, they carefully wrapped Emmeryn's body in a quilt and laid it to rest in one of the centermost wagons by itself. With the caravan soon approaching the Plegian-Feroxi border, the Shepherds could only hope that things would change for the better.For now, though, all they could do was wait.The Midmire massacre lasted a few hours at most. The moon was still high in the sky as Gangrel lounged in his throne. Most of his guests had already returned home, the soldiers who'd come to check on him earlier had been injured under "mysterious circumstances," and now all he had to contend with was a very frantic mother."Where is she?!" the spindly woman asked. "Where is my Tharja?!"Gangrel sat back in his chair and rubbed his temples in annoyance. "For the last time, Countess Gothel, I haven't the foggiest idea. I don't even remember seeing your little girl at the ball.""But she was on the list! She was escorted by the silver-haired boy, Henry!""... Who?""How could you not—""Milord!"Gangrel thanked whatever gods might exist for the timely arrival of Campari and several other soldiers. "Ah, General Campari! So good of you and your men to return. Would a few of you please escort the countess back to her manor?""What?!" Gothel blurted. "But I—""NOW!"Ignoring her indignant protests, a few of the soldiers stepped forward and led the dark-haired woman out of the throne room. Gangrel watched her leave with a twisted sneer. "... Good. Now that the old hag's out of the way, we can get down to business! Have you found the Ylisseans?""My deepest apologies, Your Majesty." Campari bowed. "We searched everywhere in the capital, but it seems they've escaped…"Gangrel felt the corner of his mouth twitch. "... Oh. I see…""Please, Your Majesty—""SHUT UP!"Campari did as he was told. He stood alongside Henry and several other soldiers as they waited for Mustafa to return. Too many soldiers and generals had fallen in such a short amount of time, and General Taka in the east had been no exception. Campari only hoped that her brother had been spared of a similarly grisly fate...A lone wyvern rider burst through the doors of the throne room after a few minutes, nearly hitting some clerics in the process. His spiky brown hair gave him away."Vasto! Status report!" Gangrel barked."Your… Your Majesty!" he panted, hands on his knees. "I… I have urgent news regarding the men!""Well, don't keep us in suspense!" He motioned for him to come closer. "Come! Speak!"Vasto walked over as a couple of clerics approached him with their staves. He shoved them out of the way and faced his king and countrymen."Your Majesty," he uttered. "General Mustafa… has fallen."Many stared at him in shock. Some even murmured among themselves, but a youthful voice stood out among them all."... What?"Vasto glanced to his left. Henry still had a smile plastered on his face, but he sounded like someone had stabbed him. "Mustafa's… dead?""... Yeah." He couldn't bear to look at him any longer. "He's dead. He fought valiantly to his last breath, but one of the Ylisseans snuck up on him and stabbed him before the rest tore him apart.""Those cowards!" Campari snarled. "They'll pay for this!"Vasto didn't dare to look them in the eye. Campari clenched his fists and glared at the floor. Henry's shoulders shook even as a tiny giggle forced itself from his lips. The other soldiers present mourned the loss in silent anger and sorrow. Even Aversa, who'd hidden herself behind a pillar, couldn't help but cover her mouth in shock.In spite of all of this, Gangrel was eerily calm. "What else can you tell me, Vasto?""The Ylisseans left the swamp coated in blood and littered with the bodies of our troops. Many of the men were either killed in action or are still unaccounted for… This was a failure on all accounts.""... I see," he answered with a slow nod. "Anything else?"Vasto hesitated. "Er… Well, I didn't see them myself, but our scouts have reported that both Khans of Regna Ferox were spotted assisting the Ylisseans in battle."Gangrel's nostrils flared. His pupils shrank, and his nails dug into the palms of his hands until they drew blood. The mere mention of them—they, who'd stayed silent and did nothing in the face of injustice all those years ago—was enough to make him seethe."... Your Majesty?""Those… wretched… KHAAAANS!"Everyone was startled by his sudden outburst. Even Henry flinched at the noise.Gangrel shook his head a bit and cleared his throat. "Ah… Ahem. Good work, everyone. I shall address the people in due time. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity until then.""That's it? That's all you have to say?!"Everyone froze at the sound of Aversa's voice. As she stepped out from behind a pillar, there was a cold fire in her eyes that sent chills down many a soldier's spine. Her ire, however, was directed solely at Gangrel. "... How many more?""What?""How many more Plegians must die until you're satisfied?" she demanded. "This isn't a game, milord; people are dying! And for what? Some misguided attempt at vengeance? Is that it?!""This isn't about revenge!" He stood up."Liar!""This is about making our world a better place!" Gangrel insisted. "One free of Ylissean tyranny!""Milord, cease this fruitless endeavor at once!""NO!"He drew his Levin Sword and sent a blast of lightning in a random direction."NOOOOOO!"Everyone recoiled as the grand glass window above the throne shattered. Gangrel's breath was ragged as the glass rained down, littering the floor. He turned to a wide-eyed Aversa with an almost drunken lurch."No... No more compromises, Aversa," he rasped. "We can't keep letting those dastards get away with everything. The line must be drawn here! No further! And they will suffer for all that they've done."Gangrel stood up straight, but his right eye twitched. "Right. Get some rest, all of you. I need some time to think things over before we address the capital proper. Mark my words, the Ylisseans will pay for their insolence! They'll pay in blood!""But Your Majesty!" a soldier blurted. "The time for action is—"Gangrel whirled towards him with his blade in hand. A strong blast of lightning hit the outspoken soldier in the chest. The impact sent him flying into a nearby wall, and the others got out of Gangrel's way as he walked towards him. He sent more and more electricity into the soldier's body with each step, and he didn't stop until the smell of charred hair and flesh filled the room."How was that?" he asked the smoking body. "Was that enough action for you, grunt? Was it?! ANSWER ME!"The corpse gave no response. Gangrel walked over to it and gave it a harsh kick. "Get up! Get the hell up! I'm not finished with you yet!"He continued to stomp and kick at it, and everyone in the room looked on in silent disbelief and anger.All except for Aversa, who witnessed their growing dissent with a satisfied smirk.When Gangrel was finished abusing the corpse, he turned to the others with large eyes and a deranged grin. "... Does anyone else have a problem at the moment?"Silence."Good… Goood." He cackled. "You know, on second thought, tomorrow sounds like a fine day to address the citizens of Paralcya. For now, though... get some rest, all of you. It's been a hell of a night."Gangrel made a face when he sniffed the air. "Ugh, and get someone to clean this place up! It smells like someone died in here!"The soldiers left the room. Aversa's gaze lingered on the body for a few seconds, its face scarred and frozen with fear, before she too departed. A shaken Campari rested an armored hand on Henry's small shoulder as they walked out of the throne room together. Vasto was about to join them, but he felt Gangrel's gangly hand on his shoulder once more."You did well," he congratulated with a grin. "Welcome back, Air Commander.""... Thank you, Your Majesty."Gangrel patted him on the back and watched him leave without another word. With no one else around to talk to, he settled on himself. "Ah, that Vasto. Such a loyal, unquestioning subject. More soldiers should be like him."He frowned as Mustafa crossed his mind. He'd seen him interact with his wife and son at the party. Part of him almost felt bad about the tragedy that had befallen their family. Mustafa and Taka were the last two siblings of their family; everyone else was killed during the Mad Exalt's Crusade.Gangrel sighed. "The missus will surely weep salty tears for her husband once I give her the news."A sick grin split his face in two."I can't wait to taste them…"The following morning, the citizens of Paralcya were growing restless with talk of the Ylissean infiltrators and the skirmish in the Midmire. They became more and more suspicious of each other and the castle staff. Worse still, many soldiers had still not come home. Fathers and sons alike were missing, and their loved ones were starting to voice their concerns.One such person was Sonya, commoner and wife of General Mustafa. She never trusted Gangrel nor the Grimleal, so when the Mad King summoned her to the castle, her heart was gripped by fear and dread."Forgive me for calling you on such short notice, milady!" Gangrel addressed from his throne. "I know that you're probably worried sick about Mustafa, so why don't I lighten the mood with a little joke? Knock knock!""Jokes? At a time like this?!" she cried in disbelief. "No, where is my husband? Where is Mustafa?!"Gangrel snapped his fingers. Sonya gasped as two of his soldiers aimed their lances at her neck, no questions asked."Humor me just this once, dear," he uttered, bringing his voice just barely above a whisper. "Knock… knock."Sonya, whose trembling hands were held in surrender, swallowed a lump in her throat. "... Who's there?""Why, it's the King of Plegia, ma'am!" Gangrel perked up once more. "Your husband fell in combat against the Ylisseans. He's dead!""He's… What?" Her jaw dropped. "That's not funny! Don't joke about something like that!""Do you want to hear the best part?" He leaned forward and gave her a nasty smile. "I wasn't kidding! He turned traitor in the midst of combat and was slain for his troubles! Mustafa is dead, and you'll never see him again! Isn't that wonderful?""No… No! You're lying!" she yelled, tears in her eyes. "He would never do that! He can't be dead, he just can't be!"Just as Gangrel had been gleefully anticipating, the news hit her like a sack of bricks to the stomach. Sonya fell to her knees and wept for the husband who'd broken his promise to come home. As her sobs filled the throne room, Gangrel stood up and motioned for his soldiers to drag her forward by the arms. Once she was standing in front of him, he wiped some of her tears away with his finger.Then he brought it to his mouth."Mwahahaha... Ahahahaha! Ohoho! This is DELICIOUS!" Gangrel howled with delight. "Your tears are the perfect blend of sweet and salty! I should have started doing this months ago!""You're sick," Sonya wept. "You sick monster...""I'm not the monster here, you are." There was a deranged look in his eye. "You and the rest of those Ylissean sympathizers… Disgraceful. An utter embarrassment to the Plegian race! You don't deserve to live in my beautiful society; you should be thrown out with the rest of the garbage!"She continued to weep bitter, salty tears. Gangrel tapped his foot impatiently for a few seconds before throwing his hands up. "Ugh, enough of this nonsense! Some of our scouts informed us that General Mustafa ordered a full-scale retreat when he was told to stop the Ylisseans no matter the cost! He disobeyed a direct order! Do you know what that means? It means he broke his oath, and since he's not around anymore..."He smirked. "That means you and your little brat have to pay in his stead.""What?! No! Leave my son out of this! He's just a chil—""SILEEEEENCE!"Sonya's breath hitched in her throat as Gangrel pointed to the crown on his head. "You see this? Do you have even the slightest idea what it symbolizes? It symbolizes law! Order! My rule is the only thing keeping you baseborn savages in line! If I have to make an example out of some of you, so be it!"He turned away from her. "... Take the wench and her brat to the pillories near the center of town. It's been far too long since we've had a proper public execution. Gather everyone you can to bear witness to what fate befalls a traitor's wife!""... Everyone?" one of his men repeated. "What do you mean—""EVERYONE!"His voice shook the halls of the castle. Several birds flew away as the front gate's guards looked around in shock. The soldier who stood before Gangrel nervously nodded before leaving. The Mad King waved his hand, and the soldiers dragged Sonya away despite her screaming and kicking."Yes… Today's execution will be simply to die for." Gangrel smirked. "Eeyahahaha!"A giant white pillar stood in the very center of Paralcya, having been built during the Schism of old to commemorate Plegia's founding. Civilians, soldiers, nobles and merchants numbered in the thousands as they were corralled on the outskirts of the town square. Even the poorest of peasants were forced from their slums and alleyways to witness Gangrel's latest announcement. Several wooden restraints sat at the foot of the monument—some of them broken or covered in dried blood—but two were covered in black cloaks.Muffled cries could be heard from underneath."People of Paralcya!" the Mad King boomed, standing at the center of it all. His voice was amplified by sheer rage. "Yesterday, as some of you might already be aware, there was an Ylissean infestation at the royal ball!"There were many gasps in the crowd. Gangrel went on. "Those subhuman cretins cannot be allowed to exist in our utopian society! Even now, years after the Crusade, they've put countless Plegian lives in danger! They have tortured and beaten and slaughtered us at every opportunity! They have even taken the lives of some of those in the Plegian Royal Army.""Though it pains me to say this," he lied, "last night, General Mustafa was one such victim."There were more gasps and cries; some of outrage, some of disbelief. Gangrel's soldiers had formed a large ring around the area and were now pushing a few brave civilians back with their spears."I know," Gangrel said, nodding. "I know. General Mustafa was a respected member of the community, and he will be missed dearly…"His face contorted into a grotesque sneer. "Is what I would say if he wasn't outed as a filthy turncoat!""Impossible!""He couldn't be!""Lies! Lies!""Oh, but it's true!" Gangrel nodded again, grinning this time. "He went against my orders and sabotaged the mission! He let the Ylisseans escape! General Mustafa was a traitor, and he got what was comin' to him! And what's worse is that he wasn't the only sympathizer among us. But don't take my word for it…"He motioned for his soldiers to uncloak the pillories. "Ask his family!"The crowd gasped in shock and horror. Trapped in the restraints by their necks and wrists were none other than Mustafa's wife and their eleven year-son. Their mouths were gagged with cloth, but the fear in their eyes spoke for them."Is that Sonya?""Little Joseph too?!""Leave them be!""Let them go!""SILENCE!" Gangrel yelled over them. He pointed at the mother and son duo. "These people are a menace to society! They may look like us, but they're traitors! Demons in disguise! And I for one refuse to let creatures like them lead the rest of you astray!"He beckoned one of his men out of the crowd: a tall, burly barbarian with a brown hood covering his face. On Gangrel's orders, he approached the imprisoned family with a steel axe slung over his shoulder."Gaze upon them, citizens!" Gangrel smiled maliciously. "This is what happens when you conspire against my beautiful kingdom!"The executioner lifted the axe high above Sonya's head. After the incident at the castle, she'd long since given up on being spared. As she shut her eyes, she only hoped that a miracle would arrive to save her son."STOP!"A loud female voice caught everyone's attention, followed by a powerful neigh. Gangrel glanced all around before looking up at the sky, shielding his eyes from the sun. A few black feathers fell to the earth beside his feet. The pegasus they belonged to descended near the ground in front of him."Stop this at once!" its rider cried. "I will not allow this insanity to persist for even a moment longer!"Gangrel was immediately incensed. "How dare you, Aversa! You should know better than to interrupt justice!""There is no justice!" she shot back. "Not under you!"Aversa's pegasus landed a sizable distance away from him. The citizens and soldiers near her backed away from the beast in fear and amazement."Look around you, Plegians." Aversa gestured to Mustafa's family. "A grieving widow and her little boy are going to be executed for a crime they never even committed! Is that what justice looks like to you?""Silence!" Gangrel screeched."You be silent!" She scowled. "I have been silent for far too long. I have stood by for years as you've strayed from the path of righteousness. No more! Today, in the name of all Plegians, I make a stand!"Gangrel, his soldiers and the crowd were all stunned speechless by her words. Aversa focused her gaze firmly on the Mad King and pointed at him. "You... are a failure of a king who has put his own selfish interests before that of our people time and time again!"Numerous hooded mages emerged from the crowd and stood alongside her, tomes drawn. "By the order of the Grimleal, you are to relinquish your claim to the throne immediately!"There were many more gasps in the crowd. Several of Gangrel's men were quick to turn on her."Traitorous witch!""How dare you!""Insurgency!"Gangrel, however, only gave her a blank stare."Are you threatening me, Aversa?""... I do what I must for the sake of the kingdom.""I am the kingdom!" he snapped."No." Aversa shook her head in contempt. "You're just a man among many, and one whose neck has grown far too weak to support the crown."The ring of guards around Gangrel had grown denser, but many soldiers now looked uncertain. The Grimleal and their civilian sympathizers drew closer, but refused to make the first move.A skirmish was inevitable."Heh… Hehehehe! Ahahahahaha!" Gangrel leaned backwards, balancing on his toes with his arms outstretched. "So that's how it's going to be!"When he stood up straight, his normally red irises shone a bright violet."It's treason, then."Gangrel drew his Levin Sword and leapt into the air. He launched a lightning bolt at Aversa, but it veered off to the side. A dark mage armed with a Shockstick absorbed the magic into his weapon."For Lady Aversa!"The mage flung the lightning back. Gangrel rolled off to the side, but the attack fried a pair of soldiers behind him.From there, the town square descended into madness.Many of Gangrel's soldiers stayed loyal, but many more fought against those they'd once called brothers. As Gangrel himself butchered Grimleal and renegade alike, some of his loyalists went directly for Aversa. Other combatants knocked them away. Most of the nobility fled for their lives, but a few removed some tomes from their robes and began casting spells at whoever they deemed most advantageous to eliminate. While most of the citizenry ran for the hills, a few of them freed Sonya and her son during the chaos before leading them to safety."Rah!" Gangrel jumped over a rogue soldier before slashing him across the back. Then he ran a Grimleal mage through. "Fools, all of you! You chose the wrong side!""MIRE!"He grimaced. One of Aversa's followers had cast the accused spell right at his feet. Rancid green globs of gunk formed around his shoes, clinging to him with a putrid odor. Gangrel could hardly lift his feet from the ground as the bubbling slime held him in place."On my mark!"His head snapped up. Aversa stood far in front of him with at least a dozen mages close behind her, Countess Gothel among them. The countess chanted some ancient words as Aversa lifted her right hand in the air. It glowed and formed a large purple ball of fell magic. The other mages followed suit."Now!"They flung the orbs forward in a coordinated assault. Gangrel ducked and covered his head. He could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as they flew past, but not one of them actually hit him. Instead, they simply struck the pillar behind him.Gangrel stood up afterwards and, after looking back at the monument in question, faced his enemies with glee."Well, would you look at that?" he taunted, hands on his hips. "You missed!"Aversa smirked. "Did we?"Gangrel stopped smiling when he heard an odd noise behind him. Reluctantly, he turned around to the best of his ability. The magic had collided with the base of the pillar and lingered, eating away at the structure.It wasn't long before the entire monument started to shift.Vasto, Henry and Campari had all been vigorously fighting Aversa's followers elsewhere, but even they had to pause and gape at the scene. With the side of the base melting away, the pillar began its descent."It's coming down!" a soldier cried, turning away from it. "Everyone move! Run!"Many Plegians, Grimleal or otherwise, fled the scene in terror. Gangrel fought to free his legs, but the Mire spell left him glued to the earth. Even as he held an arm in front of his face, he was powerless to stop the monument from crashing down onto him with all its weight.Most of those still present looked away, but Aversa watched the dust rise from the earth with a wide grin. She couldn't wait until some brutes moved the toppled pillar so she could admire the splatter that had once been her tormentor. With Gangrel gone, Plegia would flourish under new, better leadership… and the Order would reign supreme, just as He intended."Rejoice, citizens of Paralcya!" She held her arms out, still grinning. "Now the Grimleal shall lead us all into a new age of peace and prosperity!""... Heh… Heheheh…!"She froze. When the dust cleared, Gangrel had forced his way out from underneath the monument with the help of his loyalists. His clothes were torn and dirty, but he rose to his feet without so much as a scratch on him."No..." Aversa's eyes widened as she shook her head. The other onlookers similarly gaped. "No! That's impossible! You should be dead!""Heh… Well, I suppose I would be..." Gangrel tilted his head back and lifted his hand. His face was illuminated by the glowing orb in his palm. "If not for this."Aversa gasped. "The Darksphere?!"Most of the mages behind her cowered; a couple of them fled altogether. Gangrel only smirked in triumph. As he spoke, a second, raspier voice spoke alongside him in his mind. "That's right. The stone you once valued as a tool to usurp me… has now become your undoing. Ironic, isn't it?"He turned to his soldiers, Vasto and Campari among them. "Men! Fall back to the castle and storm these freaks' lair underneath! Take anything that isn't nailed down, and kill any who stand in your way! I'll join you after I've had my fun here.""You heard him," Vasto said, nodding. "C'mon! Let's earn our keep!"They left in a heartbeat, some of them cutting down turncoats along the way. Gangrel turned to Aversa and her Grimleal insurgents with a twisted grin."Heh. As for the rest of you lowlifes…"He placed the Darksphere back in his pocket and unsheathed a small, intricate blade from his belt. It crackled to life with magic, screaming for the taste of flesh."Get over here…"By now Gangrel was hunched over like a scrawny, feral animal. His arms hung limply, but he clutched the knife with vigor. He smiled so hard it hurt."I'm going to carve my name... into each and every last one of your hides!"The ride to Castle Ferox was uneventful. It took at least a week of near-nonstop travel to make it to the Feroxi capital. The numerous Feroxi troops around the country ensured that the nation remained relatively peaceful in their leaders' temporary absence, and the Shepherds were relieved to hear that no harm had befallen Ylisstol or other Ylissean territories while they were away.Still, even that bit of good news couldn't keep them in high spirits for very long. The death of Emmeryn still weighed heavily on them, as did the unknown status of some of their companions."You think they made it out alright?" Sully asked some of the others, leaning against a barracks wall. "Kellam and Ruffles, I mean."Stahl joined her and folded his arms, sighing. There was a distant look in his eyes that she'd never seen before. "I don't know, Sully… I want to believe they're alright, but after what happened to Emmeryn… I just don't know anymore.""Gosh… I sure hope they're okay," Donnel mumbled. He sat on a nearby bed, his pot resting beside him. "What about Gaius and Anna? Didn't they disappear too?""Hmph!" came an indignant feminine voice.The three looked over to see Maribelle standing in the doorway. Her porcelain face was marred by a vicious scowl as she placed her hands on her hips."Frankly I don't care what becomes of them!" she snapped. "Such roguish vagabonds had no business in our respectable militia to begin with. Good riddance, I say!""Woah, harsh." Stahl raised an eyebrow. "What's gotten into you, Maribelle?"Sully scoffed. "The prissy little noble hates thieves. Big shocker.""You are a noble yourself, Sully. It would do you well to act like it!""At least I can hold my own in a fight!""And who do you think is responsible for keeping you alive after each and every fight?!""Enough!" Stahl yelled, getting their attention. "Honestly now… We're better than this. I know times are tough right now, but do you really think us fighting each other is gonna help? Emmeryn wouldn't want this. She'd want us to be there for each other with open hearts, not closed fists."A deep silence fell over the room as they took in the truth of his words. Loathe as they were to admit it, he was right; this was no way for them to behave."I… You're right, Stahl." Maribelle bowed her head in shame. "I apologize for my rudeness, everyone. A lady should know better than to pick meaningless fights. Especially with those near and dear to her…"Sully sighed and rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah, I'm sorry too, kid. I just… I'm hurt. I'm angry. Emmeryn's part of the reason I became a knight to begin with, y'know?"Donnel's eyes grew large. "She is?""Yeah." A somber smile graced her lips. "See, my brothers died protecting a village seven years ago. It hit us pretty hard, and Emmeryn visited us in person afterwards to apologize. She didn't have to… but she did. That simple act of kindness, along with me wanting to honor their memory, convinced me to pick up the spear. It took me forever to learn how to ride, but eventually Cain and I became a duo… Somehow."Donnel and Maribelle were stunned, but Stahl only nodded in understanding, having heard her tale many times before."I… I had no idea," Maribelle admitted. "You have my condolences, Sully… and my deepest apologies as well. I was wrong about you. To honor your family's memory… Why, I simply cannot think of a nobler reason to fight.""Well it's not the only reason. People should know how to protect themselves from bandits and the like, but when they can't…" Sully tapped her chest twice with a fist. "That's where people like us come in. The strong have a duty to protect the weak!""Mhm." Stahl nodded again.Donnel had stars in his eyes. Gosh… That's amazin', Sully! When I grow up, I wanna be a knight just like you!"She chuckled and leaned over to ruffle his hair. "We'll see, tough guy. Tell you what, when Kellam gets back from his little escapades, the three of us'll give you some combat pointers! Me, him and Stahl!""Woah! R-really?""Yeah, it'll be fun!" Stahl grinned. "Just don't expect Sully over here to go easy on you.""Heh! Damn right I won't!"The trio shared a laugh, and even Maribelle couldn't help but giggle. It did her heart good to know that there was some light in the darkness after all. Even so, she soon found herself thinking of Emmeryn's siblings once more. Chrom had isolated himself since they reached Castle Ferox, and she hadn't seen Lissa at all either."Well." Maribelle cleared her throat. "This has been equally eye-opening and uplifting, but I'm afraid I must be off.""Sure. Take care, Maribelle," Stahl said, still smiling. "I think Lissa's in one of the guest rooms upstairs.""How did you know I was going to—"Sully held a hand out. "Save it, girly. You two are closer than two peas in a pod! Might even have Sumia and Cordelia beat in that category.""Besides," she went on, her voice softening, "she probably needs you right now."Maribelle looked around the room. Stahl and Donnel were both in agreement, and she nodded in response."Very well. I shall see to her at once!""Tell her we said hey." Stahl smiled.Maribelle smiled back. "I will do just that."The Shepherds made it to Castle Ferox in the afternoon. During the trip, Chrom had bathed and rid himself of the grimy soldier clothes he'd worn in Plegia. He'd bathed again after they unpacked the caravan at the castle, but no matter how hard he scrubbed away at the dirt, he still felt unclean. The pain of losing Emmeryn, coupled with the guilt and shame of his actions in the Midmire, hung over him like the stormy clouds they'd left behind.He didn't know what to do anymore. He wanted to cry, to scream, to do something—anything—but he just couldn't bring himself to. Instead, he just walked. Anyone who passed him could see the emptiness in his eyes.Chrom's feet moved on their own, not stopping until they reached a balcony overlooking the snowy castle courtyard. He couldn't be sure how long he'd been walking, nor what floor he was even on, but he was too caught up in his own emotions to care. Not even the chilly Feroxi air or gray skies could garner a reaction from him.He turned to Falchion for guidance, one hand grasping the pommel and the other holding the blade up. Supposedly, the sword had been forged by Naga herself. It'd survived thousands of years of hardship and undergone numerous changes. To think that the same blade that had been used by King Anri, King Marth and the First Exalt to restore peace to the world… was now in the hands of a mere brute. An animal. He'd tarnished their legacy beyond repair.Chrom couldn't stomach the sight of his own reflection in the blade. Between his appearance and his actions, it reminded him far too much of his father. The faces of the Plegian soldiers he'd killed in such gruesome ways were burned into his mind."I'm just like him," he mumbled, anger growing within him. "I'm a monster… A complete disgrace to their bloodline! I don't deserve to wield such a blade!"He acted without thinking. Before Chrom knew it, Falchion had flown from his hands off the side of the balcony."Gods, no!" He looked below the balcony. "What have I done?!"He rushed towards the nearest set of stairs in a panic. After traveling down several flights of them, he reached the courtyard. Falchion had landed blade-first into the frozen earth. The blade itself was said to be indestructible, but Emmeryn warned him long ago that the sword was still to be treated with the utmost respect."What was I thinking..." Chrom mumbled and shook his head, approaching Falchion. He pulled it from the earth and relaxed when he saw that everything looked to be in order."That thing almost skewered me. Be more careful."He jumped at the sound of a snide voice. Tharja was standing at his left in hooded black robes. He could see her breath as she shivered."Oh… Sorry about that.""I don't know the history of that sword, but it looks ornate." She turned to head back inside. "Take better care of your things next time.""Wait!"Tharja paused, looking back at him peevishly. "Yes?""I never got to thank you for helping us back at the Midmire," Chrom admitted. "And with Emmeryn.""I did what I had to. Nothing more, nothing less. And… I'm sorry for your loss.""Thank you. Still… Why did you join us in the first place, Tharja?"She looked away from him, frowning. "Let's just say that I was growing tired of Mother Dearest and her fellow fanatics. Having an idiot in charge of the country didn't exactly do it for me either.""Even so... We've killed so many Plegian soldiers along the way," Chrom said, his heart heavy with remorse. "Your own people… Doesn't that bother you?""They were hardly my people; plenty of those men were either blindly loyal idiots, Grimleal worshippers, or both." Tharja shot him a dirty look. "I may be from the same kingdom, but I hardly believed in what they did to begin with.""I… I see." Chrom nodded sheepishly. "Um… Sorry.""Forget about it. Is there anything else you'd like to tell me before I freeze to death out here?"It only just occurred to him that Tharja, being from a desert nation, probably hated the cold more than most."Oh! We should probably head inside now…""That would be preferable, yes. Lead the way."The two left the courtyard and entered the castle. They found themselves standing near some wall-mounted torches in the hallway. Tharja, thankful for the heat, brought her hood down and glanced at Chrom. "So what is it? That look on your face tells me we're not done here. Still don't trust me?""It's not that." He shook his head. "I just… I don't know. Don't you feel the least bit of hatred for me?""And why would I? Because some moron with a crown told me to?""No. It's because…" Chrom sighed, his eyes closing in shame. "When we were back in the Midmire, there was hatred behind every one of my attacks. I saw the enemy soldiers as targets to destroy. I hated them for what Gangrel did to my sister… and I thought they were all like him.""Your sister had just died and your life was on the line. I don't think anyone would have acted any differently in that situation.""Emmeryn would have…"She was staring at him now. "Are you sure?""What?"Tharja rolled her eyes. "Picture, if just for a moment, a world in which you died instead of Emmeryn after a failed rescue attempt. Don't you think she would have lost it too? She was a pacifist from what I hear, but she was only human at the end of the day.""I…" Chrom paused. "Well, maybe, but—""We all have choices in life, Chrom. Your sister chose to give her life for yours. Those soldiers chose to stand in your way. Mustafa, no matter the reason, chose to stay and fight. I chose to leave my wretched home behind and start anew.""Which leaves us with one last question." Tharja folded her arms and leaned against the wall. "What will you choose to do?""I… I don't know. I still don't feel any better," he admitted, sighing. "I've never felt this kind of pain before…"Her face softened. "Then heal.""... What?""Everyone grieves differently and, from what I understand, the death of a loved one isn't so easy to bounce back from for most people," she told him. "So go, do whatever it is you need to make yourself feel better, and give yourself time to heal. And when you're finally feeling better... Then you can choose to do something else."Chrom was stunned. He certainly hadn't been expecting her to say that. Still... It was far from the worst advice he'd ever heard."I... suppose you may be right, Tharja. I just feel like kicking myself for all of the terrible things I've done...""Then kick a training dummy or something instead. No sense in beating yourself up while you're already suffering.""Yeah… Maybe." He smiled. "Thank you, Tharja. You're much nicer than you lead people to believe.""This conversation never happened." She turned away from him. "Have you… decided on what to do about Emmeryn?""We're going to send her back to Castle Ylisstol so she can receive a proper burial ceremony." He frowned. "I hate to ask, but could you—""Of course. I'll cast a stronger hex to make sure she gets back looking as she should.""Thank you."The corners of her mouth curled up just a little. "Don't mention it."As Tharja walked away, Chrom took her words into careful consideration. He'd meant it when he said he didn't feel any better, but she was right. He had to get it all out of his system, but he'd only feel worse if he took out his frustrations on himself, and he'd never take them out on other people. Not ever again.The inanimate dummies in the training room would have to suffice.
Tick… tock.
Tick… tock.
The old clock's machinations were the only sounds Lissa could hear as she laid on her bed. Upon arriving at Castle Ferox, she'd been among the first to wash off the grime of the trip. She scrubbed with all her might, but she couldn't wash away the events that stained her mind. Afterwards, she rushed up to her guest room and hurled herself into bed, sobbing into her pillow.That was hours ago.Now, she simply stared up at the ceiling with empty gray eyes. She clasped her hands over her stomach as the image of her dying sister came back to haunt her."Emm, don't do this! Don't leave us… Please!""Lissa? Are you alright in there?""H-huh?!" She sat up and brushed away a stray tear. "… Is that you, Maribelle?""It is," came the reply. "I understand if you don't want any company right now, darling, but I just wanted to see how you were doing. Everyone is worried sick about you, but as long as you're still with us—""No, you're fine, Mari. Come in…"Maribelle entered the room, closing the door behind her. When her eyes fell on Lissa, she quietly gasped. Gone were her usual childish pigtails, and her familiar hat and dress were cast aside in favor of a simple yellow nightgown. The change in appearance was jarring, but one glance at the bags underneath her eyes told Maribelle all she needed to know."Lissa... ""Don't worry about me." The hoarseness in her voice made Maribelle wince. "... I'm fine."Maribelle took a few steps closer. "Lissa... I'm sorry. Truly. I have failed you and your brother both.""What?" Her jaw parted. "What do you mean?""Were I a more accomplished healer, I could have saved her... " Maribelle's shoulders shook. She hung her head as the tears began to fall. "I… I'm sorry, Lissa!""Maribelle, don't say that! You did your best... It wasn't your fault!"She sniffed. "Y-yes, it was…"Maribelle sat on the bed beside her and buried her face in her hands. She'd later curse herself for breaking down in front of Lissa when she was supposed to be there to comfort her, but the guilt and grief tore at her heartstrings too much.Lissa leaned over and wrapped her arms around her, a fresh tear rolling down her cheek. She was six when she met a seven year-old Maribelle, and they'd been inseparable for the better part of a decade. Emmeryn was busy with her work more often than not but, as Maribelle had no siblings of her own, she often looked up to her as an older sister and role model. She'd even been the one to set her on the path of becoming a healer..."I… I'm sorry," Maribelle apologized, dabbing her eye with a handkerchief. "I'm sorry. I know this must hurt so much more for you and I have no right to feel this way, but—""Don't say that, Mari," Lissa whispered. "I know you cared about Emm… and I know she cared about you too.""I'm sorry…""And stop apologizing for stuff that isn't your fault!"Maribelle glanced back at her in shock. Weary and heartbroken as Lissa was, it seemed some of her usual fire had returned. "That's not the Maribelle I know.""Lissa…""I… I miss Emm," she admitted, closing her eyes. "So, so much… but she'd say the same thing, I think. She wouldn't want people to blame themselves… That's just the kind of person she was.""Yes… I agree. I hope to become half the woman she was someday…""Me too, Maribelle… Me too."The pair sat in silence for quite some time, the only noise being the incessant tick-tock of the old clock. Eventually, Maribelle looked over at it and gasped. "Good heavens! It's nearly time for dinner."She cleared her throat. "My apologies, darling; I shouldn't have shouted so boorishly. I certainly won't force you to join us, but everyone would love to see you out and about.""Really…?""Indeed! Why, I came across Stahl, Sully and Donnel earlier, and they all seemed worried about you. They even said hello! Still, I suppose I could bring you a plate if you'd prefer to—""No. Lissa shook her head with a small smile. "I… I wanna see everyone too. I'll get dressed and come on down.""Wonderful." Maribelle grabbed her hands and smiled as well. "No matter what happens, I promise that I'll keep you and your brother safe from here on out."Lissa opened her mouth to return the sentiment, but the pair were startled by the door abruptly flying open."Lissa!" Vaike cried, rushing in. "Are you okay?! We haven't seen you all day and… oh."Maribelle huffed. "Oh, honestly, Vaike! You really know how to give someone a fright. I thought we were under attack!"She glared at the open door. "I know you're out there too, Ricken!"They heard a small, disappointed groan. Ricken peeked his head into the room, and he chuckled bashfully as a miffed Maribelle beckoned him over with a finger. Once the four of them were together in awkward silence, Lissa couldn't help but giggle.She giggled and giggled until she was laughing at the top of her lungs."Oh… oh, man," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "That is so you, Vaike! You didn't even knock! You just barged in here like a goofball! Ahaha!""H-hey! I didn't mean to!" Vaike felt his face heat up. "I was just… worried."Lissa stopped laughing, but her smile lingered as her cheeks grew rosy. "You were?""Well, yeah! I mean, nobody'd even seen you since we got back... We were all worried about ya, Liz."Ricken nodded, frowning. "That's right. Everyone's concerned about you and your brother, Lissa. We all thought it'd be more respectful to give you some space, but Vaike over here just couldn't help himself.""Oi!"Maribelle shook her head, her blonde curls swaying. She felt a grin forming despite herself. "You two are unbelievable…""It's okay, Maribelle." Lissa beamed. "I appreciate it, you guys… and I really needed that laugh too. I'm glad you all came to check up on me…You're the best friends a girl could ask for.""That's us!" Vaike exclaimed with pride. "I'll never forget what your sister did for me when she visited my hometown all those years ago. Now it's my turn to repay the favor. From this moment on, I'll be the best friend and bodyguard you've ever had! Not even Frederick's gonna be able to keep up with me!"Lissa giggled again, even as Maribelle rolled her eyes. "That's great and all, Vaike, but I can't just rely on other people's strength anymore. I gotta toughen up too!""If it's magic you're after, I can teach you some of the basics!" Ricken offered. "I bet Miriel would be a great help too. She taught me everything I know, after all.""Uh, what? Everybody knows that the axe is the mightiest weapon of them all!" Vaike argued. "You know who messes with a girl with an axe? Nobody who wants to live, that's who!""Why can't I learn both?"The other three stared at her. Maribelle seemed the most surprised of them all. "... Beg pardon?""I… I wanna be as useful as I can!" Lissa explained. "Sure I can heal, and I wanna get better at that too, but… I'm tired of not being able to protect myself or the people I care about. I'm tired of being useless all the time; I wanna fight too! That's why I gotta learn as much as possible."She glanced around at them, suddenly feeling bashful after her outburst. "... Can I count on you guys to help me?""You need only say the word." Maribelle clasped her hands together, giving her a bright smile. "We shall hone our skills together and become the brightest healers this side of the halidom!""Yeah! When we're done, nothin's gonna stand in our way!" Vaike folded his arms and grinned. "Count the Vaike in!""And me makes three!" Ricken pumped his fist in the air.Lissa couldn't help but grin at their enthusiasm. She still missed her sister deeply, and nothing would ever change that, but she could at least take solace in the fact that she and her brother had some of the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for. She just hoped that Chrom himself would be okay...Castle Ferox's training rooms were essentially miniature arena rooms modeled after the famed Coliseum. It was in one such room that Chrom was venting his frustrations on every training dummy in sight. He'd been at it for hours on end. Nobody wanted to tell him his means of grieving were wrong, but no one wanted to see him work himself to death either.Frederick, Sumia, Vaike and even Lon'qu had all stopped by at some point to convince him to rest, but their pleas fell on deaf ears—ears deafened by heartbreak. This was his fault, his problem, and he needed to be strong enough to fix it.To him, strength was all he had."Chrom?"He beheaded one last training dummy with a blade-breaking swing before turning around. Lyn stood nearby in her normal Sacaean attire. Her arms awkwardly hung at her sides as she struggled to look him in the eye."I… Can we talk for a moment?"Out of breath, Chrom simply nodded. He sat on the floor and tossed the training sword's hilt aside. Lyn watched as it landed in a sizable pile of similarly broken training swords."... Thank you." She sat in front of him. "How are you holding up?""I…" He sighed and looked away. "You tell me, Lyn. After everything we've gone through, all the sacrifices everyone made… It was all for nothing. Gangrel got what he wanted. Emm is gone... and there was nothing I could do to save her. I just wasn't strong enough…"Lyn reached over and squeezed his hand. "I'm so sorry, Chrom. Truly. I didn't know her very well, but I wish I could've done more for her too...""It wasn't your fault," Chrom told her. "I don't blame you, Robin or anyone else. You gave it your all, but when it came down to it… It was Emm that had to protect me."He pinched the bridge of his nose and grimaced. "Damn it all…""I know your pain well, Chrom." Lyn shut her eyes as similar memories filled her mind. "I know what it's like to lose the people you love.""You do?""Yes." She nodded. He could see the sorrow pooling in her eyes. "Six months before I met Robin, bandits ambushed my tribe in the dead of night. We did all we could, but... They were all killed. My friends, my neighbors, my parents… Everyone. Sometimes I can still hear their screams…"Chrom stared at her, horrified beyond words. "Gods… I had no idea. I'm sorry, Lyn.""It's fine." She blinked back tears. "I didn't come here to talk about me, though. I just wanted to let you know that I understand what you're going through, and that I'm here for you."Lyn stood up and brushed herself off. "The Khans said that dinner will be ready soon. Are you going to join us?""I… think I should, yeah. I haven't eaten all day…"She helped him up to his feet."Hey, Lyn?""Yeah?"He smiled. "Thanks.""Don't thank me. That's what friends are for." Lyn smiled back. "Oh, and one more thing.""Hmm?""I think you should speak with Lissa when you get the chance. I know it can't be easy facing her at a time like this, but I think she'd appreciate it. Family is precious… In some ways, it's all we have.""I… You're right." His hand reached his forehead. "Gods, I'd been so caught up in my own pain that I'd forgotten about her altogether! What kind of older brother am I?""One who needs to talk to her tonight," came the stern reply. Lyn's expression softened into a small smile. "Don't forget, okay?""I won't… Thank you, Lyn."Lyn nodded and turned to leave, but his voice stopped her. "Oh! Speaking of people I need to check up on, have you seen Robin around lately?"She frowned and shook her head. "I tried to talk to him earlier, but he said he needed to be alone… That was hours ago, though. I hope he's not being too hard on himself… He's more sensitive than he lets on.""That he is…"With the two out of words to say, Lyn departed for the mess hall. Chrom vowed to join her and the others after a bath, but Lissa and Robin weighed heavily on his mind. He pained to think of how they might be handling Emmeyn's death...The sun was setting on Regna Ferox. In one of the castle's war council rooms, all sorts of tactical tomes and papers were scattered about the floor. Robin had spent hours trying to devise ways that he and the others could have successfully escaped with Emmeryn. Everything from securing an escape route ahead of time to luring the guards away with an outside skirmish had crossed his mind… but they lost someone every single time. He couldn't find a way they could've succeeded.The exhaustion and guilt sapped him of his strength and critical thinking. Before long, Robin was passed out over a map of the three nations.Even in sleep, his mind would not let him rest.
He was in a void.
Nothing surrounded him.
Robin cupped his hands around his mouth and called out into the darkness.
There was no response.
He screamed a few more times.
Nothing.
Nothing after nothing answered his cries.
"Robin…" a soft voice called."Emmeryn?!"
He looked around for her. He gasped when he saw a large portrait of her serene face floating in front of him. "Emmeryn!"
"Why, Robin?" the painting questioned, its eyes boring into his. "Why did you do this to me? Why did you let me die?""I… I didn't mean to! I—"
The painting wailed. Robin's breath hitched in his throat as Emmeryn began to melt away. The frame disappeared. Her eyes became gaping black holes. Her jaw unhinged as her mouth widened to a grotesque, unnatural degree. She screamed and moaned and howled as her entire face distorted and became a swirly, misshapen mess.
"Robin… it hurts...""Emmeryn, no! No, no, no, NO!""I feel… g...o...o...d…""No… Oh, gods, no! Emmeryn! EMMERYN!"He woke with a yell. Robin's breath was heavy and labored as his eyes leapt around the room. It was just as messy as he'd left it, and the map below him was covered in sweat and tears. His hand shook as he lifted it to his forehead. A jolt of pain surged through his head, followed by the voices of his companions.
Worthless!
Failure!
How could you let this happen?
We trusted you!
She was my sister, Robin!
This is your fault!
YOUR fault!
You don't deserve to be our tactician!
You're not my Robin. The Robin I knew was better than that.
"Oh, gods," he rasped, head in his hands. "Oh, gods… They're right, all of them. I let this happen. I let her die. Everyone was counting on my plan… and I let her die."More tears stained the map. Robin was glad no one had found him yet; in his mind, he didn't deserve comfort. He didn't deserve sympathy. And he certainly didn't deserve his title of tactician."I'm sorry," he whispered, sobbing. "I'm so, so sorry…"Under normal circumstances, the banquet hall would have been alive with the sounds of boisterous laughter and mirth. In the wake of the Exalt's death, however, not a single Feroxi or Ylissean warrior felt like celebrating.At one table, Basilio sat across from Flavia, the pair unusually quiet. He stared at her as she propped her head up with a fist, prodding her food with little interest. Olivia sat next to her, occasionally looking at Lon'qu across from them."Hmm…""What's the matter, oaf?" Flavia glared. "You haven't stopped leering at me since I sat down.""Nothing. Just been thinking is all.""Pfft. Don't make me laugh.""Flavia, I'm being serious here," Basilio said. "... Do you remember who was Khan during the Crusade?"Lon'qu and Olivia shared a glance. Both could sense that the air had changed. Flavia paid them no mind and thought for a moment, pursing her lips."... It was you," she concluded."Yeah." He nodded. "It was.""Why bring this up now?""I used to live life with no regrets, but now I can't help thinking about how things might've turned out if we'd stepped in around that time.""That's… Hmm." Flavia thought for a moment, drumming her fingers on the table. "Well, we could've easily ended up making an enemy of Chrom's father instead of Gangrel. We had strength in spades and the advantage in numbers, but... I'm honestly not sure it would've been the right call.""There is no clear cut answer for this," Lon'qu agreed. "Many Plegian lives could have been spared, but if Regna Ferox and Ylisse had gone to war, many Ylisseans would have died instead. It is possible the entire royal family would have been killed in the conflict."Olivia gasped. "Lon'qu!""Remember, Emmeryn was quite young at the time. Younger than Chrom is now. Things could have easily ended in disaster for them.""Yeah." Basilio shut his eye in contemplation. "To think that mere kids could've fallen victim to an assassin's arrow… and probably have before. It's a dark world we live in.""So what now?" Flavia questioned him. "Still having second thoughts? The past is in the past, Basilio. Dwelling on it won't get us anywhere. All we can do now is work with the hand we've been dealt… or dealt to ourselves.""East Khan Flavia is right," Gregor noted, walking up to the table. "Is not like Khan Basilio to be so caught up in past. Things bad now, but future is ours for brightening!""I agree," Olivia said. Everyone stared at her, but she went on without shame. "We can't turn back the clock… but we can certainly look ahead. For now, we have to support Chrom and the others in their time of need.""Even you, Liv?" Basilio raised an eyebrow in genuine surprise. He looked around the table and saw the same conviction in everyone else's eyes. "Yeah… Yeah! You guys are right. The hell with what ifs; let's grab destiny by the horns and do what we can in the present!"As the fire reignited in her old rival's heart, Flavia could only shake her head and smile to herself."That's my oaf."By the time Chrom had reached the dining hall, most of the others had already finished their meals and left. He couldn't spot Lissa or Robin anywhere, but a small table of Shepherds beckoned him over."Oh, Chrom!"Sumia waved at him. Cordelia sat on her left, and the pair were joined by Miriel and Stahl opposite them. Sumia patted the empty spot next to her; a hearty plate of meat and vegetables sat in front of it."Thanks." Chrom nodded and sat next to her. The feeling of everyone's eyes on him made him uncomfortable. "I… Um…""How are you holding up?" Stahl asked. There was a twinge of sadness in his smile."... I'm fine," he lied. "I'm… a little more worried about Lissa, honestly.""She left with Maribelle and Ricken not too long ago," Cordelia said. "She looked to be in higher spirits, so that's good to see.""Mm… Well, I'm glad. It can't be easy on her.""It can't be any easier on you though." Sumia sighed and closed her eyes. "Chrom, I am so sorry about what happened to Emmeryn. I wish I could've done more to help—""You're fine—""But I—""If it wasn't for you and Cordelia, Nowi might not have made it back to the others with all of us weighing her down," Chrom pointed out. "Besides, you've all fought courageously alongside me this entire time when you could've just as easily gone home. That's plenty to be proud of.""Chrom…""Well, we're not going anywhere." Cordelia sat up, brimming with confidence. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring peace back to Ylisse and see you smile again."Stahl nodded. "What she said. We're all in this together, Chrom. We're all here because we want to be.""Heh… Well said." Chrom beamed at them all.Miriel smiled a bit as well. "I shall never forget the first time we met, Chrom. You saw me teaching Emmeryn how to use magic and immediately demanded I do the same for you."Everyone at the table chuckled, but Chrom only blushed and looked away. "That's hardly fair… I couldn't have been older than ten or eleven at the time.""Heh. To think that an entire decade could pass seemingly in the blink of an eye... Time is truly an enigma.""Oh, no! Your food's getting cold," Sumia said, looking at Chrom's plate. Without thinking, she grabbed a forkful of meat and brought it to his face. "Eat up!"Stahl laughed. "I think Chrom can feed himself, Sumia."The heat rose to Sumia's face as she realized what she just did. "A-ah! I'm sorry… I don't know what came over me."Chrom chuckled, partially to ignore the warmth in his own face. He gratefully took the fork from her. "It's… quite alright, Sumia. Thank you."The group continued to chat and enjoy each other's company as Chrom ate alongside them silently. He would have to thank the Khans a thousand times over for their hospitality, but he was also grateful to still be able to share a meal with his friends. Had he died in the Midmire, he would have died alone and miserable.But here and now, even after a horrible tragedy… there was still hope.The group split off after a while, one by one, until only Chrom and Sumia remained. Chrom relayed some of his happier memories of Emmeryn to her, and Sumia shared stories of her childhood in kind."You know, Chrom… I'm really glad you seem to be doing better," Sumia said. "When I saw you training earlier, you just looked so…"He gave her a glum half-smile. "Monstrous?""N-no! Not at all. You just... looked so hurt. Like you were dying inside...""I'm still not over it," he admitted, sighing after, "but I can't afford to be selfish anymore, Sumia. Everyone here is counting on me to lead them to victory, and with Emmeryn gone… Now that extends to Ylisse as a whole. I have to be strong for them."Sumia nodded in understanding. She might not have known what it meant to be in such a position of authority—or any position of authority, for that matter—but she knew that it was quite the burden to bear."Well… Everyone may be relying on you, but don't be afraid to rely on me too, okay?""Hmm?" He glanced at her."Whatever it is, whether you need a shoulder to cry on, or even just someone to talk to every now and then… I'll be there for you," Sumia declared. She quickly looked away afterwards. "I-if you want, of course.""I… Thank you, Sumia." Chrom flashed a boyish smile. "Truly. Your kindness is more than I deserve.""It isn't," she told him, patting him on the back. "Not now and not ever."The two shared a warm glance for a few seconds, Sumia's hand lingering on him all the while, before Chrom rose from the table with a slightly reddened face. "Well, I… should probably get going—""Right—""I mean, I need to check up on Lissa and—""I understand," Sumia said with a gentle nod, smiling. "Siblings should be there for each other in their time of need. I hope you feel better soon, though—both of you.""... Thanks, Sumia. I appreciate that."She giggled. "Anytime. I'll hand your plate back over to the kitchen staff.""Thank you." He grinned a little. "Good night, Sumia.""Heh. Good night, Chrom. Sleep tight…"After leaving the dining hall, Chrom set off in search of his little sister. He asked around the castle for a bit before running into Frederick, who reported that Lissa was most likely in her room on the third floor. Thanking him (and reassuring him that he was fine), Chrom decided to look there next.He reached her door and gave it a few knocks, but there was no response. Chrom called for her, but after a minute of silence, he sighed and let himself in. The room was poorly lit, but there was an opened door in the back that led to a balcony.Chrom immediately feared the worst, but when he stepped outside, he relaxed. Lissa faced away from him with a warm brown quilt draped over her shoulders. She'd never been much for the cold, but she barely shivered as the snowflakes descended from above. Instead, she just gazed up at the night sky, taking in the sight of the moon and the stars above."Hey," Chrom called softly.Lissa jumped. Her surprise turned to anger when she spotted him. "Chrom, don't scare me like that! Geez!""Sorry," he apologized with a wince. "I called for you earlier, but I didn't get a response...""Eh, it's fine." She turned her attention back to the sky. The stars seemed to twinkle with light and hope. "Nice night, isn't it?""Yeah." Chrom took his place next to her, folding his arms. "It's… a little chilly for my liking, but at least it's not humid.""Heh. Yeah… We don't really get much snow back home," Lissa said, sighing afterwards. She perked up shortly afterwards. "Oh! Remember when we were kids and it snowed a lot in the capital?""How could I forget? You couldn't tell Ylisstol from Regna Ferox that day!""Hee hee, yeah…" A nostalgic smile played at her lips. "I remember you beaned me with a snowball and I started crying.""Gods, you're right." Chrom cringed. "I got quite the earful from Emm that day…""Her face was like a cherry! Oh, man, I've never seen her so mad before!"The pair laughed as they recalled the day's events fondly. Even after scolding Chrom and making sure Lissa was alright, a teenage Emmeryn personally saw to it that both of her little siblings had blankets and hot chocolate after playing in the snow.The memory made Lissa's heart swell with joy, but the feeling was fleeting. When Chrom looked back at her, her eyes were brimming with tears.His heart ached at the sight."Chrom…""... I know."That was all it took. Within seconds, whatever strength Lissa had mustered up over the course of the day was gone. She flung herself into her brother's arms and sobbed into his chest, not caring if anyone saw or heard.Chrom wrapped his arms around her. He shut his eyes, but he did not cry. He had to be strong for them both."Shh..." He rubbed her back in small circles, just as Emmeryn had done to them many times before. "It's okay… It's okay. I've got you."Lissa cried and clung to him harder. Eventually her sobs became whimpers, and her whimpers became silence. The frigid air nipping at her was nothing compared to the pain of losing the closest person she'd had to a mother, but Chrom's warmth and tenderness held her together. She had to hold onto the hope that, as long as they had each other, things would be alright in the end."Better?" Chrom asked her after quite some time."Y-yeah." She let go of him and wiped a tear away. "Thanks for not being so rough this time.""What are you… Oh." He blushed as he recalled the night of their escape. "You felt that? I'm sorry...""Heh, it's fine," Lissa said. She gave him the brightest smile he'd seen in a very long time. "I'm just glad you cared enough to be with me then…and now, too. It's actually really sweet."She stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks, Big Bro."Chrom couldn't help but smile back. "You're welcome, Lissa. I'm just sorry I didn't come to check up on you earlier… I feel like a selfish dastard.""Ha! Well you're not selfish and you're not a dastard!""Heh… If you say so. We should probably head inside though. Wouldn't want to lose a couple of fingers, would we?""Nope! Especially not before I get started on my combat training! When I'm done, you won't even recognize me!"He raised an eyebrow. "Combat training? You?""Hey! Don't take that tone with me, mister!" Lissa scolded, pouting. "I'm tired of crying all the time. It's time to start punchin' stuff!"As if to demonstrate, she threw a couple of punches in the air before doing a kick that almost made her fall over.Chrom stifled a laugh as she regained her balance. "Ah… Ahem. Right. Well, if you're ever in need of sword training or a sparring partner, or if you just want to spend some time together... I'll always be there for you, Lissa."He was caught off guard when Lissa threw herself into his arms, but this time there were no tears to be shed. She hugged him with a warm smile and surprising strength."Thanks, Chrom," she whispered. "You're the best."The next day rolled around with little fanfare. Chrom and Lissa both seemed to be in higher spirits, but no one had seen Robin since the previous afternoon. Everyone was growing worried, and even Frederick seemed concerned for his safety. Some of the Shepherds even feared that he'd fled the castle and left them entirely."No," Lyn told herself. "He wouldn't do that… That's not him."She'd spent the better part of the morning looking for Robin. She had no intention of giving up, but she'd almost exhausted all possible options when she bumped into someone rounding a corner.Someone small and pink-haired."Eep! S-sorry!""Olivia! I'm sorry," Lyn apologized."N-no, it was my fault," Olivia said, wringing her hands together. "I should really watch where I'm going… I can be such a bother at times."Lyn shook her head. "You're not a bother. I hate to ask, but have you seen Robin anywhere? He didn't show up to breakfast and he's not one to skip meals. I just want to make sure he's okay.""I haven't seen him, no. Have you checked the library?""The library, of course!""Er… I-Is that a no?""Yes! I mean no. I mean… ugh," Lyn groaned. "Listen to me, I'm a mess. I haven't checked the library, but I will now!""Oh, okay!" Olivia smiled, but it wasn't long before she started to blush. "Um… This m-may be none of my business, but…""Yes?""... Is he your boyfriend?"Lyn was floored. She felt the familiar sensation of blood filling her face as she struggled to respond. "I… Um… W-well, we've never actually talked about—""Oh, my."The pair turned to see a grinning Tharja standing nearby. She was in a considerably more revealing outfit then the dark robes she'd worn before. Olivia's hands flew to her mouth in complete mortification, but Lyn was more baffled than anything else."Do my ears deceive me? Is Robin truly single?""Does it matter? This is hardly the time for that," Lyn shot back. "I mean it, Tharja. The last thing he needs is someone trying to seduce him at a time like this.""Hmph." Tharja narrowed her eyes. "Is that why you're not with him at the moment?""Excuse me?! What is that supposed to mean?!""Ooh. Touched a nerve, I see…"Olivia's eyes darted back and forth between the pair for a moment before she suddenly blurted, "I, um… I h-have to go!"Tharja watched her run away with little interest. "Hmm… Quite mousy, that one."Lyn placed a hand on her hip. "Look, what do you want with Robin, Tharja?""What does it matter to you? You're not romantically involved with him, are you?""I…"Tharja smirked. "Well, if you're not a couple—""Leave him be! He's not in the mood for any of this!""Oh, you're no fun." She rolled her eyes and turned away from Lyn. "Very well. I'll leave him alone… for now. Do give him my regards if you see him, though."Lyn's blood boiled as Tharja stalked off to who knows where. Just who did she think she was, anyway? Trying to seek out Robin at a time like this just to flirt with him…
And what about you?
"This isn't about me!" Lyn told the voice in her head. "…That's not what he needs right now. I just want to make sure he's alright… That's all."It took a bit more direction-asking than she would've liked, but Lyn eventually made her way to Castle Ferox's library in the east wing. She was just about to enter the imposing oaken doors when a familiar figure emerged from them."Robin! There you are." She rushed over to his side, her green eyes large with concern. "Where were you yesterday? Everyone was worried sick about you!"It was then that she noticed two things. First, Robin had his hood up. Across both Elibe and this new world, Robin never wore his hood up indoors. The only times she'd ever seen it up was to protect himself from the weather and during the fight in Arena Ferox.The second thing she noticed was the state of his eyes. Even shrouded in darkness, she could see their redness and the bags underneath them."Robin…""I'm fine," he said, though he swayed a bit. His breathing was more ragged than usual. "I just… need to talk to Chrom for a minute. Have you seen him?""He should be sparring with some of the others right about now." She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and made eye contact. "Robin… You look awful. Were you up all night? Have you eaten anything lately?""I'm okay," he insisted. "Really, Lyn, I'm—"His legs gave out from under him."Robin!"She caught him before he fell to the floor. Lyn maneuvered herself so that one of his arms was slung over her shoulders."You'll be alright," she whispered, helping him walk forward. She didn't know who she was trying to reassure more. "C'mon… Let's get you to a healer."When Robin finally came to, it was in an unfamiliar room. He couldn't be bothered to take in the finer details of his surroundings; everything hurt too much. His head, his stomach, even his heart.Especially his heart."How are you feeling?"He looked to his right. Chrom greeted him with a small smile as he leaned against a nearby wall."Oh… Fine, I suppose," he mumbled. "Thank you.""I'm glad you're awake now, Robin. You gave us quite the scare earlier.""I… I did?" He touched his head and winced. "Ugh… What happened, Chrom?"Chrom's smile vanished. "You passed out. Lyn rushed you to the infirmary, and we brought you back here once your condition was stable.""I see…"Robin rubbed his eyes, still drowsy from the unexpected nap. When he looked at Chrom again, he was holding a warm bowl of stew."Black Bear Stew," Chrom said. "A Feroxi delicacy. Here you go, Robin."The smell was enticing, but even Robin's ravenous hunger couldn't stop him from declining. "I… Thank you, Chrom, but I'm not very hungry at the moment.""Robin, you have to eat something. Maribelle specifically said you passed out from exhaustion and hunger.""... I'm fine."Chrom sighed and carefully put the bowl back on the nightstand. He had a feeling he knew why Robin of all people would turn down a bear-based dish even at his hungriest, but he had to be sure.He sat by his side on the bed. "Is this about Emmeryn?"Robin flinched. He could feel his heart sinking more and more by the second. "... Is it that obvious?""Robin, it wasn't your fault," Chrom groaned, shaking his head. "... It wasn't. You did the best you could with the hand you were dealt. I was the one who wasn't strong enough to protect her. It's my own failures that haunt me now…""But I—""It wasn't your fault!"The room fell silent. Robin could easily see that Chrom was trying to make him feel better— never mind that it should've been the other way around—but the seeds of guilt had already been planted. No amount of honeyed words or sugarcoating could make Robin feel any different than what he truly saw himself as.Unworthy."Chrom, I… I have something to say.""Yes?"Robin took a deep breath. He prayed to whatever gods might exist in this world that he could keep it together long enough."I… I have to resign.""What?" His eyes widened in shock and dismay. "Why?!""Chrom, I didn't just fail you and Lissa. I failed the Shepherds, Ylisstol, Ylisse itself… Everyone."A tear escaped his eye. Several more followed. "I… I've failed them all! I don't deserve to be in charge of people's lives!"Chrom felt a surge of pain in his heart. Robin's words reminded him all too much of his own just the day before, and seeing one of his closest companions in such a state only made him feel worse. Had he really felt like that this whole time…?"Robin, look at me!" he yelled. Robin wiped a tear away with his wrist, but Chrom gently grabbed his hand soon afterwards. "... Look at me."Robin did as he was told. The Chrom in his head had been one of many voices to assault him over the past day, but the Chrom he saw before him couldn't be more different. Instead of anger, there was compassion. Instead of hatred, there was understanding."Chrom…""C'mere." Chrom pulled him into a tight hug. "It wasn't you, Robin. It wasn't you."Slowly, he returned the embrace. They stayed that way until Robin's tears stopped, and Chrom gave him some space afterwards."Are you feeling any better?""Much better." Robin nodded. "I'm sorry, Chrom… I should be the one comforting you here, but—""It's okay, Robin… It's okay. I…" He sighed. "I'll miss Emm until the day I die, but I've made my peace with her death. She died so that we could live… so now we have to live on in her stead, otherwise her sacrifice will have been for nothing. I just..."Chrom's gaze fell to his lap. "I'm just afraid.""Huh?""I'm afraid I'll never be half the leader she was," Chrom admitted. "Emm was kind, thoughtful, compassionate, patient… and she had a knack for setting people's worries at ease. I'm nothing like that at all…""You are," Robin argued. "You're… rougher than she was, yes, but… You are kind, Chrom. You are thoughtful. If you weren't, you wouldn't be here now to check up on me. Our friends and allies wouldn't be here either if they didn't think you worthy to lead."Chrom closed his eyes, reflecting on both his original band of Shepherds and everyone else they'd met on their journey so far. "Maybe... Still, I don't think I'm even a quarter of what Emmeryn was.""Maybe neither of us are on our own, but…""Hmm?""Well, maybe we can be something more… Together," Robin suggested. He smiled for the first time in what felt like years."Oh?" Chrom felt his spirits rise. "Then does that mean you'll stay...?""Only if you'll have me.""Of course I will! Gods, Robin, what were you thinking?!"The pair chuckled. Chrom leaned over and hugged him once again. This time, he returned the gesture tenfold."I'm sorry," Robin whispered. "I'd been so caught up in my own world that I hadn't even considered you or the others' feelings…""You're fine," Chrom said, patting him on the back. "Emm's death hit everyone pretty hard, but…Things will look up someday. I'm sure they will. So please... Please don't leave us, Robin. We all need you—especially me.""Really?""I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. After she died, I just… lost control. I was reckless and charged the enemy without even stopping to consult you. But you and your strategy pulled through in the end… You even stopped me from making a terrible mistake.""... You mean General Mustafa?"Chrom nodded, his face growing somber. "Yeah. He'd already been beaten, but I was still so angry… I only spared him because you were there to talk some sense into me. I just wish it had been enough for him..."Both men sat in silence as they recalled the event. Had Vasto not escaped from the Shepherds—or had he not lived to see such a day—perhaps General Mustafa could have avoided such a terrible fate."... What's done is done," Robin said with a heavy heart. "We may have failed him, but we can't let them get away with this.""My thoughts exactly. Gangrel and everyone like him needs to be brought to justice… but we can't act without a plan." Chrom looked over at him and grinned. "Are you up to the task?"Robin reached over and tightly grasped his hand, grinning right back. "Of course, Chrom. Now and always."Chrom laughed a little. "Oh, thank Naga. I don't know what I'd do without you by my side, Robin. Honestly, though, I'm not sure you'd have gotten far even if you managed to slip away from us. I'm almost certain Lyn and Lissa would've tracked you down and brought you back.""Heh… I suppose they would've."Robin's face fell as he realized the implications of him leaving. Lissa and the others probably would've been fine, but the entire reason Lyn was even in this world to begin with was because of him. She could have lived a comfortable life in Caelin, or even on the grassy plains of Sacae where she was born… yet she sacrificed all of that just to make sure he was still alive, not even knowing whether or not she'd be able to return home.She did it for him."Hmm? What's wrong, Robin?" Chrom briefly raised an eyebrow at him before glancing over at his nightstand. "Oh, gods, the soup! You still haven't eaten anything yet. It's probably gone cold…""N-no! It's not that." His stomach grumbled. "Er… Well, not entirely anyway."Chrom got up from his spot on the bed. "Hold on, I'll be back with a Fire tome.""You're going to reheat my soup with a tome?" Robin chuckled. "No, it's fine. I'll just eat it as is.""But…""Chrom, no. One of the first things Miriel ever told me was that even the most basic of tomes can be dangerous when used incorrectly.""Ricken once used the pages of a Wind tome as a trap. You're telling me it's too dangerous to use a page to warm up a bowl of stew?"Robin threw his hands up. "I just don't want to cause more trouble for the Khans, that's all! They've been nothing but good to us since we won the tournament, and I'd hate to see our relationship quite literally go up in flames.""Heh…" Chrom grinned. "Fair enough. I've never been much for magic anyway. I'll just fetch you a new bowl.""But what about this one?" Robin pointed at it. "I don't want it to go to waste…""It won't, Robin, trust me. At least not if Stahl has anything to say about it...""Pfftch." He covered his mouth with a fist. "Ah… Heh. Right… Sorry for the trouble.""No trouble at all!"Chrom scooped up the bowl without complaint and made for the door."Oh, and Chrom?""Yes?""Thanks for being here for me." Robin smiled. "When you get the chance, could you thank Lyn for me as well?""You can thank her yourself, Robin. I'll be back."Chrom exited the room, and it wasn't long before Lyn peeked her head inside."A-ah! Lyn, um..." Robin gave her a sheepish grin. "How long have you been, er…"She giggled. "Don't worry, I only just got here. More importantly…"Lyn walked into the room, stopping just a few steps from his bed. "How are you feeling?""I'm still pretty exhausted… hungry too," he admitted. "Sorry for worrying you… I appreciate your help though. Thanks, Lyn.""Don't thank me! It's only natural to help those you care about.""I suppose it is…"Robin trailed off as he stared at her. The details of their relationship in Elibe were foggy at best to him, but he had enough new memories to look back upon fondly. Memories of how they'd crossed blades in the coliseum. Memories of how she'd been there for him ever since. Memories of the day they'd spent together in Ylisstol and how happy he'd been just being around her…And of course, memories of when they shared a dance in Plegia. How, if only for a brief moment, they'd cast aside their worries and swayed back and forth in each other's embrace. How Lyn gazed into his eyes…How they almost kissed."Robin, are you feeling alright? You're turning red…" Lyn leaned over and placed the back of her hand on his forehead. "Goodness, you're burning up! I'll be right back with Lissa.""N-no, I'm fine! Really! I was just… thinking.""About what?"He smiled sadly. "... You.""What? Me?" Lyn's heart nearly did a flip. Now it was her turn to redden. "But why?""I just… I don't know. We've been through so much even here, but back in Elibe… You didn't have to do what you did. You didn't have to come after me.""What?! Of course I did! What kind of person would I be if I left you to die?" Lyn sat by his side and held his hand. "Robin, you've done so much for me without even knowing. You were the first person besides Florina to take me seriously after my parents died. I don't know where you learned tactics, but your strategies saved our lives more often than not. So please…"She squeezed his hand and stared into his eyes. "Please don't give up on yourself. It wasn't your fault and you know it. We all know it.""Lyn," Robin uttered, suddenly out of breath. "I—""You guys!"The pair broke away from each other, silently cursing Lissa for her interruption."Yes, Lissa?" Lyn asked through a strained smile."You guys… won't believe it," she panted, hands on her knees. "They're back…""What? Who's back? Are we under attack?!" Robin questioned, moving to get out of bed. "Hold on, I'll—Ack!""Oh, no you don't," Lyn chided, placing a hand on his chest. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it.""But Lyn, I—""Guys, relax! We're not under attack!" Lissa clarified. "It… It's Kellam! He and Virion are back!""They are?!" Robin blurted, smiling in relief. "Why didn't you just say so?""Well I tried, but do you have any idea how many stairs I had to climb just to get here? I had to catch my breath first!""You could've started with—""Guys!" Lyn cried. "Focus here. You said Kellam and Virion are back, right Lissa? This isn't some sort of jape?""What?! Zero japes!" The little cleric looked positively offended. "Do you really think I'd joke about something like that? No!""Well, what are we waiting for then?" Robin hung his legs over the side of his bed. "Let's welcome them back.""Robin, you need bedrest," Lissa said. She placed her hands on her hips and grinned. "Bedrest and lots of fluids! Oh, and food, too.""But…""She's right, Robin." Lyn nodded. "You can say hi to them later. Maybe they'll come visit you up here!""I… Well, okay," Robin relented, easing back into bed. "I'm just glad they made it back in one piece…"They left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. Robin still felt as though he didn't deserve such supportive friends, but he had to shove his feelings of inadequacy aside for the time being. Just as everyone looked to Chrom for leadership, Chrom looked to him for strategy and companionship, and he certainly wasn't the only one; Lyn alone was living proof of that."Lyn…"How his heart ached for her.The Shepherds gathered outside the entrance of Castle Ferox. Sure enough, Kellam was standing near the very same wagon he'd rode into Paralcya, wearing a brown cloak to shield him from the snow. At his side was a similarly-dressed Virion."Kellam!" Sully cried. She, Stahl and Vaike barreled into the taller man, nearly knocking him over in the process. Several others crowded around them with amicable expressions. "We were worried about ya, tin man!""Woah! Y-you were?" His face grew hot."Er... I mean, these two knuckleheads were!" She scoffed. "Yeah! I wasn't scared at all! I knew you'd be fine all along!""Uh, that's not how ol' Teach remembers it." Vaike grinned. "Oh, you shoulda seen the look on her face back in the swamp, Kellam. She looked like she was gonna start bawlin' like a bab—OOF!"Stahl snickered a bit as Vaike took an armored punch to the side. He rested a hand on Kellam's shoulder. "We missed you so much, man. It's good to have you back.""Oh, geez." Kellam sniffed, smiling. "Here come the waterworks…""Welcome back, Kellam," Chrom greeted. Frederick almost smiled at the scene himself, but he stopped when his liege addressed the archer in their midst. "It's good to see you as well, Virion."Virion bowed his head, his lips forming a suave grin. "It is a pleasure to be back, mon ami, but I am afraid I would not have made it back at all were it not for the combined efforts of Kellam and Libra!""Father Libra's here too?""That I am."Chrom and the others glanced back at the wagon. Libra could be seen smiling at them through an open window. When he let himself out, he was dressed in simple brown robes; a far cry from the outfit he'd embarked on his journey in.For some reason, Lyn couldn't help but think of Lucius when she saw him."It's good to see you again, Father Libra." Chrom couldn't help but grin at the sight of his allies alive and well. "Are you alright?""I am, thanks to you and your companions." He bowed. "It is nice to see you again too, Chrom. Mere words will never be enough to express my gratitude towards you and these kind gentlemen here. Henceforth, I would like to join your ranks and be useful in any way I can.""Wait, what?" Lissa looked back and forth between the two. "You guys know each other?""We do." Libra nodded. "Your brother rescued me from Gangrel's clutches during the night of the ball.""Father Libra… Were you not with the other men of the cloth in the eastern palace?" Frederick questioned. "How did you end up with Kellam and Virion?""I departed the eastern palace when a fellow clergyman named Lucas went missing. My search for him led me to the Plegian capital, but Gangrel's men captured me on the outskirts of town." He shut his eyes in remorse. "I fear I have failed him… and I may have failed the Exalt in her time of need as well.""People have been saying that she's gone. That she… died," Kellam said. There was a lump in his throat. "Is that true?"Many of the Shepherds now wore crestfallen expressions. Chrom stared at the frozen earth beneath his feet, but he nodded all the same. "Yeah. We sent her body to Ylisstol just yesterday, actually.""By the gods..." Virion frowned. "You have my sincerest condolences.""Thank you.""I'm sorry I couldn't have been more helpful, Chrom," Kellam apologized, "... and I'm sorry I left you guys back in the capital.""Kellam, it's fine," Chrom said. "We couldn't escape through the front door anyway. Some creepy armored… things blocked our path. They might have been Risen, but it doesn't matter anymore. We have to look forward, not back."He couldn't help but notice how Virion kept holding his side with an occasional wince. "Are you alright, Virion? You seem injured.""Ah… I'm afraid I am." He chuckled. "That roguish lout Vasto stabbed me as he entered the castle during the ball. I should consider myself lucky that he and his white-haired companion did not care enough to finish the job. If they had, I would have never have made my way back to Kellam here."Chrom grit his teeth. "Damn him…!""Hold a moment," Tharja said from the crowd. "Did you say white-haired?"Virion nodded. "Oh, yes. Vasto was with a boy that couldn't have been much older than young Ricken. He had an oddly cheery demeanor about him, even while covered in blood. I should hope never to see him again."Tharja frowned, and Panne growled in response to Virion's description. Chrom eyed them with intrigue. "Do you two know who he's talking about?""Henry," they said at the same time.Tharja and Panne stared at each other briefly before the former went on to speak. "Henry is an absolute buffoon of a dark mage. He's as dangerous as he is stupid. I don't know why he wastes his talents serving Gangrel of all people, but it's possible he still does even as we speak.""He is the one who warned me of the original attempt on Emmeryn's life," Panne explained. "It saddens me that I was unable to repay her in full, but she may have died that day if not for him.""Strange," Tharja mumbled. "Usually he only cares about ending lives, not saving them…""Henry, huh?" Sully scratched her jaw. "I think a few of the boys and I fought him once. Wasn't he the idiot slinging fireballs around during the attack on Ylisstol?""He was," Panne answered, frowning. "I would think a dislocated shoulder would have deterred him from aiding the enemy ever again.""Duly noted. We'll be on the lookout for someone matching his description." Chrom turned his attention back to Kellam, Virion and Libra. "In the meantime, have any of you seen either Gaius or Anna? They're the only ones who haven't come back yet."They shook their heads. Chrom's heart sank a little. "Oh…""Ah, don't sweat it, Chrom." Vaike patted him on the back. "You really think those two would up and die so quickly?! Fat chance!""Loathe as I am to say this," Maribelle said, "I believe Vaike is correct… for once. I daresay that those rogues are out and about right this moment emptying some poor woman's purse…""Ha! You really have it out for them, don't you, Maribelle? Gaius especially!"She folded her arms and looked away. "That is neither here nor there, Vaike."Basilio chuckled, gazing at the amount of powerful warriors Chrom had amassed. "Well, looks like most of the gang is back and ready to roll! Still... What are we gonna do about Gangrel? We can't just let the man get away with all he's done.""That is actually part of why we came back," Virion said. "You see, word has spread that the Plegian people have grown tired of their 'Mad King.' Apparently there was a skirmish in the capital that resulted in Gangrel and his loyal followers being ejected from the castle."Chrom gaped at him as if he'd sprouted an extra limb. "What? When did this happen?""Not long after the ball," Kellam explained. "That's what we heard anyway. They're saying people were already angry about the war itself and Emmeryn's unjust death was one of the main tipping points."Chrom nodded slowly, taking the information in. He recalled the time they'd rescued a Plegian village from the Grimleal while en route to the capital, and how the townsfolk there wanted nothing more but to live in peace.
Just like Emmeryn...
"... So where is he now?" he asked them."Nobody knows for sure," Libra stated, "but based on hearsay from the people we encountered on our way here, he seems to have gone west of the capital. Some have even rumored he's fled as far as the northwestern coast, but we have no proof…""What?!" Basilio cried. "But that's near the border!""If what you are saying is correct, Libra, Gangrel could very well be after us," Miriel said, adjusting her hat. "It would seem a final confrontation is imminent.""Well, wherever he is, Basilio is right. Gangrel has to pay for what he's done," Chrom asserted. "To Ylisseans, Plegians, the people of Regna Ferox... Everyone.""Then you can count on me." Sully grinned."And me!" Lissa bounced on her feet."And me." Lyn folded her arms and nodded in determination.The rest of the Shepherds were quick to voice their agreement. Chrom grinned at his friends and allies, but a final voice from afar caught his attention."And me!"He turned towards the castle entrance, as did everyone else. To the Shepherds' surprise, their tactician was walking towards them without any assistance."Robin?!" Lissa blurted. "I thought I told you to stay in bed!""One of the maids came by with a fresh bowl of soup, and now I'm right as rain!" He chuckled. "Er… For the most part, anyway."Chrom placed a hand over his forehead as a sudden realization hit him. "I knew I was forgetting something… I'm sorry, Robin. I meant to come back, I swear—""It's fine." Robin smiled nonchalantly. He waved at Kellam and Virion, and they responded in kind. "So… What'd I miss?""I'll fill you in later. For now though… It seems we're nearing our final battle," Chrom said. "Can I count on your support, friend?"Robin placed a warm hand on his shoulder and grinned. "Always."Basilio laughed as some of the others cheered. "Well said! Don't leave Flavia and me out of this, though. The entire Feroxi army is at your command! We'll team up, kick Gangrel's bony ass all the way to Valm and be back in time for dinner!""Hey! I'm the one in charge here, oaf!" Flavia chided. Her lips formed a grin of her own. "But he's right. Let's win this one for Emmeryn.""Aww, hell yeah!" Vaike whooped. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about!"Everyone else echoed their sentiments. Chrom faced them with Robin at his right and Lyn at his left. "Everyone… Thank you. Truly. I know I haven't been the best I could be, but I appreciate all of you giving me a second chance. I will not falter again, and we will restore peace to the continent!"There were many more cheers. Even the likes of Lon'qu and Tharja couldn't help but grin a little. There was much work to be done, but Chrom had faith in his friends and allies.Just as they had faith in him.
We'll make you proud, Emm… I promise.
Paralcya was in shambles after Aversa's attempt at staging a coup. Numerous buildings had been damaged during the initial skirmish, Risen patrolled the streets, the civilians were too afraid to leave their houses, and the Grimleal's hideout underneath the castle had been ransacked and looted by Gangrel's men.Gangrel himself, however, had long since left the capital behind. His trusty Levin Sword smashed to pieces by the monument that failed to kill him, he wandered west of Paralcya with the Darksphere in one hand and his dagger in the other. The harsh sun and scorching sands didn't even phase him as he slunk towards an abandoned fortress in the distance.Behind him marched the remnants of his army—a force of about three-hundred men. Henry and Campari walked among them, but Vasto and his men had gone back to raid the capital for supplies and had yet to rejoin them."Here," Gangrel rasped at the foot of the fortress, placing a hand on its gray wall. "We'll stop here for the time being, everyone! We shall rest and regroup!"Campari wheezed a sigh of relief as he dragged his armored form into the shade. "My thanks, Your Majesty. These old bones aren't what they used to be…"Gangrel's men occupied the fort. Many of them still held bitter resentment towards Ylisse, as well as the Grimleal and those who'd turned on them weeks prior in the capital. In time, they assured themselves, their enemies would pay."There!" a lookout announced from one of the watchtowers. "Wyverns to the east!"Gangrel, Henry and Campari followed his direction. The newly-reinstated Air Commander and his wyvern brigade soared towards them, only slowing down when they reached the fortress itself."I've never been so happy to see such wretched scaly hides before!" Gangrel smiled. "What's the status of the capital, Vasto?""Honestly, I'm beginning to think we should've just stayed put. Those spooky zealots don't put up much of a fight!" Vasto cackled. "Their undead freaks of nature, on the other hand… Yeesh.""You mean the Risen?" Henry asked."Yeah. They've got hordes of them parading the streets. They're not attacking the townsfolk, but the smell is just—""Enough!" Gangrel scowled. "We'll deal with them all soon enough. Did you manage to find anything useful?""Our ground troops should be back soon with plenty of provisions. My boys and I, on the other hand, found something much more interesting…"He turned to the wyvern riders behind him and whistled. Gangrel and his men gathered as one of them got off of his mount. When he approached his king, he knelt and presented a sword unlike any other. The gold and black pommel was ornate enough, but the blade was as black as an abyss. There were seven empty spaces in the sword. Six of them were shaped like eyes and ran down the middle of the blade; the last was a sphere-shaped hole in the hilt."By the gods!" Campari gaped. "What kind of wicked blade is that?"The wyvern rider shook his head. "I don't know, General. It would seem the Grimleal have been working on this in secrecy for quite some time…""And it's mine now," Gangrel said, snatching the sword and examining it with almost childlike glee. "Such a beautiful, yet handsome weapon… Why, it was practically made for me!"He focused on the hole in the hilt. "Hmm… I wonder..."Gangrel took the Darksphere out of his pocket and placed it into the hilt with a satisfying clink. It was a perfect fit, and the eye-shaped holes lit up one at a time until they all glowed a sinister dark violet. The others gasped and backed away cautiously, but Gangrel enjoyed the warmth and tingling sensation that it brought."Beautiful," he murmured, running a finger along the blade. "To think Aversa would keep you from me all these years..."Gangrel pointed it into the air. A dark red blast of magic flew from the tip of the sword, and he cackled madly afterwards."Yes… YES! A worthy weapon fit for a king! I can't wait to use it on those Ylissean pests!" His irises shrank as his grin grew. "Perhaps I shall use it to peel the flesh from their bones, one by one…"He cleared his throat and faced his soldiers. "Listen up, everyone. If I know that Ylissean prince well, he will not take the death of the Exalt lying down. He will come for us, and we must be ready for him! This fortress, along with the others scattered across these once-fruitful lands, will serve us well in the coming weeks!"
These lands… I know them well…
"Your Majesty?" Vasto asked, giving him a concerned look. "Are you alright?""... Ahahahaha! Yes, of course! I've never been better!" Gangrel stood up straight and lifted the arcane blade high above him. "Know this blade well, Plegians! I shall use it to carve a new path for us all! Once I've had my fun with the Ylisseans, we'll deal with Regna Ferox next. Those worthless bystanders will know the pain they caused me—and all of us!""And once we're done with them," he said, "we shall take our country back from those cowards who scurry in the dark and restore Plegia to its former glory! This I swear!"The soldiers cheered, rallied by his words and echoing his sentiments. As they chanted his name, Gangrel egged them on, a genuine smile growing on his face.Yes… First Ylisse, then Regna Ferox, then the Grimleal… and then Valm and beyond. Soon every living person in this world will bow before me! And only me!As his eyes drifted over his crowd of unwavering loyalists, he heard Gharnef's voice in his head once more.
It is only a matter of time.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The Khans had taken it upon themselves to throw a feast in celebration of the Shepherds' allies returning. Kellam and Virion were welcomed back in full force while Libra found himself garnering far more attention than he would have preferred.Robin joined in on the festivities with a smile, but he took his leave soon afterwards to brush up on his tactical knowledge. There were too many unknowns at the moment—how many Feroxi warriors would join them, how big Gangrel's army was, the exact location and terrain in which they'd fight—but he still wanted to make himself useful in any way he could. He didn't have Chrom's strength, Lyn's speed, Miriel's magical expertise or Vaike's sheer vitality. If all he truly had to offer was his mind, then it needed to be sharp as a nail.His heart ached as one of his friends lingered in his mind. Robin cherished them all dearly, but Lyn… Lyn was something else altogether. She was strong, fast, clever, beautiful… and she was kind. So, so much kinder than he deserved. From rescuing him on the plains of Sacae when he was nothing more than a stranger… to standing by his side even now.He wished he could be half the man she deserved."Robin?"A warm, comforting voice made his heart race. Robin glanced up from the strategy book he was reading and spotted a smiling Lyn. She stood in the doorway of the war council room he was in, wearing the usual Sacaean garb he'd grown to love so much."Heya," she greeted, her arms behind her back. "How are you holding up?""Uh… fine, thank you." He placed the book on the desk and cleared his throat. "What about you?""A little anxious, but excited all the same. Chrom's supposed to make a grand speech to the Feroxi army in a few days." Lyn chuckled. "I guess he's even more nervous right about now, huh?""You think so? I always thought he was a natural when it came to this stuff.""Heh… Well, maybe. He's as tough as Hector, but… more dignified. Like Eliwood."Lyn smiled nostalgically at the thought of their friends back home. She and Robin would see them again in due time, she was sure of it, but Chrom needed them more right now. They were both fully devoted to his cause, and Lyn was certain Eliwood and Hector would tell them to stand by him in his time of need anyway."I miss them," Robin admitted, propping his head up with his fist. "I mean, I don't really remember much about them, but… They sound like good people. Brave and strong… and kind."He smiled at her. "Just like you, Lyn.""Wha? M-me?"Her heart skipped a beat. Maybe it was the tenderness of his voice, or the praise itself, or both, but she felt her knees grow a little weaker all the same. She wanted to confess then and there, to get all of her feelings off her chest in the hopes that he really did feel the same way… but she just couldn't get the words out."I… Um… Th-thank you, Robin." Lyn blushed and glanced off to the side, rubbing her arm. "That's very kind of you to say… but I think you're plenty brave too! And kind, and… Well, you might not think you're strong, but strength is so much more than just how well you do in a fight anyway!""Really?""Really really," she reassured him, hands on her hips. For some reason, throwing the praise back at him made her feel less shy. "That you're still here with us after everything that's happened… if nothing else, I'd say that makes you strong of heart."His chest ached at her words."Lyn… Thank you." Robin beamed through it with a brilliant blush. "That means more to me than you know.""You're welcome." Lyn smiled back, but she looked away again after a few seconds. The heat continued to flood her face as an awkward, painful silence surrounded them. "Um… W-well… It's getting late. I guess I'll see you tomorrow?""I guess you will," Robin replied, still smiling. "Good night, Lyn. Get some rest.""Heh… Likewise. Good night, Robin."Robin watched her leave without another word. Once he was sure she was gone, he sank back in his seat with a sigh. Even if she had only said what she said to cheer him up, he'd be lying if he said it didn't work. He felt a little better about himself… Yet even that couldn't keep him from his thoughts for long. Thoughts of the impending battle. Thoughts about the friends he might lose as a result.Thoughts about Lyn, and just how much he adored her."This is maddening," Robin groaned, running a hand through his hair. His eyes fell on the open book in front of him. "I need to get back to work…"Within a few days, Chrom found himself staring down at hundreds if not thousands of Feroxi citizens. He could see men and women of every class and creed looking up at him from the streets of the capital. The Shepherds were sprinkled throughout the crowd, but Robin was at his right as Flavia stood alongside Basilio in front of them."Citizens of Regna Ferox!" Flavia's voice boomed as she addressed her people. "That mad dastard of a Plegian king has ruled long enough! Will we stand by and allow him to ruin our people's lives for even a second longer?""NO!" came the unified response."Would you lend your swords and shields to our Ylissean allies, that we may usher in a new age of peace for all?""YES!"Flavia smiled. "Then you know what must be done. Everyone, I give you... Prince Chrom of Ylisse!"The crowd roared in anticipation as she stepped away. Basilio placed his hand on Chrom's shoulder, and Robin gave him a thumbs-up. With their encouragement, Chrom approached the balcony and cleared his throat."I cannot thank you enough, people of Regna Ferox," he began. "The kindness you and your leaders have shown my people in these trying times cannot be understated. This war is one that I never wanted to drag any of you into, but you've stood tall in the face of adversity.""With that said," Chrom continued, "we've all endured much to make it here today. We've loved, lost, and learned to rise again from the ashes of defeat. Exalt Emmeryn may have died, but she lives on through each and every one of us."He saw many nods. Chrom looked back and saw the others similarly nodding in agreement. He faced the crowd again and said, "My sister lived for peace and longed for the day when she could give it to Gangrel, but he rejected her at every turn and it ultimately cost her her life. Today, in the name of Ylisse, Regna Ferox, Plegia and all mankind…"He raised his fist in the air. "We take the battle to him!"The crowd erupted in approval as the soldiers lifted their weapons into the air. It pained Chrom to use Emmeryn's memory to rally people for violence, not peace, but Gangrel had made it abundantly clear that peace was never an option. That it was only through violence—through his death—that their people could know peace.The time for parley was long over."Fantastic speech, boy!" Basilio cheered, giving Chrom a rough pat on the back when he walked back to them. "Spoken like a true Feroxi!""Heh… Thanks. I know it's not what Emmeryn would have wanted, but she would have wanted us to defend the innocent, and Gangrel's madness is a threat to them all.""Damn right." Flavia nodded and placed a hand on his branded shoulder. "The trip back to Plegia will be a lot longer with our larger numbers, but we've left plenty of soldiers scattered across both Regna Ferox and Ylisse. If Gangrel even thinks of launching a surprise attack while we're gone, his men'll be sent home in a box!""The caravan should be fully stocked by the end of the day, Commander," Basilio told him. "Just say the word and we'll be on our way to the border!""Commander?" Chrom quirked an eyebrow at him. "What happened to 'boy?'""Don't worry about it, boy. You've more than earned the right.""But you just… Never mind." He shook his head. "I still want to give everyone a little more time to prepare… or to back out. We leave at dawn tomorrow.""Understood, Commander," Flavia said, shooting Basilio a pointed glance. "We'll spread the word at once."The khans left, exchanging sharp words all the while. Chrom smiled after them, as did Robin."That really was an excellent speech, Chrom. One for the books, even!"Chrom chuckled a little. "Oh, stop… You'll make me blush. In all seriousness though, I think I only managed to pull that off because you were up here with me.""Huh?" Robin frowned, thoroughly confused. "But all I did was stand nearby…""And yet doing so still helped me steady my nerves." He grinned. "Thanks, Robin."Robin grinned right back. "Anytime, Commander.""Gods, not you too…"That evening in the Khans' dining hall, several of the Shepherds were still gushing over Chrom's morning speech."Did you see him, Lissa?" Ricken asked, munching on a piece of steak. "He was awesome up there! He didn't even stutter!"Maribelle grimaced. "Ricken, please don't talk and eat at the same time. It's simply unbecoming of one such as yourself!"She closed her eyes as a graceful smile grew on her face. "Still… The way Chrom carried himself was nothing short of gallant. Why, I nearly swooned!"Now it was Ricken's turn to make a face. Lissa smirked as she looked back and forth between them, but Maribelle only raised an eyebrow in perplexion."... What? What did I say?"At another table nearby, many of the older Shepherds were also discussing their prince and leader. When he approached them, their faces lit up one by one."Chrom, that was one hell of a speech," Sully complimented, scooting away from Vaike to let him sit. "I get all fired up just thinking about it! I'm sure my brothers would've felt the same way.""You think I might have overdone it a little?" Chrom asked with a small wince. He sat between them. "I don't want people to be out for blood… I just want to bring the war to an end. The cycle of violence has to stop.""You sound just like your sister," Cordelia mused, staring at him. When he looked back, she flushed and realized what she'd just said. "Ah! I'm sorry, Chrom. I didn't mean to—""Peace, Cordelia. It's fine." He smiled. "Truthfully, those words have made me happier than you realize.""R-really?!"Beside her, Sumia giggled. "Cordy, your face is all red! I can hardly tell it from your hair!"The comment only made Cordelia blush further. Sully, Kellam and Stahl all chucked as Chrom looked on in confusion.Vaike chortled at his right. "But I gotta say, Chrom, Sully's right big time! Even ol' Teach can give credit where credit is due. You knocked 'em dead this morning.""Heh... If you say so. I just hope our combined strength will be enough…""What are we, five-hundred strong? At least?" Stahl grinned. "Heh. I'm not expecting an easy fight—or even a fair one—but I've got a good feeling about this."Kellam nodded with a similarly jovial look. "Our luck's been turning around it seems. The only thing that could make this any better would be if Gaius and Anna came back."Chrom stared down at the table, frowning. The roguish duo had been a great help all around—from getting them disguises to sneaking them inside the castle, locating Emmeryn and even buying them all some time when things went south.For all that had happened since, though… They still had yet to return."Chrom?" Sumia's soft voice brought him back. He saw genuine concern pooling in her deep gray eyes. "Are you alright?""Hmm? Oh, yes." He cleared his throat and looked away from her. "Sorry.""Chrom, if you're worried about 'em, don't be. They'll be fine," Vaike reassured him, grabbing his shoulder. "They've made it through worse, I'm sure of it.""You're probably right. Still... I can't help it, Vaike. We were never all that close, but they did so much for us all the same. Wherever they are, I'll never forget them.""Cheery as always," Sully snarked. "Well, Mr. Leader Man, I'd say we're still riding high from your last speech, but… How 'bout one more for the road?"Chrom cringed. "Do I have to? I nearly stuttered this morning…""Aww, yeah!" Vaike started banging his fists on the table. "Speech! Speech!"His boisterous voice carried across the room, and soon most of the others present began to chant along as well. Chrom shook his head with a tiny grin as he got up from the table. The cheers and applause he received when he stood in the center of the dining hall were nothing short of impressive."Alright, alright…" He cleared his throat; the room fell silent soon after. "Friends, I can't thank you enough for being there for Lissa and me in our time of need…but this is it. Our final battle. While I have the utmost confidence in each and every one of you, Gangrel is not an opponent to be taken lightly. Robin, Lyn and I can attest to that ourselves."Chrom looked to his right where they sat at a table with Lon'qu and Olivia. Robin and Lyn both nodded in earnest at his statement."That's why..." He paused, licking his lips. "If anyone here wants to back out now, you're more than welcome to do so."To his surprise, not one person got up from their table or even raised their hand. Chrom could see the conviction in everyone's eyes—Lyn, Robin, Sumia, Lissa, even young Donnel and Nowi. Not one of them was willing to abandon him even knowing they'd be facing the Mad King himself.His heart swelled with pride."I would follow milord to the ends of the earth and beyond!" Frederick declared."Yeah! We're with you, Big Bro!" Lissa smiled."Hear, hear! I won't rest until we've brought peace back to the land!" Maribelle exclaimed."You have my sword, Chrom," Lyn told him, standing up.Virion echoed her gesture. "And you have my bow, good sir!""And my axe!" Vaike yelled, throwing a fist in the air. "Ol' Gangrene won't know what hit 'im!"Chrom gave a relieved laugh as his friends and allies cheered, clearly intent on seeing things through to the end. There was no telling what the future would hold for them, but one thing was certain. Whatever challenges they would face, they would face them head on.Together.Reinvigorated by Chrom's surprising oratory skills, the Shepherds spent the rest of the evening gearing up for travel and battle. As Chrom drank and ate in the Feroxi dining hall alongside his friends, he felt truly at ease for the first time in weeks. The bright smiles on their faces warmed his heart far more than any fire ever could.Yet, when night fell, he found himself alone on a balcony once more. Tomorrow, hundreds of warriors would march towards Plegia… and when the time came, Chrom would be leading them all into battle. He appreciated their help more than words could express, but the Shepherds had been little more than a volunteer militia not even a year ago. To have an entire army at his back… The thought was harrowing. So many people would fight and even die for him…"You're going to catch a cold if you keep coming out here without a cloak, you know."Chrom hung his head and grinned as he heard a familiar gentle voice behind him. It truly seemed as though when he wasn't looking after Robin, Robin was looking after him."It's not so cold out here, really," he said over his shoulder. "I've almost grown fond of the snowfall… mainly when it's as light as tonight."Robin joined him at the railing overlooking the Feroxi capital. To think that hundreds of people lined the now-empty streets below not even a day prior. Robin didn't especially care for the hustle and bustle of the city during the day, but it made sense—the castle was built where East and West Ferox met, and the colosseum wasn't far away either."So what brings you out here, Robin?""I could ask the same of you! I was just about to, in fact.""Heh…" Chrom's grin vanished, but his eyes kept to the city streets. "Well… I'm not sure. Can't sleep, I guess.""But we leave at dawn tomorrow," he reminded him with a frown. "I suppose you could take a nap during the march, but you'll feel better regardless if you get a good night's rest first.""I know, but… I just can't fall asleep no matter how hard I try. It feels like it's all moving so fast, you know?"Robin chuckled in response. "Oh, I know. One day I wake up in a field, the next I'm the tactician of a militia that's fighting against a whole other kingdom...""I think that might've been the same day, actually." Chrom cracked a smile. "Still… Wouldn't be the first time, right?""Heh… I suppose not, in a sense." Robin closed his eyes, leaning forward on the railing. "I wish I could remember more of my time in Elibe, but even with Lyn's recollection it's all just one big blur to me…""I'm sure you'll get your memories back one day, Robin. And until that day comes and even after, you'll always have a place with Lissa and me back in the capital. You and Lyn both." Chrom draped an arm around his shoulder. "Count on it."Robin couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Chrom."His ears started to heat up as Lyn stayed on his mind. "So… Uh…""Yes?" Chrom leaned back against the railing to face him. "What's on your mind?"He shook his head and avoided eye contact. "Never mind… It's probably not something I should bother you with. Especially now of all times...""Robin, if it's bothering you in some way, I want to help. What is it?""Well, er…" Robin shivered, and he couldn't be sure it was due to the cold. "Do you remember that talk we had in that Plegian village so long ago? You know... the one we saved from the Grimleal?"Chrom thought for a moment. Details of both the location and their chat began to fill his mind, and he grinned softly at the memories. "Yes, I remember. You asked me if love could bloom on a battlefield.""Yeah… that." Robin blushed as he cursed both his flowery wording and Chrom's startlingly good memory. "Honestly I'm starting to wish you forgot about that…""Never mind that now. I also seem to recall the conversation turning to Lyn at some point… Right?" He gave him an expectant glance."It did…" He sighed and stared off into the distance. "Chrom, I… I think I'm in love with her.""Robin, that's great!" Chrom cheered, standing up straight."No, it isn't.""What?" He furrowed his brow. "Why not?""Whenever I'm with her, my chest hurts," Robin explained, "but whenever we're apart… It hurts even more. I know this isn't the time, but… What if she doesn't feel the same way? I want her to be happy, but I also want to be the one to make her happy if that makes sense. She's done so much for me and… and…""Breathe, Robin." Chrom held a hand out. "Breathe."He nodded and took a few deep breaths, calming himself down. "Right. I just… I'm sorry, Chrom. You're probably so stressed out about the coming battle and here I am just being a nuisance.""You're not a nuisance. You're my friend, and I'm glad you came to me about this. I'm no expert on romance—not in the slightest—but I do care about your well-being. If this conversation made you feel even a little better, that's more than enough for me.""Heh. You always know just what to say… Thanks, Chrom." Robin flashed a tiny, fleeting smile. "Still… What do I do now? I want to tell her, but we're weeks away from a battle that'll determine the future of the entire continent. It'd be selfish of me to act on my own feelings without considering my responsibilities, right? And romance is a distraction when it comes to war anyway..."Chrom closed his eyes and reflected on his words. For as much as he wanted to tell him to follow his heart… It was difficult to disagree. He himself had set aside any thoughts of romance for the exact same reasons. They truly were two of a kind."Well," he said at last, "I'm… not sure what to tell you, Robin. When you're right, you're right.""Then it's decided." Robin nodded, his face stern. "Whatever my feelings for her might be… I have to be responsible. I have to see this war through to the end. And hopefully, by the time we've seen peace restored to the land… Maybe then I'll have enough courage to tell Lyn how I feel.""And I'll be with you every step of the way," Chrom said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Er… Just not while you confess, of course.""Heh. Right… You know, I'm feeling better about this whole thing actually. Thanks for listening to me.""Think nothing of it. If you're feeling better, then so am I. I feel better enough to sleep, even!""Really?""Truly," Chrom said with a smile. "I think I'll head in now, actually. Good night, Robin.""Good night, Chrom." He smiled back. "Sleep well."The Ylissean-Feroxi army mobilized at the crack of dawn. Rows upon rows of horses lined the streets of the capital; the wagons they pulled were stocked with as many provisions and weapons as they could carry. The Khans rode in a grand carriage near the front, and Chrom mounted a horse in front of them. He was clad in silver and blue armor; the Fire Emblem shone as it sat on his left shoulder.As Lyn climbed into her own saddle and held the reins, a nostalgic rush of adrenaline filled her body. She'd invited Robin to ride along with her at dinner last night, but he politely declined since he wanted to give himself more time to devise some strategies.Oh well... There'll be plenty of time for that after we win.When everyone else was ready, Chrom lifted Falchion into the air, his horse rearing up with a mighty neigh."Everyone... Together, we ride!"In the weeks it took Chrom and his allies to reach the border, Gangrel continued to march northwest of the Plegian capital. The Mad King was hellbent on hunting them down like dogs. His fiery red hair had grown wild and unkempt, the tips now falling below his shoulders. Gone was the odd outfit he'd worn so often as king. In its place was a suit of black and gold armor; sturdy enough to take a hit, but light enough to fit his fighting style. A brown hood shielded his face from the sands, and the stolen Grimleal sword—Darksaber, as he called it—was slung over his shoulder.In its hilt, the Darksphere slept soundly.Gangrel wanted nothing more than to skin Chrom and his friends alive one at a time, but when he found himself standing atop a familiar hill, he stopped in his tracks and stared at the barren plains below. Once a thriving community of humble little villages, the area was now devoid of any and all life. Any semblance of human settlement had long been reclaimed by the desert.Gangrel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "The Border Wastes. It's been far too long.""Have you been here before, Your Majesty?"He looked behind him. Campari and some of his soldiers stood below at the foot of the hill. The rest of the army trailed behind them save for the wyverns that flew overhead. Gangrel turned his attention back to the land."Campari, do you remember what this place was like twenty years ago?""Uh…" The old general scratched his chin. "... Sandy?""It was a myriad of villages," he explained, "populated by merchants, farmers and peasants. And among those villages was Tenda; a town so seemingly irrelevant that it didn't even have a place on the Plegian map.""That village," Gangrel went on, "was one of many that fell during the Crusade, and that bastard Chronos was the one leading the assaults. All of them. I saw him here with my own eyes when it happened…"Campari's jaw dropped. Some of his men looked at each other in shock."You… You were…?!""That's right." Gangrel was largely talking to himself now. He threw his head back, grinning from ear to ear. "But it doesn't matter anymore! My neighbors, my friends, my family… Gone. Reduced to ashes in the wind, and for what? The mere suspicion that they were aligned with those Grimleal dogs?! The insanity; the sheer insanity of it all!"He calmed down, if only a little. "Their deaths were senseless, and for the longest time they went unavenged and forgotten… But not anymore."Gangrel chuckled, red irises glimmering with hope and fury. "No… Soon the dead shall have their due. I will have my revenge. They will have their revenge. Chronos's brat and his ragtag band of idiots will meet us soon enough, and that accursed bloodline will end with their brutal demise! Valiant Chrom, and sweet little baby Lissa..."His irises shrank to an inhuman degree."I will take those heads from their shoulders... and hang them from the gates of Paralcya!" he screeched at the sky. "Never again will an Ylissean royal taint my beautiful world! One world, one people! One world, one people! Eeyahahahahaha!"As he continued to rant and rave, a lone soldier in roguish brown clothes and a hood stared at him from within enemy ranks."Just you wait, Gangrel… Just you wait."While the combined might of the Shepherds and Feroxi army ensured that no harm would befall them before reaching Gangrel's army, their numbers slowed their travel time a considerable amount. Three whole weeks would pass before they crossed the border into Plegia. Once they had, Sumia and Cordelia had flown ahead and reported that there were numerous military camps near the west coast; undoubtedly Gangrel's men.At the rate they were going, the two armies could have clashed in a matter of hours… but the sun was already approaching its descent, and fighting in the dark seemed foolish at best. And so Chrom resolved that they would set up camp for the night, arm themselves for battle early in the morning and meet their foes head on.Robin had already taken the liberty of devising a plan during the trip. The army's cavaliers would lead everyone else into battle, followed soon afterwards by their armored and infantry fighters. Chrom would fight on foot, as would both khans, and the army's few fliers would assist in dealing with their airborne counterparts to the best of their ability. The army's main objective was dealing with Gangrel, but his soldiers would be given the chance to formally surrender first.If they didn't… They had to die.While Robin continued to draft contingency plans on his own, the others entertained themselves with stories and promises of rest and relaxation after tomorrow's battle. Lyn had largely been content to listen, but she noticed Sumia go off on her own after a while. There weren't any enemies in the area, but she decided to follow her just to be on the safe side.Reaching a sandy clearing in the desert, Lyn spotted her sitting on a large rock. She hadn't expected Sumia to go there to admire a daisy. She especially hadn't expected her to start plucking its petals away one at a time."Sumia?"She gasped, her long curls flying as she whirled around. "Lyn, don't scare me like that!"Lyn winced. "I'm sorry… I just saw you wandering off and got worried.""It's fine. I'm just… nervous, I suppose." Sumia sighed, turning her attention back to the partially petaled flower in her hand. "I know I shouldn't be since we have so many strong fighters with us, but… Seeing all those enemy soldiers down there, well..."Lyn took a seat next to her on the rock. "I understand. I felt like that when my friends and I had to fight a sorcerer named Nergal. I was even more nervous when we fought my granduncle long before then.""You fought your granduncle?!""He left me no choice." Her face darkened. Hatred blazed in her eyes as she remembered the first family member she'd met since losing her parents. "If I didn't stop him, he would have kept poisoning my grandfather until he died. Lundgren was a monster... and I'm glad he's dead.""Oh… I see," Sumia mumbled, fiddling with the daisy. "Um… Sorry.""It's not your fault, Sumia," she told her, calming down. "I guess what I really wanted to say is that it's normal to be nervous when so much hinges on your victory."Lyn's gaze fixated on the item in her hands. "Still… What's with the daisy?""Oh, this? I do flower fortunes sometimes." Sumia's eyes lit up. "My senior pegasus knights all thought it was silly, but… I dunno. It just makes me feel better when I get the answer I'm looking for... especially if it comes true. Right now, all I want is for all of us to make it out in one piece.""... I want that too."It was a lot to ask for from such a big battle—too much, perhaps—but they could hope."What about you, Lyn? Is there anything else you want to come true?""Well, I have no doubt we'll come out on top tomorrow, but…"Her mind instinctively drifted back to Robin. The two had been through so much, but she still had yet to tell him the depth of her emotions and it was growing unbearable—like an itch she desperately needed to scratch. They had always been friends, but… Wasn't there something more between them? Didn't he feel it too? Was it just wishful thinking on her part?One glance at her face told Sumia all she needed to know. She blushed a bit. "Ehehe… I think I get it. It's about someone you like, isn't it?"Lyn turned her head away, but she couldn't deny how she felt."Hehe… Well, I have a pretty good idea who that could be, but I won't pry." Sumia tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Truthfully, there's someone like that in my life too, but… Well, now's just not the time. We're all so busy, and him most of all...""Who… Oh. Oh! I understand," Lyn said, nodding. She blinked in surprise when Sumia presented her with a fully-petaled daisy. "Hmm? What's this for?""For a flower fortune, silly!" She glanced at it expectantly. "You just pluck the petals off one at a time and see if your wish comes true!""Sumia, I'm not sure if…"Lyn paused when she saw the giddy, childlike expression on her face start to fade. Something about Sumia reminded her of Florina in that brief moment, and she felt a wave of remorse wash over her. The concept of flower fortunes was new to her—Sacaeans typically used flowers for things like medicine or ceremonies—but the flower had already been picked, and there was no sense in letting it die without fulfilling some purpose in life..."Well, okay." Lyn took it from her with a smile. "Thank you, Sumia. That's very thoughtful of you.""You're welcome!" She beamed. "I'll just leave you to it then.""Er… Okay…"Sumia returned to camp, humming softly. Lyn didn't understand why she thought a flower fortune of all things needed the utmost privacy, but maybe it was for the best. Now that she was alone, she could close her eyes and concentrate on what she wanted most of all. She wanted them to be victorious tomorrow, but that was a given—everyone wanted that, and it was almost certain as long as they worked together.Lyn felt the stem in her fingertips. The soft white petals reminded her of Robin's hair. Even the smell was subtle and pleasant… just like him. Even now, even with all they'd gone through in Elibe and everything else since… She still had her doubts about his feelings.She brought her index finger and thumb to one of the petals before plucking it off."He loves me."She plucked away another with a small frown."He loves me not…"Lyn continued the flower fortune, alternating back and forth between the two possible outcomes, before being left with one last petal."... He loves me."A brilliant smile spread across her face. Of course the flower itself had no power, but Sumia was right; the fortune predicting the outcome that she wanted did give her a boost of confidence. In her joy and haste, Lyn hopped off of the rock and rushed back to camp.When she found Robin's tent, she burst into it in a fit of excitement. Lyn froze in her tracks when she saw that he was passed out over his desk, snoring quietly. Numerous papers and chess pieces littered the tent, but a single candle on the table kept the entire place illuminated.
That's so unsafe… He should know better than that.
Lyn crept over and blew the candle out, but not before admiring the serene expression on his face. She adored his charming little nose and innocent boyish smile as he snoozed. Whoever his parents were would surely be proud of the man he'd become."Heh. Good night, Robin…"Lyn left the tent without another word. In hindsight, him being asleep was a blessing. She wanted nothing more than to finally confess, but… Then and there? While their final battle was on the horizon? What had she been thinking?"I'll tell him tomorrow after we win," she resolved under her breath, "and not a moment sooner. This is about the future of Ylisse… of everyone. I have to stay focused."When Lyn reached the tent she shared with some of the other female soldiers, she took the time to go over her inventory one last time. She packed several vulneraries for her and her companions, and both of her sacred blades rested by her cot. The Mani Katti that had chosen her soon after she met Robin… and the Sol Katti, given to her by the almighty archmage Athos. Last but not least was the silver bow Robin had bought for her; a quiver full of arrows sat by its side."Oh, Mother Earth and Father Sky…" She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. "Please grant us the strength to bring this war to an end..."Hoping they heard her prayers, Lyn soon fell asleep with two things on her mind.Victory… and Robin.In the early hours of the morning, they made their move. The army packed up and armed themselves for battle before marching towards the coast as one. The size of their ranks gave their position away; Gangrel's wyvern riders were quick to spot them from above their camps."Lord Gangrel!" one called out to him, landing in the middle of camp. "It's the Ylisseans… They're here.""Wait a minute..." A nearby soldier quickly put two and two together, panicking. "The Ylisseans don't have those kinds of numbers on their own… Exalt Emmeryn disbanded their army years ago! They march alongside the whole Feroxi army!""It's true," a second wyvern rider stated. "I'd wager we have another hour or so at best before they arrive."Gangrel didn't even bat an eye at the news. He sat cross-legged on the ground, smiling as he admired the wicked sword in his hands. The blade was dark as night, its pommel black with gold accents just like his armor. Even the six eye-shaped holes in the center couldn't detract from its beauty, nor could the presence of the Darksphere in the hilt."... Rally the others," he said at last. "It's time.""... And so it comes to this," Gangrel addressed his men. "Our final battle. Some of you may die, yes, but it is a sacrifice… I am willing to make. It is one we must all be willing to make! For the future! For the glory of Plegia!"Most of his soldiers cheered and applauded, but some were more reluctant than others."Air Commander Vasto! I leave you in charge of our aerial forces," he declared, pointing to his left. When Vasto nodded, Gangrel pointed to his right and said, "General Campari, you will lead our ground forces into battle. I'll be one step ahead of you the entire time!"Finally, he looked over at the white-haired mage in their ranks. "And you… Harry, or whatever.""Yessir?"Gangrel grinned. "Kill as many of those subhuman cretins as possible.""Sure thing! Nya ha ha!"The two armies stood far across from each other. They converged on dry desert plains, but to the west of the battlefield were sandy shores and rocky bluffs overlooking the ocean. An island loomed in the distance, crows swarming overhead.Chrom squinted as he scrutinized the enemy from afar. Even from a distance, he could easily spot Gangrel amongst the Plegian army. His hair was longer, and he was clad in black armor, but the oddest thing of all was how he moved. He meandered around like a puppet on strings, his entire body limp."He's wrong," Chrom muttered, shaking his head with silent rage. "Everything about him is wrong...""I've been waiting for this day," Sully grumbled, fist in hand. "Every bandit raid… Every skirmish… It's all been leading up to this. I can't wait to gut 'im like a fish!""Don't get careless, Sully," Frederick warned her. "We cannot underestimate him. Not ever again.""Right…" She calmed down a little and turned towards their tactician on her left. "What's our game plan, Robin?"By now, the Khans and Shepherds had all gathered close enough to hear him. Many Feroxi soldiers stared at him with interest on the outskirts of the group. All eyes were on him now; while he hated being the center of attention, he had to put his feelings aside and do his job."We split our main force in three." His voice took on a more serious tone that Lyn had heard many times back home. "Both Khans lead one side of the army, and Chrom leads the centermost troops. Our most mobile soldiers should take point—cavaliers, fliers and anyone else who can reach the enemy fastest."Sully and Stahl nodded, as did Panne. Sumia and Cordelia understood as well, and Nowi gave a cheerful thumbs-up as she stood in a brown cloak."Sounds easy enough," Vaike said, shrugging. "What about the rest of us?""We send in our armored and infantry fighters next," Robin explained. "Archers, mages and anyone else who struggles in close combat should keep to the rear. Noncombatant healers should avoid enemy confrontation altogether.""What are we gonna do 'bout those wicked wyverns of theirs?" Donnel asked. He wore light armor befitting a mercenary, but a spear stood upright next to him. "Those things are somethin' else!"Robin opened his mouth, but Tharja beat him to it. Black robes and a hood shielded her from the sun. "Magic and arrows. Their repulsive scaly hides are notoriously weak against both."Frederick raised an eyebrow. "... And what of Gangrel himself?""He's mine," Chrom told him. "If anyone else reaches him before I do, though… Be careful. Keep your wits about you. Do not underestimate what that man is capable of.""... Duly noted," Robin said. "If no one else has any questions… Then I guess this is it. Good luck out there, everyone.""Pfft!" Sully chortled. "Is that your idea of a pep talk, Robin? You can do better than that!""Um… Go team?"She rolled her eyes. Many of the others chuckled at the scene, and Robin gave a sheepish grin in response. Lyn's soft laughter in particular made his face redden, but he felt oddly at ease when she placed her gloved hand on his shoulder."Let's win this for everyone here and back home, okay?" She smiled."R-right!""I have faith in you, Robin," Chrom told him, placing a hand on his other shoulder. He looked over at the others. "I have faith in all of us… So let's do this! Together!"The skies above were blue and cloudless as the two armies stared each other down from a considerable distance. Anxious for battle and growing weary of the dry heat, many soldiers on both sides shuffled in place. Their leaders stepped forward to address each other."My, my! Back for vengeance so soon, boy?" Gangrel taunted from across the battlefield. "Not soon enough methinks. I've been growing ever so bored waiting for you and your little lapdogs.""Not vengeance, Gangrel—justice," Chrom answered. "Justice for all the lives you've claimed and damage you've caused our nations!""There is no justice! Not in this or any world! But enough talk… If you would stand against me even now, you're as good as dead!""You know, it's not too late to surrender!" Basilio hollered at the Plegian army. A double-bladed axe was slung over his shoulder. "Just throwin' that out there!""Defect and you die on the spot!" Gangrel snarled, facing his soldiers.Not one of his men moved."... Fine. Then it looks like there's nothing more to be said." Chrom lifted Falchion and pointed it forward. "Everyone… Let's win this for Emmeryn! For humanity!"The army charged forward with a unified cry, the Shepherds and Feroxi warriors sprinting alongside each other in accordance with Robin's plan. Gangrel didn't even bat an eye as he spotted both Khans among their ranks."Our orders, Your Majesty?" a soldier at his side asked."... Kill them." He stared at the ground, flashing a manic smile. "Kill them all.""Milord—""KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM! KILL THEM AAAAAAAALL!"Vasto whistled and led his wyverns into the sky in a V-formation. A heavily-armored Campari gave the order for their archers to line up and take aim. Henry chuckled to himself and as his hand crackled with electricity.The final fight was on.After several Feroxi fighters were struck by a rain of arrows, numerous soldiers clashed in the middle of the battlefield. Gangrel was among the first to arrive. When a cavalier lunged at him with his lance drawn, he darted off to the side and stabbed his mount. The horse collapsed on its side, pinning its rider by his leg. Gangrel held his sword in a reverse-grip before bringing it down though his chest.Seeing this, a nearby barbarian roared and swung an axe at him. Gangrel rolled aside before running him through. His grin grew as he saw the blood exiting his body, but it wasn't enough to sate him. His sword emerging from the warrior's back, he sent a searing blast of dark magic through him and into a cluster of soldiers."Yes, that's it... Bleed for me! Ahahaha!""Gangrel!"As he tossed the corpse aside, he heard galloping behind him. Gangrel turned and saw a red-clad cavalier charging at him, a determined scowl on her face."For Emmeryn!" Sully cried. "For my brothers!"She leapt off of her horse with her spear clutched in both hands, the blade aimed right at Gangrel's head. He stood with his chest puffed out, and the blade bounced right off his face without leaving so much as a scratch.Sully's eyes widened in disbelief. "What the hell?!"As she landed on her feet, Gangrel tutted and shook his head. "Is this truly the best Ylisse has to offer? Lamentable!""Damn you... " Sully grit her teeth as she hopped back on her horse. "I'll send you straight to Hell, Gangrel!""Keep the throne warm for me, princess!"She roared and charged at him once again, but he didn't enter a defensive stance; he didn't even flinch. Gangrel only cackled as each of Sully's attacks bounced off of him. Stahl and Panne flanked and lunged at him, but their attacks too did nothing."Eeyahahaha! How quaint! I love seeing subhumans band together only to fail!" He held his blade in both hands, sizing up Panne with shifty eyes. "This one will make a most fetching rug…"Panne snarled in response, but Gangrel could have sworn he saw her tremble for a moment. "Yes, that's it… Give me more! Your fear nourishes me!"On his left, Vaike ran at him with a silver axe in his hands. "Fear this, you son of a bitch!"He brought the axe down. Gangrel darted backwards before jumping onto the handle and backflipping off of it, kicking him in the chin. Vaike staggered, and it wasn't long before Gangrel slashed him across the chest with his sword. The Mad King reveled in the pain scrawled across his tanned face."Vaike, you're hurt! Fall back!" Stahl yelled."Heh… What, this?" He winced as his hand flew over his bleeding cut, but he shook his head. "This ain't nothin'... I've had worse from an alley cat!""Loudmouthed fool," Gangrel snarled, bouncing back and forth. "You'll die first!""Gangrel!"The timely arrival of Frederick stopped Vaike from being skewered. As his lance blocked the oncoming attack, Chrom leapt from the saddle with Falchion in both hands. Gangrel cartwheeled out of the way. Standing, he beckoned the prince forward as Vaike and the others reluctantly withdrew. More Feroxi soldiers moved to take their place.Gangrel grinned from ear to ear as he blocked Chrom's swings with ease. "Yes, that's it! Give in to your hatred, boy! It'll make it all the more satisfying to watch the light leave your eyes…""Rrgh… Damn you!"Gangrel wasn't even fighting back at this point; he only dodged or deflected the blows. He was treating it all like a game, mocking him whenever possible. At one point he even blocked an attack with his back turned.Finally, he whirled around and clashed his blade against Falchion. Chrom glared and defiantly pushed back with all his might, but Gangrel kept his footing. When one of his archers saw an opening and tried to shoot Chrom, Frederick was quick to impale him."You will know the pain and suffering you caused my sister… and our kingdoms!""Don't try it, Princey!" Gangrel warned as if scolding a child. He kicked Chrom in the stomach before leaping and striking him with both feet. While he fell to the ground, Gangrel did a backflip and landed on his feet with a cat-like grin."Give it up, boy," he taunted. "You can't win against Gangrel. You can't even scratch me!"Chrom got right back up and charged at him anyway with a yell, the Fire Emblem still resting on his shoulder. Gangrel blocked the first few swings, but he cried out when Chrom broke through his defense and delivered a harsh slash to his face. He stumbled backwards and held his cheek.When he withdrew it, blackish-red fluid coated his palm."No…" Gangrel frantically examined his sword. His gaze landed on the sphere in the hilt. "No! That can't be right! I'm supposed to be invincible!""What the hell are you talking about?!" Chrom barked. He failed to notice the glowing light coming from the Fire Emblem's lone orb.Gangrel's eyes found their way back to him. Then he chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, no, no, no… Hell no. I'm not going out like this. Not in some godforsaken field!"He turned tail, running back into the crowd of Plegian soldiers at his disposal. Chrom nearly chased after him, but he stopped himself as he remembered his little stunt in the Midmire. Even with the silver armor protecting his body, it would almost certainly mean death without the others backing him up."Captain!" a voice cried from above. Chrom glanced up to see Sumia looking no worse for wear. "Need a lift?""Is it safe for you?""Safe enough!" She lowered Belfire to the ground and offered Chrom a hand. "Where are we going?""Wherever Gangrel is." He took her hand and climbed into the saddle behind her. "We shouldn't have too much trouble tailing him from the air… Thank you, Sumia.""Don't mention it. Let's go!"Near a series of dunes on the eastern side of the battlefield, Lyn grappled with a few enemies of her own. The Mani Katti proved useful in cutting down a couple of Plegian cavaliers. She hated having to strike down horses, but it was inevitable when the enemy fielded them in a life-or-death situation. She'd learned this as far back as fighting Lundgren.On Lyn's left, Lon'qu cut down a couple of mages as Olivia encouraged him with her dances. On her right, Virion and several Feroxi archers filled a wyvern with arrows. Right in front of her, a Plegian myrmidon charged Lyn with his sword in hand. She crouched, her hand on Sol Katti's hilt as she focused, before rushing past and slicing him through the side. The myrmidon collapsed a few seconds afterwards."Sloppy," Lyn criticized. She rid the blade of his blood with a single stroke.She glanced all around her. The nearby Feroxi soldiers and Shepherds were doing a good job keeping their frailer members safe while also fighting the enemy. Far ahead of her, Flavia was approaching an armored general with her troops.Lyn moved to join her before a trio of sword fighters blocked her path. Two of them wore leather mercenary attire, but the man in the center wore segmented red and gray armor made of metal. His left arm was covered by a bulky shield, and he carried a silver sword in his right hand."For king and country… Have at you!"The first two mercenaries went down in seconds. Their leader, on the other hand, proved a formidable foe. She darted all around him, but even the Sol Katti had difficulty cutting through his reinforced shield. When he threw his sword in the air and caught it in a somersault, Lyn knew better than to take it head on; with her allies occupied, she had to fight smart and dirty. She sidestepped the attack, immediately following up with a swipe to his face. Then she slashed at him several more times before finishing him with a final slice to the throat.He hit the sand with a gurgle. Lyn wiped the blood from her face before looking ahead at the numerous enemy soldiers on the horizon. Sheathing her swords, she grabbed her bow from her shoulder and nocked an arrow, intent on picking off as many soldiers from afar as possible.
Mother, Father… Guide my bow!
On the western side of the battlefield, desert terrain gave way to sandy plains that stretched to rocky shores and cliffs near the ocean. Far from the water, Tharja assaulted enemy Plegians left and right with her magic. Though she'd never admit it, she was happy Chrom had secured enough soldiers to provide adequate backup. Basilio and Gregor charged ahead into a group of enemies, cutting them down with their backs to each other. Nearby, Kellam blocked an oncoming hit from an axeman before bashing him with his shield. Even little Nowi seemed to be having the time of her life as she shot wyvern riders from the sky with her dragonbreath.Yet, in spite of all of that, one of them still managed to approach Tharja."Well, well, well! If it ain't the countess's runaway daughter," Vasto greeted, winked at her from above."I know you." The venom in her voice was clear as day. She was already clutching the Elthunder tome in her cloak. "You're the treasonous pig who murdered a fellow general after he was already spared.""Like you're one to talk about loyalty! Joining up with the enemy after all they've done to our people… Tsk tsk, girly. Tsk tsk.""If you want to die so badly, get on with it. I didn't wake up early this morning to converse with idiots."Several Plegian soldiers were now fighting Feroxi closer to her, but Vasto held a hand out to the wyvern riders behind him. "You know, there's quite a bounty on your head right about now. I've half a mind to hand you over to Mother Dearest myself and collect that sweet, sweet reward...""Still," he continued, "I could be persuaded to let you off the hook if you were to reward me instead...""Ugh! You're as loathsome as they come." Tharja's face scrunched up. She drew her tome from her cloak. "Now shut up and hold still; I'll be doing the world a service.""Pfft," Vasto scoffed. "Your loss, lady. Just don't cry when I chop you to bits; I'm only doin' my job here, after all!"He pointed his axe at her with a deranged, toothy smirk."It's nothing personal… bitch!"One of his wyverns rushed Tharja on her left. It received a face full of lightning for its troubles; both beast and rider came crashing to the earth beside her in a smoking heap. She had no trouble shooting the second one down, but Vasto circled around her as she did. His axe thirsting for blood, he lunged at her."Tharja, look out!"She whirled around just to see a blade of wind magic strike Vasto's wyvern in the side. Tharja looked over to her right where Robin stood with an Elwind tome in his hand, his other arm outstretched."Of all the filthy no good…"Vasto perked up once he spotted Robin glaring at him. "Heeey, I know you! You're the goody-two-shoes who convinced Chrom to spare me! I should be thanking you for such generous hospitality!""You won't be in a minute."Robin sent another spell at him, but his wyvern flew out of the way this time."Woah, woah! Why so serious?" Vasto smirked. "Oh, wait, I think I get it. It's the weight of all the people who are now dead thanks to you dragging you down, isn't it?"While he talked, several ground soldiers advanced on their position. Cordelia took notice from the skies and, when a few drew too close for comfort, she swooped down from above and stabbed one of them. Robin and Tharja took down the rest with their spells."C'mon, Robin! Where's your sense of mercy?" Vasto taunted, indifferent to his fellow soldiers' deaths. "Ain'cha gonna take them prisoner?"When he got no response, he growled and swooped down towards him. Robin was quick to roll out of his path. As Vasto's wyvern turned, however, Tharja wasn't so lucky. Its tail hit her right in the stomach and sent her flying a fair distance before she hit the ground."Gah!""Tharja!" Robin cried. He rushed over and helped her to her feet. Once she assured him she was fine, he drew his Levin Sword and faced Vasto once more. "No more games, Vasto. If you surrender, I'll end it quickly.""Pfft! Like I'd really forfeit my life to the likes of you!"His wyvern let out a low, pained growl. Vasto frowned and rubbed her head. "Tch… As much fun as it's been, I got places to be. But don't worry… I've still got more friends to keep you both company!"Vasto flew away, but not before Robin nicked his mount's wing with a well-aimed lightning bolt. The Plegian ground forces were rolling in, clashing with the Feroxi soldiers ahead of them. Far to his right, Robin spotted Gangrel running towards a series of rocky cliffs to the west. Chrom and Sumia tailed him from above on her pegasus. They struck down any wyvern foolish enough to get in their way.A pit formed in Robin's stomach as he watched them fly. Tharja briefly followed his gaze before glancing back at him. "Are you alright?""... Tharja," he said without looking at her. "Will you and the others here be alright without me?""Don't tell me you're planning on following them by yourself… Gangrel's a lunatic! Now more than ever it seems.""Whatever happens next, I at least want to know I did all that I could for Chrom.""But…" Tharja gave a slow, reluctant nod after a few seconds. "I understand.""Thank you." Robin flashed a smile that made her heart melt. "If something goes wrong, I'll cast a fireball into the air as a signal. I'll be back once I'm sure he doesn't need me anymore; hold your position until then!"With that, he ran off in pursuit of Gangrel and Chrom. Tharja watched him leave with a small lovestruck grin before turning to the approaching enemy forces with a snarl."What are you louts leering at?!" Her Elthunder tome was already open. "Come on then… Your eyes will be the first to go!""Hey, hey, hey!" an irritatingly familiar voice called. "Don't start the party without me!"Tharja could only groan as a younger mage in a sweater approached her. "Gods no, not you. Anyone but you…""Tharja, hey!" Henry greeted, oblivious to the confused expressions of the soldiers behind him. "I thought I might find you all the way out here. Your parents must be worried sick!""I don't care," she told him with a scowl, "and before you ask, I'm not going back. Ever.""Whaaaat? You can't be serious! What about—""What about you?" Tharja fired back. "After everything he's said and done, why are you still that madman's rabid lapdog? I can't believe that someone with your level of talent is throwing it all away on a lost cause!""Aww, you really think I'm talented? That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me! Still…"Henry's grin persisted even as he took on a stance resembling a praying mantis. Several other mages and soldiers behind him brandished their weapons. "I've always wondered which of us would win in a duel... Whaddya say?"Tharja, now flanked by several Feroxi soldiers herself, readied herself with a look of disdain. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Who knows… Maybe a few jolts to the brain will do you some good after all.""Hee hee, yay! Let's dance!"Tharja sent a bolt of lightning in his direction. He disappeared in the blink of an eye; the attack hit an enemy soldier behind where he once stood.
What?!
Within seconds, Henry reappeared behind her and hit her with a tiny orb of magic before vanishing again. The attack only made her stumble a bit, but the mere suspicion that Henry had deliberately used such a weak spell against her was enough to infuriate Tharja. When he rematerialized in front of her, she dropped her tome and assaulted him with lightning from her fingertips."Yeowch, hey! That tickles!"Tharja stopped and placed her hands together, forming a dark purple orb between her fingers. When she cast it at Henry, he held both hands in front of him and let loose a powerful stream of fire. The heat licked at Tharja's face, but her spell powered through the flames and struck him square in the chest."Gah…" He still smiled even as he held a hand to his sternum. A trickle of blood escaped his lips; one he was all too quick to taste. "Heh… Not bad!""Damnit, Henry! This is pointless and you know it! Don't you even care that Vasto's lying to you?""What? He would never! He's my friend!""Do friends kill their friend's other companion and pin the blame on someone else?!" she snapped. "Do they?!""What?!""He killed Mustafa, Henry," she told him. Blazing anger had become icy fury in seconds. "Chrom and Robin spared the man out of kindness… and Vasto killed him. I saw it from afar with my own two eyes.""I… N-no! You're lying!" Henry let out a nervous laugh. "He… He'd never do that! We were friends, all of us!""She speaks the truth!"As the other soldiers fought around them, Henry glanced to his right. Panne slowly approached them in her taguel form. "Tharja speaks the truth, Henry. Mustafa died at Vasto's hands, not Chrom's. If you hold any love for the old general, then face his true killer!"Henry paused. Both Tharja and Panne stood before him ready to attack, but… they didn't. He looked further to his right and saw Vasto in the air again. He was fighting a manakete of all things, cackling all the while. This whole time, the Air Commander had insisted that the Ylisseans were to blame for Mustafa's death. But… Were they right? Had he really lied to them all? Lied to him?He stared at his right hand. It trembled as a dark mist swirled around his fingertips. The same thing happened to his left hand. Before either Tharja or Panne could even move, Henry thrust both hands into the air and sent a volley of purple spikes flying into the sky. Nowi saw and flew out of the way, but Vasto had been so caught up in dealing with his airborne foes that he didn't even notice until it was too late. The spikes filled his wyvern's body from below; some of them even tore through its wings. The beast shrieked and bled as it spiraled out of control towards the ground."Henry?!" Tharja cried. She watched in shock as Vasto's wyvern hit the ground, a large dust cloud rising from the impact.Henry said nothing. He warped away, reappearing closer to where they'd crashed. Tharja and Panne shared a wary glance before they decided to follow him.Separated from his fliers, Vasto groaned and coughed as he pulled himself to his feet. His eyes widened when he saw his wyvern bleeding out on the sands in front of him."No, no, no, no, no," he muttered, kneeling by her side. "Damnit! Don't you die on me, Bruta… Not here!"His wyvern let out a final low whimper before she shut her eyes and stopped moving. Vasto stared at his dead partner in disbelief. When Henry warped in front of them with a smile on his face, he grew enraged."So that's it, huh?!" He sprang to his feet. "You're a filthy traitor too?! No one else in this whole damned army knows magic like that!""Did you kill him, Vasto?""What the hell are you talkin' about?""Did. You. Kill. Mustafa?""... And what if I did?" Vasto grabbed his axe from his wyvern's side. "He was weak, kid. A poison. A softhearted guy like that has no business in the army, let alone as a general. I did us all a favor.""He had a family!" The corner of Henry's mouth twitched as his smile grew. "If they can't avenge him… then I guess I have to."Vasto chuckled before charging at him with a yell. Henry didn't even move from his spot as he stunned him with a blast of lightning from his fingers."Ack! D-damnit…!"The magic coursed through Vasto's body. He dropped his weapon, but the electric assault continued as Henry drew closer, grinning all the while. He stopped after a few more seconds, and Vasto coughed up some blood as he fell to one knee."What's wrong, Vasto? You look positively shocked.""You stupid bastard," he spat, more blood coming out. "Jokes? Now?!"A final bolt struck him in the stomach, keeping him down for good. Vasto groaned and writhed as he clutched his wound in agony. It wasn't long before Henry stood over him, shadowing him from the sun."Hey, that looks like that hurt. Do you think Mustafa felt like that when you killed him?"The crackling in Henry's hands stopped, and he knelt down to better see Vasto. "Oh, hey! I just thought of another joke. What do you get when you betray your friends, kill an innocent man and leave his family heartbroken?"Vasto rasped and wheezed as his face paled. "... What?"His blood ran cold when he saw a serrated dagger in Henry's hand."One hell of a sore throat."Without another word, Henry plunged the knife right into his neck. He pulled it out only to bring it back down again.And again.And again."Nyahahaha!" Henry cackled, egged on by the warm blood hitting his face. "Ahahahahaha! Die, die, die!"Nearby soldiers on both sides of the conflict stopped and stared at the scene in shock and horror. Henry dragged the knife across Vasto's neck one last time, and his struggles came to an end as he gurgled and choked on his own blood. Henry sat up, wiping some of the blood and sweat from his forehead.Behind them, Panne looked away from the grisly sight. Tharja, meanwhile, could only stare and clutch her tome with tense hands. It was no secret that Henry enjoyed killing people with magic, but she'd never even seen him hold a physical weapon before, much less use one… and certainly not like that. Large gray eyes darted between the bloodied knife in Henry's hand and what was once the former Air Commander."... Had enough?" She tried to sound as deadpan as possible.Henry turned to her with his arms outstretched, almost as if asking for a hug."Tharja… Please come home. Please.""You know why I can't do that, Henry." She sighed. "Look, if you stop fighting us, I can convince Chrom and the others to give you a chance. It may not work, but they're not the kind to cut down a surrendering enemy. Believe me."He shook his head with a humorless chuckle. "No… No. Not after everything I've done. Oh, well. See ya later, Tharja!""Wait, you idiot—!"Tharja ran at him, but his entire body was enveloped in a giant cloud of smoke. She dispeled it with a gust of wind magic only to see a murder of crows flying off towards the island to the west."Ugh… What a nuisance.""I doubt we have seen the last of him," Panne said, walking towards her on all fours. "Even so, the day is not yet ours. We must press on.""Indeed..."Tharja looked south of their position. Many of the Plegian soldiers who'd witnessed Henry's actions were now moving back behind enemy lines, some of them running for their lives. What wyverns remained would surely suffer without Vasto's leadership.With tome in hand and Panne at her side, Tharja resolved to finish what Henry started.Having caught up to her, Lyn fought back-to-back with Flavia against the Plegian army. The two women cut down anyone who dared to challenge them. Further ahead of them, several Feroxi soldiers found themselves being speared, crushed or otherwise swatted aside by a single hulking figure.When Lyn's eyes landed on him, she gasped. He was encased in bulky red armor similar to that of generals she'd fought back home. His head was covered by a cylindrical helmet, massive pauldrons protected his shoulders, and his weapon of choice—a silver lance on a chain—was lodged in one of many Feroxi warriors at his armored feet."Today," he declared, withdrawing his weapon, "you face General Campari! The Indestructible Wall of Plegia! Now come forth... and break your weapons against me!""That title supposed to mean something, old man? I've never heard of you before in my life!" Flavia yelled. She stepped in front of Lyn and brandished a giant war hammer in both hands. "I can take it from here, Lyn. Just sit back and watch while I pound that helmet of his flat!"Before Lyn could open her mouth to argue, Flavia charged ahead anyway. When Campari hurled his spear at her, she leapt right over it. She brought the hammer down onto his helmet and continued to slam it into the general's armor over and over again, swinging it with reckless abandon.While Flavia attacked him from the front, Lyn took the opportunity to sneak around and slash at him with all her might. Her blades left a few scratches and dents here and there, but Campari turned and batted her away with his own weapon."Lyn!"She hit the dirt with a grunt, rolling. One of Flavia's remaining troops helped her to her feet, but Campari had enough of Flavia herself and slammed the blunt end of his lance into the side of her head."Flavia!" Lyn yelled. The East Khan tried to push herself to her feet, but ultimately fell unconscious. Seeing this made Lyn charge at Campari with a sword in either hand, consequences be damned. "Hiaaaaa!"Campari defensively held his lance with both hands and took the blows. Lon'qu, Virion and some of the others approached him from behind. When he shoved Lyn back with his weapon, he took the time to grab her and throw her at them."Mon dieux!" Virion cried as he and Olivia helped Lyn to her feet. "Are you alright, Lyndis?""I… I think so." She nodded.Several Feroxi soldiers carried Flavia back to safety. Campari scowled at them and gave a boorish snort. "Frankly this 'old man' expected better from the East Khan!"His gaze lingered on Lyn as she glared daggers at him. "Those sword strokes, weak as they are, are still far more interesting than anything I've faced fighting these Feroxi dogs… You could have made a fine Plegian officer.""I'd rather die than serve someone like your king," she told him, now wielding the Mani Katti in both hands.Campari stepped forward, armor clunking and lance already poised. "Then die you shall!"Just as he was about to launch his weapon at her, a weak blast of lightning struck him in the shoulder from behind. The jolts danced across his armor as he stumbled."What the hell?!" He turned. "Which one of you morons did that?!"The culprit wore roguish brown clothes and carried a Levin Sword, but a hood obscured their face. They made a mad dash towards Campari, darting out of the path of his spear, before leaping over him and frying his helmet. As the general staggered, the mysterious figure turned towards Lyn's group and unveiled themselves.His orange hair and dark headband gave him away."Kept you waiting, huh?""Gaius?!" Lyn blurted. The others were just as slack jawed. "When did you… How did you—""Let's just say I'm real good at blending in." He winked. "Can't say I'd be here without our clients though!""... Clients?"Gaius brought his fingers to his mouth and let out a loud whistle. The nearby Plegian soldiers panicked when a ferocious roar filled the air. A dark wyvern emerged from the dunes to the east, a black-clad masked man riding it."What the hell?!" a soldier yelled. "That's not one of ours!"When the rider neared General Campari, a bespectacled mage on the saddle behind him sent several wind spells in his direction. Each of the saucer-shaped blasts collided with his armor and staggered him further as they circled him from the skies.Surprised as Lyn's group was, a cry to their left got their attention. Enemy soldier after enemy soldier fell as a masked warrior sprinted past them onto the battlefield. She struck down several of Campari's men with her blade of choice.The Falchion."M-Marth?!" Olivia cried, hands flying over her mouth. "Wh-what's she doing here? What's going on?""... Marth is a woman?" Virion asked."ENOUGH!" Campari roared, his voice straining. His helmet was partially scorched. "Honorless curs… I don't care how many of you there are! On my honor as a general, I won't stop until I've killed each and every last one of you mongrels! For Lord Gangrel! For king and country!"He charged ahead. Everyone got in position to either dodge or defend with the exception of a smirking Gaius. Just as he'd planned, a much stronger blast of lightning struck Campari from behind. He cried out as the electricity surged through his armor and forced him to his knee.Gaius glanced over him and smiled. "That's my girl."Lyn and the others gasped. Standing behind Campari was none other than Anna, dressed in her normal clothes and carrying another Levin Sword. Her usual friendly face, however, was gone in favor of an incredibly incensed scowl. The anger she radiated was more than enough to deter Campari's men from attacking her, to say nothing of the sparking sword in her hand."This is what happens when you mess with our friends!" She showed no signs of strain or remorse as she continued to shock him. Anna ran forward, leaping high above him. Gaius tossed her his own blade, and she caught it before landing in front of Campari and electrocuting him with both of them. "You get what you pay for!""Marth!" Gaius called out to her. "Time to end this!"She understood at once. Marth broke into a full sprint towards Campari. As he stumbled, she leapt into the air with all her might and did a somersault with Falchion in both hands. Anna rushed at Campari, and the two women ultimately struck him at the same time; Anna rising from the ground and Marth descending from the air.They dashed backwards, not letting their guard down, but the combined force of their attack and his injuries proved too much for the old general. Campari fell backwards with a ground-shaking thud. As the dust cleared all around him, he didn't even have the strength to lift his arms."Long live… Plegia..."Anna, satisfied with their work, walked over to the others with a bright grin. "Well? How was that?""Holy shit," Lon'qu swore in shock. Olivia gasped beside him."General Campari has fallen!" a Plegian soldier cried. "Retreat!"He and the rest of Campari's men fled, dropping their weapons in the hopes they'd be spared. The dark-haired wyvern rider glared at them beneath his mask, but Marth held a hand towards him as she approached Lyn's group. Far behind them, she spotted a blonde priest holding a glowing staff to Flavia's head."Well, that went a hell of a lot better than I thought it would," Gaius admitted, chuckling."Wait, wait, wait." Lyn held her hands out. She glanced at him, Anna, Marth and her two companions, and then back at Gaius once more. "... What just happened here? You've all been working together?"Anna giggled and rested a finger on her chin. "You could say that. I'm sure you've got loads more questions, but I don't think this battle's done just yet."Lyn continued to look at the odd group in utter confusion. Marth sheathed Falchion and nodded at her, the masked rider scratched his wyvern's head, and the bespectacled mage gave a polite smile and bow before adjusting his rather large hat."In any case," Virion cut in, looking at Gaius and Anna, "it is good to see you all alive and well.""Likewise, Virion!" Anna smiled. "Honestly, we kinda worried you were a goner back there at the castle…""C'mon, you lot." The group heard Flavia's powerful voice behind them. She grinned as she walked forward, a sword in her hand. "We'll have plenty of time to catch up after we win."Lyn frowned. "But Flavia, your head—""Is perfectly fine, thank you for asking. Turns out you lot have quite the competent healer in your ranks!" She gestured to Libra behind her with her thumb. "If this side of the Plegian army's done for, we need to help brothers and sisters west of here!"She looked over at Gaius's group of five. "Can we count on your assistance?"He grinned. "You know it!""Aye aye!" Anna answered."You need only ask," the mage said in a calmer voice."I will help in any way I can to see your army succeed." Marth bowed her head."... Hmph." The masked rider scowled, but he seemed to glare at Lon'qu in particular. "This is the man who nearly bested you, Marth? I don't believe it.""Michalis, please." Marth turned to Lon'qu. "I apologize for my companion's behavior. It is good to see you again, Lon'qu."Lon'qu looked downright offended, but he kept his composure to the best of his ability. "... Likewise."Now that Campari was dead and his men had retreated, their main objective was supporting the rest of the army and securing victory. Lyn still had so many questions for their allies old and new—and she imagined the others did too—but they would have to wait until after the battle.She just hoped Robin was facing less dire circumstances.Gangrel scaled the cliffs to the west with a crazed grin. Chrom and Sumia pursued him from above on Belfire. Back near the shores, Robin reached the foot of the formation and frowned. He could see numerous ledges and roots jutting out from the side, but they were out of reach. As Cordelia and Nowi were too far away to ask for assistance, Robin decided he'd have to make do on his own.
But how...?
"Think, Robin, think… There has to be a way up there!"He drummed his fingers along the side of his coat. When he tapped on one of his tomes, his eyes widened in realization. Robin reached into his cloak and pulled out the Elwind tome he used before, staring at the green book in his hands. Miriel always did say that magic had more applications than just combat… and Ricken's little stunt at the border all those months ago made its way back into his mind.If he could just do something like that to himself…Robin opened the tome, feeling its magic resonate through his entire body. He was grateful the physical and mental fatigue hadn't set in yet. This would be one of his riskiest moves yet, but they'd all be one step closer to victory if it worked.He took a few deep breaths to steady his nerves. Once he was ready, Robin leapt into the air before casting the spell at his feet."Elwind!"The blast sent him flying upwards a considerable height. He used his free hand to grab the closest ledge. "Aha!"Robin pulled himself up without a second to lose, feeling more elated by the second. Once he was sure the ledge was sturdy enough, he leapt up again and cast another spell below him."Yes!" he cheered, grasping another ledge. "Hang in there, Chrom… I'll be there soon enough."When Gangrel reached the wide top of the highest cliff, his face-splitting grin became a serene smile. Even the ugliness of Carrion Isle in the distance couldn't stop him from admiring the bright blue skies and the ocean below. Happy as he was in that brief moment, his good mood was soured when he heard someone land far behind him."Oh, it's you again." He yawned, his back still turned. "Still not satisfied, mmm?""No more talking, Gangrel," Chrom said, Falchion in his hand. Sumia flew overhead, keeping a close eye on them. "Today you die, and peace is restored to Ylisse and Plegia alike.""Heheh! Spoken like a true dimwitted optimist!" Gangrel exclaimed with glee. He crouched and held his sword, the eye-shaped holes glowing purple one by one. "Come, little princeling! I've sharpened this juuuust for you!"Chrom stayed put, clutching the Fire Emblem in his left hand like a shield. Gangrel snarled, spun and swung his sword. The action sent a wave of dark magic flying at his feet. Chrom sprinted at him and jumped over the attack."Rah!" Once he was close enough, Gangrel brought his blade down hard. It clashed against the Fire Emblem; when the sword bounced off, Chrom stabbed him in the stomach. Falchion didn't make it very far in. "Pesky brat…!"Gangrel jumped away from him, a hand over his wound. It stung considerably, but the blood that oozed from it was thick and blackened. He licked his palm before beckoning Chrom forward with a wicked grin."What the hell…" Chrom glared. "No. It doesn't matter anymore. For Ylisse!"His blows were heavy, but Gangrel proved himself far more agile. He kicked him twice in mid-air before slicing him across the chest. Never before did Chrom feel more grateful for his armor; his normal outfit wouldn't have withheld such an attack.After a few more minutes of fighting, both men were panting and drenched with sweat. Between the heat of the desert and their combat, it was astounding neither had fainted. Chrom, feeling the exhaustion in his left arm, stood up straight and reattached the Fire Emblem to his shoulder. Then he took Falchion into both hands."Such a bore!" Gangrel complained. The middle of his sword glowed a bright purple as he plunged it into the ground. "This oughta spice things up!"The magic from the sword traveled through the ground and erupted underneath Chrom. Up above, Sumia gasped as he was launched high into the air."Chrom!"Belfire immediately soared towards him with a neigh. Sumia grasped his hand once they were close enough. A grateful Chrom still clutched the Falchion in his other hand, and Gangrel sneered at the scene as she lowered him back to the ground."Quit being an eyesore!"He launched a blast of magic at them, but they broke away from each other. Sumia flew far out of Gangrel's reach as he focused on Chrom. He put a few dents and slices in his armor before Chrom spun and bashed him in the face with Falchion's pommel. Then he stabbed at Gangrel's torso a few times before kicking him to the ground.He plunged Falchion into Gangrel's stomach deeper this time. The Mad King let out an agonizing scream and hacked up blood. Some of it landed on Chrom's face."Get up…" Chrom withdrew the blade, his face dark. "I'm not finished with you yet. Do you hear me, Gangrel?! Get the hell up!"He rose to his feet, wiping some blood from his mouth with a smirk. "Heh… You sure don't know when to give up, do you, boy? You're just like your father...""Quiet!""Oh, but it's true! I was just a lad when he murdered all my friends and loved ones. Isn't that hilarious?""What the hell are you talking about?!" he demanded. "The Crusade didn't start until after the Grimleal killed our mother!"At this, Gangrel threw his entire body backwards and let out a tremendous laugh. "Is that what they told you?! Those idiots you call a High Council?! They lied to you, boy! They tried to cover up Ylisse's actions for years! I saw Chronos burn down my village himself! He killed my parents! He took everything from me!"Gangrel continued to laugh his head off, but Chrom stared at him with wide eyes. He'd been told for years that his father had only done what he'd done out of retaliation. It didn't make it right, but that was the truth… Wasn't it?"But why, then?! Why would he do such a thing?! Why would he…""Beats me." Gangrel shrugged, oddly at peace. "Maybe he was afraid of the Grimleal. Maybe he knew they were trying to resurrect their dark god. Maybe he just didn't like us… but it hardly matters anymore."He crouched, his blade glowing a deep purple." All that matters is that he's dead… and that you'll be with him soon enough. Be a dear and make this easy for me, would you? I've got sheep to slaughter!"With a smirk, Gangrel added, "Perhaps I'll skin your pathetic friends alive one by one and feed them each other's flesh…"The thought made Chrom's stomach turn, but Gangrel was upon him at once. His blade clashed against Falchion a few times. When Chrom went on the offensive, Gangrel lifted his foot and deflected the impending strike. Chrom lost his balance as a result, and the Mad King nearly ran him through before feeling a sharp pain in his side."Gah!"Chrom's eyes widened in shock. Sumia and Belfire were now pushing Gangrel backwards; the former's lance was still embedded in him."Ugh! How rude!" Gangrel snarled. "No one likes a third wheel!"Sumia and Belfire darted backwards, pulling out the spear in the process. Sumia's glare became a look of fear and disgust when she noticed the black blood coating her spear."What the—?!"Gangrel saw an opening and lunged, but Chrom tackled him to the ground. "Sumia, I'll handle him! Fall back!""But…""Eyaaaah!" Gangrel screeched, kicking Chrom off of him. He leapt to his feet and pointed at Sumia. "After I'm done with you, I'll tear that horse's wings clean off!"Before anyone could make another move, a fourth figure flew up from the eastern side of the mountain. Chrom and Sumia gasped as Robin rolled along the ground and landed on his feet between the combatants, no worse for wear."Robin!" they cried."Robin," Gangrel repeated, repulsion in his voice. "So you're the esteemed tactician of Ylisse, are you? I've seen smarter-looking cattle!""Robin, what are you doing here?" Chrom whispered once he was close enough. "It's too dangerous to be up here without backup!""My thoughts exactly," he replied. Robin clutched his Levin Sword in both hands as he smiled at him. "Now you don't have to be.""Heh…" Chrom smiled back. "Well met."The two stood side by side, weapons drawn. Even as Sumia circled around him, Gangrel barked an uproarious laugh at the sight in front of him. "Oh, now this is simply delicious! I get to kill three birds with one sword! And a pegasus!""Still," he continued, "I feel as though I should thank you, Robin. If not for your absolute failure of a rescue mission, Emmeryn might still be alive!"Sumia gasped. Chrom saw Robin tense up out of the corner of his eye. "Don't let him get to you, Robin. We both know who's really at fault here."He said nothing. His eyes were locked on Gangrel, but the Mad King chuckled as he sensed a shaken resolve."Come on then, wonder boy. I can't wait to hear you scream when I clip your wings…"Robin held his sword high above his head. A lightning bolt came down from above, but Gangrel sidestepped it. He sprinted at Robin, but Chrom caught him head on. While the two fought, Sumia flew above them with a short spear in her hand.
Don't hit Chrom, don't hit Chrom, don't hit Chrom…
Gangrel shoved Chrom away, but a surge of lightning courtesy of Robin struck him head on. He roared as it surged through his body. Robin's nose began to bleed, but he powered through and continued the assault with a fierce glare. The attack forced Gangrel to his knee.Just as he stopped, Sumia hurled her weapon with all her might.Gangrel cried out as he felt the spear pierce his right shoulder. The taste of bile and copper rose in his throat, but he stood back up, grabbed the weapon and tore it right back out. The pain was immeasurable… but so too was his desire for revenge."I don't believe it," Robin muttered, shaking his head. "How are you still standing?!"Tossing aside the spear that wounded him, he lunged at Chrom and Robin with an animalistic screech. Even with his injuries, Gangrel proved more than a match for them at close range. He fought dirty, clawing and headbutting whenever he could.Their fighting brought them near the edge of the cliff. A blast of magic from the Darksaber knocked Chrom onto his back, but as Gangrel brought the sword down to finish the job, Robin rushed forward and blocked the attack.Sumia flew down to check on Chrom, but Gangrel continued to push back against Robin with a malicious grin. Even using both of his arms against just Gangrel's left, Robin was still struggling.Chrom got back up with Sumia's help. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Gangrel reach for something on his person.Something shiny."Robin, look out!"He didn't react in time. Robin cried out when a flash of pain rushed through his stomach. He froze in fear and disbelief, his eyes trailing down. Gangrel had plunged a dagger into him just below his ribcage."No!" Chrom and Sumia yelled.Robin staggered, the knife still in him as his blade clattered to the ground. Gangrel smirked and kicked it off the edge before leaning in close."You're so weak," he taunted in his ear. "I'll never understand Aversa's fascination with you. Oh well. So long, failure tactician!"He kicked Robin off the side of the cliff, elated by Chrom and Sumia's cries. When Sumia mounted Belfire in an effort to save him, Gangrel fired off a dark red blast of magic from his sword. The attack struck the pegasus in the side, grounding and forcing a whinny from her.As he fell through the air, fear seized Robin like never before. Fear of heights. Fear of helplessness. Fear of being just as weak and pathetic as Gangrel said he was. And for the first time in a good while… Fear of dying.Robin was jarred from his thoughts as he hit a ledge back-first. He grunted and coughed up some blood. His skin would almost certainly bruise from the impact; he'd still be lucky to survive with broken bones. A hand flew over his wound in an attempt to slow the bleeding. His Levin Sword laid ignored and in pieces on his right.Robin turned his head to his left, his hand stained red. From the ledge he could see many of Gangrel's men retreating, the Khans' soldiers still going strong. As he coughed again, he drew a single red tome from his cloak and laid it open beside him."I hope this works…" His mind seared as he focused with the last of his strength, placing his hands together. "ELFIRE!"Several pages flew from the book and ignited high above him, forming a burning sphere that grew more and more by the second. When Robin threw both hands into the air, the fireball soared high into the sky. He hoped Cordelia or Nowi would see it in time, but even more than that… He hoped Chrom, Lyn and all of their companions would survive regardless of whether or not he did.
Lyn… Everyone… I'm sorry...
From her position on the ground, Tharja struck down yet another soldier with fire magic. When she saw a bright light out of the corner of her eye, she looked to the skies. Her worst fears were confirmed when she saw a large fireball rise from the cliffs to the west."No...!"Tharja glanced all around as she desperately sought a solution. Sumia was long gone, and Maribelle was tending to Nowi after the latter took a few nasty blows. Tharja's eyes landed on Cordelia above her, the pegasus knight doing everything in her power to defeat the last of Vasto's men."Cordelia!" Tharja shouted. "Robin needs help! He's on a cliff near the ocean!""He's what?! I'm on it!"Cordelia swiped a wyvern rider away and speared another before jumping off of Aurora with lance in hand. She fell a good distance, slashing and stabbing a few more airborne enemies before landing back in the saddle."Double time, Aurora! Let's move!"They soared in the direction Tharja had pointed them towards. Cordelia flew until she spotted Robin on a ledge a bit further down. When she neared him, she gasped at the sight of his blood."Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no…!"Aurora lowered herself towards the ledge where Robin was. Cordelia managed to carefully help him off the cliff and into the saddle behind her. Now ignoring the blood completely, she set her sights on Lissa and Maribelle in the distance as Robin wrapped his arms around her."You're going to be alright, Robin," Cordelia whispered. "... I promise. Just don't let go!""Cordelia… Thank you…"On the peak, Gangrel smirked as Robin disappeared from his line of sight. "Was that really the infamous tactician of Ylisse? What a waste of gold!""I'LL KILL YOU!"Chrom charged at Gangrel with frenzied, unrestrained swings. The sheer strength and rage behind his attacks chipped away at the Darksaber, leaving noticeable cracks in it. Sumia, meanwhile, calmed Belfire down a sizable distance away. She tended to her wounds as much as she could.When Chrom's lungs finally forced him to stop and catch his breath, Gangrel didn't bother attacking him. He ignored him entirely as his gaze drifted to the sea beyond Plegia. The sun shining on the waters brought happier days to mind."What a lovely sight," Gangrel mused, his voice growing soft. He looked over at Chrom and grinned. "Too bad Emmeryn couldn't be here to join us, huh, Princey?"Out of breath and patience, Chrom glared up at him and growled the two words he hoped never to say to anyone."Fuck. You."Gangrel gasped in genuine surprise. "Good heavens! Such language is simply unbecoming of royalty!""I don't give a damn anymore!" Chrom grasped Falchion in his right hand and the Fire Emblem in his left. "Phila, Mustafa, Emmeryn, Robin… You really won't stop until you've taken everyone, will you? It doesn't even matter whether they're Ylissean or Plegian! Everyone is disposable to you!""Well, come on then," he continued, lifting his left hand. "For years you've been trying to get your disgusting hands on the Fire Emblem. You want it so badly?! Come over here and take it!""Hahahaha! You really are the dunce of the family, aren't you, boy?! Even your annoying kid sister has more brains than you!"Gangrel laughed for a few more seconds before stopping, but his grin never faded. "No… It was never about that stupid golden trinket. All that talk of wanting the Fire Emblem? Bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit! The only reason I spouted that schlock was because of the Grimleal! They're the ones who've coveted the damn thing for so long. Probably to stop some halfwit hero like you from meddling in their idiotic affairs!"Chrom held his defensive stance, but the words he heard baffled him to no end. "What are you talking about?! I thought you and the Grimleal were allies!""You're an idiot, Chrom! Haven't you ever heard the expression, 'the enemy of my enemy is still potentially my enemy?'""But…""Bah!" Gangrel rolled his eyes. "Lumping me in with those fanatics because I'm Plegian… You really do take after your father, you know that?""But why, Gangrel?! Why didn't you ever tell us about the Grimleal?! Why didn't you ever accept Emmeryn's offers for peace?! All of this bloodshed could have been avoided… We could have worked together. We could have been allies! Friends, even!"Gangrel's gaze drifted to the sea once more. Despite himself, he sniffed. "Yeah. We could have been, once upon a time... But we both know it's too late for that now. Some men don't deserve redemption, and some don't want it. Some crimes can't be forgiven… and some simply shouldn't be.""So…" He crouched, his blade at the ready. "... You ready to finish this, boy?""... I suppose I have no choice." Chrom sighed, still glaring. "Prepare yourself... Your end has come!"The fight wouldn't last much longer. The exhaustion had set its roots in both men long ago. Every time Chrom went for a decisive blow, Gangrel blocked it still. For as much as he bled, he simply refused to die.Belfire was back in the air, but she too had grown weary. Not helping matters was how Sumia was out of throwing spears; the one she'd hurled at Gangrel had been her last. For as scared as she was, though… Sumia would never abandon Chrom. Not in a million years.Mustering as much courage as she could, she pat Belfire on the head before the two of them swooped down, her lance shining with hope. Gangrel saw their descent from the corner of his eye.This time, he was ready.He kicked Chrom to the ground. In one swift motion Gangrel jumped over Sumia, slashing her across the back as he did."Gaaah!""Sumia!" Chrom cried, fear gripping his heart. He tried to stand, leaning on Falchion for support, but his legs felt swollen with blood. They glued him in place. "Gah…""Pathetic," Gangrel criticized, frowning as Belfire frantically tried to stay in the air. He swung his sword and launched a purple wave of magic at them. "Simply pathetic!""No!"The attack hit Belfire head on. Some of the magic spread back towards Sumia. The white pegasus neighed in agony as she fell to her knees. Sumia fell off the saddle and landed on the ground next to her, bleeding where she'd been struck."Belfire…" She reached a hand out to soothe her injured friend. "Shh… I'm here… You'll be okay…"Chrom was on all fours now. Every muscle in his body ached, but his heart ached most of all. It ached for Robin, Sumia, Belfire, Emmeryn… Every single innocent being who'd suffered thanks to them. Not just Gangrel, but himself too. Had he been stronger, he could have protected them all.He looked up. Sumia and Belfire were on his right; Gangrel stood farther away on his left, closer to the edge of the cliff."Idiot girl." Gangrel sneered at the sight of Sumia comforting her pegasus. He grinned again just as quickly, cackling. "Looks like you both lucked out today! Chrom doesn't have to die alone… and you can join the rest of your pegasus knight friends in HELL!"The Mad King moved his crackling blade in a circle and readied a concentrated bolt of blood-red magic. He aimed right at Sumia. As he did, something awoke within Chrom. Despite every muscle in his body screaming for rest, every fiber of his being told him to save her. To save her no matter what... even if it would cost him his life.Sheathing Falchion, Chrom forced himself to his feet and sprinted towards Sumia as fast as he could. The Fire Emblem and its lone orb gleamed on his left shoulder as he did. Sumia glanced up at him with exhausted gray eyes. She reached a weak hand towards him just seconds before the bolt of darkness flew."Chrom…!""NOOOO!"Time slowed to a crawl. Chrom leapt in front of Sumia just as the Mad King launched his final attack. The magic bounced right off of the Fire Emblem and was sent flying back at a wide-eyed Gangrel."Aaagh!"A few dark drops of blood hit the ground near his feet. The bolt had pierced his chest.Chrom felt lingering jolts dance up and down his body. He looked over at Sumia, smiling when he was sure she was safe, before glaring back at Gangrel. The Mad King stumbled back towards the edge of the cliff. He placed a hand to his wound, still clutching his sword in the other one. Sticky warm blood seeped through his spindly fingers. His grip on the blade loosened; it fell to the rocky shores below and shattered."Heh…" A trickle of dark fluid escaped the corner of Gangrel's mouth. "I guess that's it then… Not even the Darksphere could save me from myself..."He looked over at Chrom and grinned. From where he was standing, the young prince was the splitting image of a storybook hero: his sword and shield were in either hand, he stood tall and unflinching, and a fair maiden was at his side."... It's over, Gangrel.""So it is, princeling…" He nodded twice. "So it is. Don't think your victory is permanent, though.""What?""Listen to me, boy." Gangrel licked his lips. "... Far across the sea, there's a man who's stronger than us both. Stronger than you. Back in my younger days, I once dreamed of uniting the continent and stopping him… but it was a fool's dream. Nothing can stop him. He is… inevitable."He laughed a little; a bitter, exhausted chuckle. Gone was the mad look in his eye he'd possessed for so long. In its place was a mixture of relief and remorse."You might have beaten me," Gangrel rasped, still smiling, "but don't you believe for even a second that you've ensured a life of peace for everyone. After all... Where there is man, there is war…"Chrom and Sumia stared at him in bewilderment as he continued to chuckle, swaying. He chuckled and chuckled until he was laughing at the top of his lungs. Tears sprang from his bloodshot eyes as he took one last step backwards, letting himself fall off the side of the cliff.His mad laughter all the way down would haunt them for years to come."By the gods," Chrom rasped, staring at the spot where he'd fallen."Chrom…"He turned his attention back to Sumia. She and Belfire had gotten back on their feet, the pegasus still neighing a little bit. They were bruised and bloodied, but alive all the same."Did… Did we win?" Sumia asked, a tear in her eye."We did." He nodded with a small smile. "... We did."She threw herself at him without warning. Sumia held him as tight as humanly possible, sobbing into his chest. Chrom gently returned the embrace and shut his eyes. Beside them, Belfire reared up and let loose a triumphant neigh.They'd won.Chrom pulled back after a few seconds, but he gasped at the sight of blood on his arms. "Sumia! You're—""I'll be fine," she cut him off, wiping away a tear. "It only stings a little bit…"Sumia looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Chrom. You saved us both.""You saved me first," he softly told her. "I just hope everyone else is in better shape than we are..."Her eyes widened as her hands flew to her mouth. "Oh, no! What about Robin?!""Gods, you're right!" The guilt welled up inside him. "I… I shouldn't have let Gangrel get so close to him in the first place. This is all my doing!""It wasn't," she reassured him, putting a hand on his arm. "We… We should get back to the others. I think I saw Cordy flying this way, so… So maybe she got to him in time!""I sure hope so…" Chrom sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry you got caught up in all of this, Sumia. You and Robin both suffered because of m—""No." Sumia placed a finger to his lips, a rare stern expression on her face. "No. He and I both did what we had to do. We chose to fight by your side, Chrom. And… and I have faith he'll be alright! So you should too!""I... Thank you, Sumia. Truly," he said, relaxing a little. "I'm still worried about him, but… I have faith too. I want to believe.""Y-you're welcome…" She smiled just a bit, looking at the beautiful sight of the ocean in the distance. "Um… Should we get going then?""Yes…" Chrom looked at the spot where Gangrel had fallen one last time, grimacing. "... Let's leave this place far behind us.""Robin… Robin…"Robin's head ached as his eyes fluttered open to a brown ceiling. He was shirtless, his upper torso covered in bandages. The pain pooled in his stomach and back, but even that was nothing compared to the emotional pain he felt. A new voice in his head had joined the others. The words "failure tactician" rang in his mind over and over again. He could hear everyone calling him that: Chrom, Lissa, Lyn, Gangrel… Even Emmeryn.He sat up from his cot with a wince."Robin!" Another jolt of pain surged in his brain at Lissa's voice. "Be careful, okay?""What…" He rubbed his temple with two fingers. "What happened?""Gangrel stabbed you and hurled you off a cliff, remember?" Lissa looked at him somberly. "Maribelle and I did the best we could, but you should still take it easy for now. You could have died!""I… I see." Robin blinked in surprise. Only then did he realize they were in a small tent. "Thank you, Lissa. I'll have to thank Maribelle later too.""Don't forget to thank Cordelia and Aurora too! They're the ones who brought you here, after all.""Right…" Robin shut his eyes in remorse. He hoped she and everyone else weren't too worried about him; the last thing he wanted was to inflict more pain on them. "I'll do that. Thank you."Lissa giggled. "No prob, Rob! I'm just glad you're okay. You do have a visitor though, so I'll get out of your way…"She hummed as she left the room. Robin looked ahead and spotted Lyn sitting on a chair in the corner of the tent. Her longcoat was hung on a nearby rack along with his cloak, but she faced away from him with her arms folded.
Uh-oh.
"Lyn," Robin croaked, his throat suddenly dry. "I—""Don't.""Huh?"After a few agonizing seconds of silence, she finally turned to look at him. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her nostrils flared as she gave him the most scathing scowl he'd ever seen.Robin gulped and sank back in his cot. "Um… I can explain—""What were you thinking?!" Lyn sprang from her seat with clenched fists. "You're still not that skilled at fighting yet and you thought it'd be wise to chase after Gangrel of all people?! Alone?! What the hell, Robin? How could you be so reckless?""Chrom could have died out there, Lyn!" Her words stung, but he refused to back down. "What was I supposed to do, abandon him and hope things turned out for the better? Is that it?""Couldn't you have come up with a less dangerous plan? Maybe send some more troops after them instead? I know you're smarter than that." Lyn folded her arms again and glanced off to the side with a gentler look. "I just… I worry about you, you know? You're stronger now, but you're justnot ready for such dangerous opponents, Robin!""Have you always been this much of a mother hen?""What?!" She gaped at him in anger and disbelief. "... What did you just say?""I'll never improve if I don't face some level of hardship along the way!""Oh, and I suppose this was something of a training exercise for you, was it?!" Lyn snapped. "Not a serious battle with lives on the line? Your life included?""I… That's not what I..." Robin sighed in remorse and shame. "Look, I'm sorry, Lyn. That wasn't fair of me to say at all. I acted on impulse, and it was foolish of me, but Chrom could have died if I didn't—""He can handle himself, Robin. How do you think he felt when Gangrel hurled you off a cliff? You could have died out there and Chrom would've been heartbroken! I would have been heartbroken!"The fire in Lyn's eyes subsided. Now there was nothing but pity. "Don't you see that? Don't you value your own life at all?""I…" He shut his eyes. "I can't. Not anymore.""Robin, if this is about Emmeryn, no one blames you for her death. Not me, not Chrom, not Lissa—nobody! Her death is solely Gangrel's fault, but we beat him! We stood side-by-side and seized victory just like we always have!"He shook his head. "You don't understand, Lyn… You're not the tactician whose failure cost her her life.""Robin, you need to forgive yourself!" She drew closer. "How can you be happy if you don't?""I don't deserve to be happy…""Robin, I swear to Elimine—""Why do you care so much about me anyway, Lyn?" He glared at her with glistening eyes."... What?" Lyn's jaw dropped. That was the absolute last thing she expected to hear from him. "After all this time, everything we've been through… How could you even ask me something like that?""Back in Elibe, I was dead weight. I couldn't even lift a sword to protect myself! You told me that my tactical skills helped you and the others, but how do I know you're not just saying that to make me feel better about myself? Even now... even though I can finally fight, I'm still not strong enough to protect the people I care about.""I… I'm weak," he muttered. "I'm nothing. So why would—""Because I love you, okay?!"Lyn shook where she stood, hot tears blurring her vision. After all this time spent keeping her feelings inside, watching Robin tear himself apart and nearly losing him on several occasions, she had finally reached her breaking point. She hated crying in front of him, but she hated seeing him like this even more.Robin's throat grew even more dry. He could feel his chest tighten as his heart thumped.
Did… Did she really just…?
"I… I love you, Robin." Her voice broke. "I always have…""... You do?""Was there ever any doubt?" Lyn smiled sadly. "Did you ever really think I didn't?""I just... didn't want to get my hopes up," Robin admitted. He felt the heat rising in his cheeks. "From the moment we met in that arena, I was entranced by your skill with a blade and your beauty. I thought it was just infatuation at the time, but then I got to know the real you. You're strong, but compassionate. Stubborn... but well-meaning.""Robin…""Lyn." He gazed into her eyes. "... I love you too."She blinked back a few tears. "... Really?""... Really really." He smiled.Everything happened all at once. Lyn practically flung herself so that she was as close to him as humanly possible. As they held each other, they wept tears of joy and relief. They'd both survived in spite of everything… and now they finally had each other.After a few moments of holding each other in silence, they pulled back a bit to look into each other's eyes. When Lyn leaned forward, her eyes fluttering shut, Robin met her halfway. She sighed in contentment and melted into the kiss as she gently draped her arms around his neck. Robin's arms snaked around her waist as he held her close.
Finally…
Lyn pulled back from the kiss after what felt like ages. She felt as if she was on fire—her body, her mind, her heart and soul. In her deepest heart of hearts, she knew that the blazing love inside of her burned for Robin and Robin alone... and now she was certain he felt the same way."Lyn," Robin rasped, face flushed and out of breath. "I… That was…""I'm sorry…" Her cheeks were similarly red as she looked away from him. "I've... never done anything like this before…""It's okay… I've never kissed anyone either," he admitted. With a cheeky grin, he added, "At least as far as I remember, anyway."Lyn smacked his arm with a smile, getting a small laugh in response. "Very funny…"She pressed her face to his chest and sighed, tenderly wrapping her arms around him again. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Robin. I shouldn't have lost my temper, but I just worry about you so much. I know it's a habit I have to shake, but…""You don't have to apologize, Lyn. You were right." He stroked her back. "If anything, I'm the one who should apologize. I was so caught up in my own grief that I didn't care if I lived or died. I had no idea how much my death would hurt the others… or you. I was selfish and ignorant.""Don't say that," she whispered. "You were just hurting…""It's true though. I was far too reckless out there... Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"She nuzzled her lips against his neck. "Only if you can forgive me.""Heh. We'll call it a draw then…"They kissed each other again and again, each one longer than the last. Lyn's hands buried themselves into his soft white hair, and Robin cupped her face with one hand. The other hand rested on her waist."Hey Robin, how are you holding—Aaah!"They broke apart, still clutching each other. Lissa stood in the entranceway with bright red cheeks and eyes the size of dinner plates. Lyn's legs were on either side of Robin's hips, and the two stared at Lissa with equally mortified expressions."I… Um…" Robin cleared his throat and hastily withdrew his hands. "L-Lyn here was just, uh… examining my eyes! R-right, Lyn?"Lyn sat up with a sigh, bowing her head in shame. "No. We were kissing. And it was nice."Lissa giggled even as her blush persisted. "Well, it's about time! I know the gang's gonna be ecstatic when they hear about this!""Lissa, please." Robin's voice was devoid of joy. "Please don't tell anyone about what you just saw...""Whaaaat? I was just kidding! How much of a blabber mouth do you think I am?""Lissa.""Okay, okay, geez! I won't say a peep, I promise." She winked. "Your dirty little secret's safe with me!""There's nothing dirty about it!" Lyn yelled, her cheeks aglow. "I… I mean…""Sure, sure." Lissa beamed. "I'm happy for you guys though!""Thanks, Lissa." Robin smiled as he and Lyn held each other. "That really means a lot.""Does this mean I get to babysit your kids?""Get out!"Lissa giggled as she ducked, dodging the pillow Lyn had thrown at her. Lyn glared after her as she left, but she sighed as she relaxed in Robin's arms soon afterwards. Robin kissed her forehead with a smile, and the two sat in joyful silence once more.It would be the first of many times.With his few high-ranking members either dead or missing, Gangrel's death signalled the end of both the battle and the war. News of his death spread across the battlefield, prompting his remaining soldiers to surrender. As they fled, the Khans saw to their numerous dead soldiers and vowed to throw a warrior's feast in commemoration of their sacrifice. Chrom and Sumia were given medical attention as soon as they reunited with their allies. Afterwards, they and a recently patched-up Vaike were some of many that came to check up on Robin. He was relieved to see them alive and well, and most of the Shepherds were overjoyed at Gaius and Anna's return.The mysterious figures who'd helped them, however, were long gone.Hours after the Ylissean-Ferox army had departed, a dark vortex formed near the shores where Gangrel had fallen. Two shadowy figures emerged from it; one of them wore a hooded mask with a black beak. They found themselves standing in front of a bloodied mangled figure on the rocks. The former Mad King of Plegia's eyes were closed, but he had a content smile on his face as the waves kissed him. Beside him, the Grimleal blade he'd stolen laid in several pieces; the hilt containing the Darksphere was the only part fully intact."Is… Is he...?""Yes," Aversa told her subordinate. She strode past Gangrel's corpse and knelt down to examine the broken sword. "You were never meant for his grotesque hands… but the scales have tipped in our favor all the same."She caressed the hilt in her hands with a smile. The Darksphere almost seemed to smile back. "You have done well, Gharnef.""Lady Aversa… What shall we do now?""We return to the capital and inform everyone of Gangrel's death." Aversa stood tall. "With him truly dead and gone, there shall be none to oppose our rule in Plegia. I shall continue to occupy the throne until Father returns… Hopefully you and the others can fix this blasted blade by then.""Understood." He nodded. "And what of the shapeshifter?""We can send Tanya to spy on the Ylisseans later. For now, she stays in her cell.""Very good," the dark mage said, nodding again. "And… the body?""Hmm…" Aversa turned to look at Gangrel's lifeless corpse. She thought for a moment, contemplating, before flashing a smirk. "Well, as much as I'd like to pull up a chair and watch the crabs feast on his remains, there's no sense in letting a potential asset go to waste.""Milady?""Have our men take him to our base on Carrion Isle," she ordered. The corners of her mouth curled up again as her gaze lingered on him. "Who knows… He may prove more useful to us in death than in life…"After the Khans saw to their dead, everyone packed up and traveled back into Feroxi territory. Once they reached the Feroxi capital, the Shepherds bid farewell to their northern allies and returned to Ylisstol. Emmeryn's body had survived the trip from Castle Ferox thanks to Tharja's hex. Once preparations were finalized, black-clad citizens from all over Ylisse visited the capital to pay their respects.The funeral service was a modest one, just as Emmeryn would have wanted. She was buried at the base of a tree in the castle courtyard between her parents' gravestones, though neither of their bodies had ever been found. The remains of some of Cordelia's fellow pegasus knights had been recovered from the Ylissean-Feroxi border where they were ambushed long ago, but Phila's corpse was not among them.As the service concluded, many of the grieving Ylisseans left the area. Chrom held Lissa close and rubbed her shoulder as she quietly cried. Robin, Frederick, Vaike and Maribelle stood behind them with somber faces. Even Miriel had to remove her glasses to wipe away a tear or two as she walked away from the scene."I feel so bad," Olivia mused from a respectful distance. "I don't think I ever got to meet her, but I've only ever heard good things about Emmeryn…""I wish we could've done more for her," Lyn admitted beside her, shutting her eyes. "…You know, I've always hated funerals. I understand why they're important, but… it's always sad having to bury a loved one. I'll never forget the time I had to bury my grandfather.""Lyn…""I'm fine," she said, though she didn't meet her eye. "I know he'd want me to look forward in life, and I think that's what Emmeryn would've wanted for her siblings too. I'll be there for them both every step of the way.""... You're a good friend, Lyn."Soon both women took their leave as well. It wasn't long before the only two left in the courtyard were Robin and Frederick. They stared at Emmeryn's tombstone. Frederick held a bouquet of flowers in either hand; sunflowers in one and white roses in another."Frederick…""It's not your fault, Robin.""But—""No. I'm not discussing this any further." Frederick winced at the tone of his own voice. "... My apologies.""... I'm sorry too."Robin walked away with slumped shoulders, his hands in his pockets. When Frederick was sure he was alone, he approached Emmeryn's grave with the bouquet of sunflowers in front of him. A framed portrait of her rested at the foot of the stone, surrounded by dozens of colorful flowers. As he knelt to leave his own, the tombstones of her mother and father seemed to glare at him."... I'm so sorry." His voice broke as a tear fell from his eye. "I failed you. You trusted me… and I failed you."Behind a nearby tree, Robin felt a familiar pang in his heart as he watched him. He was certain he'd heard those words somewhere else before..."... I'm sorry, my liege," Kent apologized, bowing at Hausen's tombstone. "I have failed you. You trusted me with your life… and I failed you."Robin parted his lips as the realization crossed his mind.
Marquess Hausen… Lyn's grandfather…
A fresh tear escaped as the weight of Hausen's death rushed back to him. So this was what Lyn was referring to when she mentioned her grandfather's death so long ago! He'd been there. He'd been right at Hausen's bedside when he died… and Lyn was there too.Robin walked away from the courtyard, dejected. To think that Lyn, Chrom and Lissa had all lost their family… Had he too? Did he just not remember?When Frederick was truly alone, he approached the opposite side of the tree. More flowers were left there to pay tribute to the fallen pegasus knights. He placed the bouquet of white roses among them—Phila's favorite. Even if she couldn't be buried, she'd be remembered and mourned all the same.He left shortly afterwards, but not before reaching into his pocket and leaving one final gift at their resting place.The silver band he intended to give Phila so long ago.A week after Emmeryn's funeral, the High Council gathered and insisted upon throwing a royal ball in her honor and to celebrate the war's end. Chrom was initially reluctant and still refused to accept the title of Exalt out of respect for her, but as he considered the low mood of both his citizens and his companions, he eventually agreed on the ball under one condition: that anyone could attend regardless of station. It was what she would have wanted, after all.Many members of the council were openly against it at first, but seeing as how Chrom had risked his life on numerous occasions to bring about peace when none of them had, they relented. And so the ball was held a week later to commemorate Emmeryn's life and Gangrel's death.At the party, commoners and nobility alike were enjoying themselves. Chrom's relaxed dress policy came as a shock to the nobles, but no one complained within earshot of him. Many of the Shepherds got in on the festivities as well: Ricken and Maribelle slow danced, Vaike and Lissa danced wildly to a much more upbeat tune, Gaius and Anna shared drinks with Kellam and Sully, and Gregor impressed his companions with what could only be described as an energetic squat dance."Ohohohoho! Hey!" He kicked his right leg forward, and then his left. "Come, sing with Gregor!"Basilio chuckled at his old friend's antics before looking to his left at Chrom. "How come you're not cuttin' a rug with anyone, boy?""I'm… far from the best dancer, really," Chrom admitted, chuckling. "Truthfully I'm not even sure anyone would be interested in dancing with me…""You're joking, right? Not one person would wanna dance with a prince and war hero? That's ridiculous!" Basilio laughed more noisily. "You know, when I was your age… Hoo boy! You couldn't keep the ladies off me if you paid 'em!""Which is why you're still single after all this time," Flavia snarked, walking up to them. "Right, oaf?""Khans who live in glass castles shouldn't throw stones, Flavia! I'm surprised you haven't learned that in all your many, many, many years of life.""And yet, for all my many, many, many years of life, I still have a full head of hair!"While the two went back and forth, Chrom surveyed the dance floor. He'd never been much for parties or dancing, but seeing the common citizenry enjoy themselves alongside his friends and the Ylissean nobility put a smile on his face."Um… Chrom?"He glanced over at his right and nearly did a double-take. Sumia had foregone her normal outfit in favor of a form-fitting lavender dress. Her hairstyle was the same down to the wing clips atop her head, and she had just the faintest bit of makeup on her face."Uh… Hi," Chrom uttered. He shook himself back to reality. "Er, I mean… Sumia! What brings you here?""You invited me, remember?" She gave him a funny look. "You invited all of us, actually…""... Right." He smiled an awkward smile. "You look… different. A good different! Not that you look bad normally, of course…"Sumia couldn't help but giggle. "I'll take that as a compliment. Honestly, though, you should really thank Cordy for this. I'm such a fashion disaster without her…"She shook her head. "But enough about me. How come you're not dancing right now? Isn't that the whole point of these balls?""I'll admit, the music is rather catchy," Chrom said, smiling. "I just don't think I should embarrass myself any more than I already have…""Oh! Well, um… You can dance if you want to!" Sumia reassured him. "Just don't leave your friends behind. I think Cordy mentioned something about wanting to dance with you… And I'd like a dance too afterwards, if that's alright with you.""Oh, er… Okay! I certainly don't mind," he blurted. Chrom rubbed the back of his head with a frown. "I'm a little concerned about Cordelia though. I feel like she's been avoiding me lately. Like I've done something wrong…""Oh, Chrom, you could never! Not the point where she'd avoid you, in any case…""Heh… If you say so."They chatted for a little while longer before Sumia suddenly excused herself to grab a drink. Chrom made the rounds, talking to some of his friends and subjects, before bumping into Cordelia. She wore a modest red dress that fit her to a tee."Hello, Cordelia," Chrom greeted with an innocent smile. "Are you enjoying yourself?""Ah!" She startled upon seeing him. "Y-yes, I am!""Good, good. I was just wondering if you'd like to dance with me. I'm… still not very good, but—""N-n-no!" Cordelia blurted, her cheeks matching her hair and dress. When she saw his brow furrow in confusion, she frantically began to wave her hands. "I… I mean… I just had some really bad shrimp not too long ago, th-that's all!""... Oh." Chrom blinked in surprise. "Very well then. I suppose I'll get my chance another day… Still, I hope you feel better soon, Cordelia. After all you've done for us, you've more than earned the chance to unwind.""R-right… Thank you, Chrom."Cordelia watched him leave. She smiled as a slightly-tipsy Vaike pulled him into a hug with a massive arm, the other around Robin's shoulders. It did her heart good to see that all three of them had survived their final battle, something Robin expressed profound gratitude towards her for since they'd left the sands of Plegia behind.The atmosphere in the ballroom shifted dramatically as the musicians played a slower ballad on their string instruments. While most of her allies made themselves scarce, a few of them took to the dance floor: Virion and Olivia (much to the latter's nervousness), Robin and Lyn… and Chrom and Sumia.Cordelia's heart sank as she watched them glide floor. Seeing the tender smiles on their faces bothered her in particular, loathe as she was to feel that way. These were her friends! Why should she be so upset at their happiness? They'd more than earned it..."Are you alright, Cordelia?"She jumped. Frederick was standing nearby with his arms folded behind him. In a downright bizarre sight, he wasn't wearing his usual armor. Instead he wore a cream-colored suit befitting a nobleman."Frederick!" Cordelia exclaimed with a gasp. "You look… normal. Er, not normal! For you, that is."He nodded, grimacing a little. "Yes, I know. Milord insisted I dress a little more casually despite the potential danger. Still…"He couldn't help but smile at the dance floor. "It would seem that everyone here is in high spirits, even the commonfolk. Perhaps he made the right decision after all.""Heh… Indeed. Sorry for freaking out at you... The suit's quite a nice look, actually.""It's quite alright, milady. You look quite stunning yourself.""G-goodness!" The blood rushed to her face. "When did you get such a silver tongue?""I fear I've no idea what you're referring to… Perhaps it's the festivities getting to me."Cordelia chuckled a little, but soon she stared at the dance floor with a pensive, yearning expression. Frederick stopped smiling when he noticed the distinct lack of joy on her face. She seemed oddly fixated on Chrom and Sumia in particular…"... Frederick," Cordelia said all of a sudden. She stared at him with bright ruby eyes. "This may seem a bit odd of me, but… Would you like to dance?""Milady?"Cordelia held her hand out to him with a small smile. Unlike with Chrom earlier, she felt no rush of anxiety or embarrassment with Frederick. As he graciously took her hand and led her to the dance floor, she felt oddly at ease.It helped that he turned out to be quite the dance partner.As they waltzed, Robin and Lyn dance in perfect sync on the center of the floor. They held each other close, gazing longingly into each other's eyes. Unlike the dance they shared in Plegia, they could enjoy this moment to the fullest. With the war officially over, now nothing could stop them from spending time with each other…Robin's hands rested on her waist, and Lyn's arms fell around his neck as they turned and swayed to the music in each other's loving embrace. Soon Robin grew bold and leaned for a kiss; one Lyn was all too happy to give him.At last the song ended, and the couples split as a livelier piece began to play. Lyn kissed Robin on the cheek before stepping out for some fresh air. Chrom smiled as he approached him."Well, it's about time."Robin laughed a little bit, blushing. "I'll say…""How are your injuries?""Much better now. There's still a bit of soreness here and there, but… I'm just happy to be alive, Chrom.""So am I," Chrom said with a grin. His face grew serious soon afterwards. "Robin… Can I speak with you for just a moment? Something has me concerned.""Sure thing." He nodded. "Lead the way."The pair left the ballroom. They walked until they reached the tree in the courtyard where Emmeryn had been buried. The orange glow of the sunset enveloped the land."What's on your mind, Chrom?""Before Gangrel died… He said some things to me," he admitted. "He said that the Crusade my father started had gone on for much longer than I thought.""... How much longer?""He said they killed his parents, Robin. This whole time I thought that my father only did those horrible things after my mother died. That didn't justify it at all, but…"Chrom sighed. "Robin. I get the distinct feeling that someone in the council lied to me. Lied to Emmeryn, even."Robin nodded slowly, his face falling as he took in the implications of his words. "... I see.""Worse still… I'm afraid this war may not be the last we fight.""Huh?""Gangrel said there's a man across the sea who's stronger than us all," Chrom said, frowning. He clenched his fist. "Should he threaten us one day, or even others… We have to be ready. We can't rely on the Khans' strength forever. We should never attack the innocent… but we have to be prepared to defend them."Robin's eyes widened. "So what you're saying is…""Yes." Chrom nodded with a firm expression. "We need to assemble an army.""I agree.""You do?!""I trust you, Chrom." Robin smiled earnestly. "I know you would never do what your father did even with that much manpower at your disposal. As long as you stand by your principles… I'll stand by you. Now and always.""Robin… Thank you." Chrom sighed in relief. "I thought you'd call me some sort of warmonger!"He laughed and shook his head. "That's not you, Chrom…That's not you.""I'm not going to jump into this right away, of course. My first order of business is to heal the damages caused by Gangrel's reign. Once Ylisse is more stable… Then we can start our plans in earnest. I know this is no small undertaking, but I think we'll succeed in due time. And we'll bring those in the Council who deceived us to justice while we're at it.""I know we will," Robin said, grabbing his hand and giving it a firm squeeze. Chrom squeezed back in return. "I know we will.""Indeed." He grinned. "Ah, but enough talk of war and work! We should take the time to relax while we still can."Robin grinned back as Chrom wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Heh. Well said… Commander.""Not this again…"It was almost midnight when Robin and Lyn finally bid their friends goodnight. Elated by the festivities, the two continued to engage in lively chatter as Lyn escorted Robin back to his room on the second floor of the castle."Well, here we are," Robin said as they neared the oaken door."Here we are," Lyn repeated with a small laugh. She grabbed his hands and held them, green eyes aglow with glee. "I had such a fun time tonight, Robin… I wish every day could be like this."He smiled back at her. "Me too, Lyn. I think I'm at my happiest when I'm with you…""Robin…"Even though it'd been at least a month since they confessed their feelings, Robin couldn't help but blush whenever they were alone like this. It felt like his entire head would burst into flame any moment. He truly hoped she wouldn't take his words the wrong way, but…"Um… Lyn…""Yes?"Robin moved off to the side, not meeting her eye. "You don't… happen to have a room here in the castle, do you?""No." She shook her head. It was then that Lyn's mind traveled elsewhere; the implication made her face flush as well. "Oh. Oh! You mean—""Forgive me. I didn't mean anything untoward. I'm sure there's more than a few guest rooms Chrom can—""No!" Lyn repeated more forcefully this time. She rubbed her arm. "Er… I mean…"
Focus, Lyn. Get it together…
"I trust you, Robin," she said at last, standing up straight. "I know you're a gentleman… and I want to be near you too."Robin stopped wincing. "... Really?""Of course!" Lyn grabbed his hand, smiling. "I've always kinda wondered what your room looked like anyway.""Well, alright then…"When Robin entered the room, he lit what few candles he had with the snap of his fingers; a parlor trick Miriel had taught him long ago. Meanwhile, Lyn's eyes lit up when she followed him in. It might've been called modest by royal standards, but to someone who hadn't much gold to her name, the place looked inviting and then some. There was a wooden desk near the door, a large mirror set atop a dresser, and a giant bed with the softest-looking sheets she'd seen in quite some time. Light blue curtains hung in front of the windows; moonlight shone through.It wasn't anything like the gers she grew up in, but there was beauty to it all the same."Make yourself at home," Robin said with a smile. He hung his cloak on a chair near his desk and sat on his bed. "It's… a bit much for me, isn't it?"Lyn giggled. "Not at all. It's comfy!"Robin laughed, but he soon found himself out of words to say. Lyn had placed her gloves on his desk and left her boots by his chair. Robin felt his heart beat faster when she sat down next to him.When he glanced at her and saw a smiling face, he relaxed and smiled back at her.This time it was Lyn who initiated the kiss. She buried her hands in his hair as she savored the surprisingly soft texture of his lips. Robin laid backwards, his head hitting the pillow. He cupped her face with his hand as he deepened the kiss.The two stayed that way for quite some time before they parted. Lyn propped herself above him with either of her hands. Robin's cheeks were just as flushed as her, but as he stared into her eyes, he saw an emotion within her that he'd never seen before."Robin…" Her voice was breathy. Needy. "I… I've never felt this way about anyone before...""Me neither…" He cupped her face, brushing her cheek with his thumb. "I love you, Lyn. You live in my heart."A tear escaped her eye as she smiled. "And you live in mine…"Lyn reached up and pulled off the hairband that kept her ponytail in place. Long viridian hair now flowed down her back completely unrestrained. Illuminated by the candles and the moonlight, Robin thought she could rival a goddess.As they kissed and held each other all night long, one thing was certain between them. No matter what strife or how many wars they faced, nothing could ever break the bond they shared.Not even death.As the Ylisseans celebrated the peace they fought tooth and nail for, they remained blissfully unaware of their neighbors across the sea. The continent of Valm sat west of Plegia. Once known as the One Kingdom of Valentia, the continent had long since split apart into several countries. The snowy northwestern territory of New Rigel, once simply named after Valm itself, housed a magnificent castle. It had stood for at least two-thousand years and was now under the thumb of another ambitious emperor.Imposing crimson armor encased a massive body as he drummed his fingers on one of his throne's arms. Lengthy white hair cascaded from his head like a river of death. Most intimidating of all were his eyes, pupiless and devoid of warmth.It wasn't long before one of his generals burst into the room, clad in dark armor and clearly out of breath."Y-Your Excellency! Sir!""Speak, Farber. Quickly.""Negotiations with Chon'sin were… less than successful." Farber placed his hands behind his back and made eye contact with him. "Of the thousand men sent there, only about half returned... and most of them injured at that."The emperor closed his eyes and released a deep sigh. He startled Farber when he rose from his seat, grabbing the massive red axe resting at its side."Fine."He slung it over his shoulder effortlessly."I'll do it myself."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The northwest corner of Valm experienced heavy snowfall year-round. The imperial soldiers and servants inside Castle Valm were used to such an unforgiving climate, but when the Emperor announced his sudden plans to leave on his own, all were stunned. Even Farber, his most loyal general, begged him not to go.But Walhart's mind was already made up. The faraway southern nation of Chon'sin had resisted him for far too long. Now that they'd spilled the blood of his soldiers, retribution was inevitable.A single red carpet of impressive length laid unfurled down the middle of the main hall. Dozens upon dozens of imperial soldiers in red and silver armor stood on either side of it. Many held brass instruments and played a rousing march as their champion walked into the room. He strode down the carpet in his crimson greaves; his matching armor clanked with every step. A massive red axe, the Wolf Berg, was slung over his shoulder. Long white hair flowed down his back and over his dark cape.Two figures stood near the castle's main entrance. The first, General Farber, had his hands clasped behind his back. He wore black and gray armor with red accents; a wide crimson collar flourished from his neck. He'd delivered the news regarding Chon'sin's resistance not even an hour ago. When Walhart refused his insistence to stay and deploy more soldiers in his stead, Farber was quick to ready his horse.The second figure, on the other hand, still hadn't come to terms with the decision."B-b-but, Your Excellency!" a short, rotund man screeched. He was dressed in luxurious red robes; makeup adorned his face. "Surely it would be wiser to—""No.""B-but…"Walhart stopped in his tracks and gave him a fierce glare. Many across Valm were unnerved by his lack of pupils; his underling was no exception. He gulped and ran a hand through his short purple hair, giggling nervously."Er, th-that is to say—""Silence, Excellus! Your attempts to subdue Chon'sin via persuasion still have yet to bear fruit after all this time," he criticized. "If they shall not willingly join us on our noble quest, they shall do so by force.""Y-yes, of course! I agree wholeheartedly, Your Excellency." He quickly nodded. "I merely have concerns regarding your plans to travel to Chon'sin on your lonesome. Would it not be wiser to rally the whole of our army against them?""Excellus, we have thousands of soldiers scattered across the continent. If I travel south of here and rendezvous with those stationed in Fort Steiger to the east, we should have no trouble dealing with them," Walhart asserted. "Mobilizing everyone here would take far too long. We must strike hard and fast."Excellus sighed. He had been appointed tactician of the Empire years ago, but even in spite of that…"Do you not trust me, Your Excellency?""On the contrary, Excellus. I trust you about as far as I can throw you." Walhart leaned in close, towering over him. "Would you like a demonstration?""Eep! N-n-no, Your Excellency!""Good. Now get out of my way."He did so with haste. The Emperor walked past him as his soldiers continued playing their march behind them. Farber briefly shot Excellus a glare before following him outside. Excellus glared back, grinding his teeth in silent fury.Such impudence! Have they no idea who they speak to?!A wicked grin made its way across his face. Of course they didn't; not if they still kept him around after all this time. His infiltration of the Valmese continent would serve the Grimleal well in the coming years. For now though, he'd have to do Aversa's bidding in the hopes that she might offer him high prestige amongst their brethren one day.Or, better yet… Offer him her place entirely."Nwehehehe… One day…"The frigid air nipped at Walhart's face as he approached the castle stables. Farber walked close to him; the small flame he conjured in his hand gave them some warmth. In truth, the Emperor felt better knowing that his soldiers and servants would stay and guard the castle. He was more than confident in his own strength, as well as that of those he would gather along the way.It was Excellus he was concerned about.Five years ago, the man had approached Castle Valm in tattered rags, tearfully looking for a place to call home. His skill with strategy earned him a place in his army as his chief tactician. His surprising knowledge of politics eventually earned him the rank of Chancellor, with him originally overseeing Walhart's tiny home country of Valm. As the Empire grew in size and seized lands east and south of the castle, Excellus grew in wealth and influence. He had proven his worth and dedication to the Empire time and time again, but one could never be too careful.A painful lesson Walhart was all too familiar with.
Never again…
In the stables, he mounted his horse. The beast was the strongest of its kind, able to travel far and fast even with its massive red armor and emperor weighing it down. Its black coat underneath was shiny and scarless—a testament to both it and its rider's skill. Walhart patted his horse on the head before Farber handed him a sack of provisions."You have my thanks, General. If there is nothing more to be said, I shall be off."Farber cleared his throat. "Actually, Your Excellency… I have a humble request.""A request? From you?" Walhart raised an eyebrow. "This is a novelty. Speak.""I wish to travel to Chon'sin with you," he said, standing tall. "I have seen your strength firsthand a thousand times. While I have no doubt you can handle the journey on your own, I still believe you should consider bringing me along—at least until we reach Fort Steiger. My horse is already fed and stocked with supplies for the trip.""Hmph." Walhart almost smiled. "Diligent as always. Very well, Farber. You may come along. A word of warning, however: this journey will take a couple of months at the very least. Likely longer as more of our soldiers join us.""I am well aware," Farber said with a neutral expression; truthfully, he was overjoyed. "We can rest and restock at our strongholds along the way.""Indeed... Mount your horse, general. We leave at once."The morning sun rose valiantly over Ylisse. Its radiant warmth ushered in an era of peace. Birds sang, flowers bloomed, and neighbors greeted each other more warmly than ever before. Emmeryn's death had been a great blow to commonfolk and nobility alike, but the Mad King's own demise and Plegia's subsequent silence set them at ease. The return of Chrom and his Shepherds was met with much applause and celebration. His insistence upon letting commoners attend last night's ball only strengthened their favorable opinions of their future exalt.For the first time in ages, the country was beneath a new light.In one of Castle Ylisstol's many chambers, the Shepherds' esteemed tactician slept soundly in his bed. Robin didn't even stir as sunlight permeated his curtains and landed his face; slumber had long since claimed him. The previous night's events left him exhausted.Exhausted… but content.Nestled up against him on his left, meanwhile, was Lyn. Despite having woken up some time ago, she was in no hurry to get up. Her eyes were closed as she laid her head against his bare chest, smiling at the sound of his heartbeat. Last night had been like a dream come true for her. To dance and celebrate with her beloved, knowing that they'd both helped their new friends restore peace to the land… Lyn hadn't felt this elated since they defeated Nergal and the Fire Dragon.Only now she had Robin.Her face grew hot as more of last night's memories filled her head. Then and now she enjoyed the feeling of his touch. The warmth of his skin against her own. It was all so new to her… but welcome all the same. Even as Robin's heartbeat remained the way it was, Lyn felt her own speed up.She shifted to get a better look at his face. His snowy locks were messier than usual, splayed out against his pillow, but she didn't care. If anything she only thought it made him look cuter. With a quiet giggle, Lyn leaned over and pressed her lips to his cheek."Mm… Good morning, darling," Robin said, yawning. He rubbed his eyes for a moment before grinning at her. "Heh. Or should I say dar-Lyn?""Ughhh..." She rolled her eyes, but her smile only grew as her face reddened. "If you were anyone else, I swear… Did you sleep well at least?""Better than I have in a long time. How are you holding up?""Mm…" Lyn sat up and stretched. The sheets bunched up in her lap. "Still a little sore… And my feet are killing me too.""Oh… Want a massage? I don't claim to have the strongest or most skilled hands, but…"She laughed and shook her head. "I couldn't ask that of you, Robin. You must be pretty tired yourself after last night!""I suppose so. Tired, but… happy." Robin smiled at her."I'm glad." Lyn smiled back. She laid back down to peck him on the lips; he was all too glad to return the favor as he wrapped his arms around her. " Hehe... I can't believe we're really a couple now…""Me neither. I've never really, uh, done research on this sort of thing though… All I really know is that couples like calling each other pet names.""Oh, I see." She nodded. For some reason, a wave of bashfulness washed over her. "W-well, uh… How about… Sugar Pie?""... Honey Bunch?"The two looked at each other for a moment. Then they broke out into wild laughter, rolling away from each other."This… hahaha! This is ridiculous, isn't it?" Lyn wiped a tear from her eye.Robin snickered, equally amused. "A bit."His grin relaxed as he stared at her. Before last night, he'd never seen Lyn with her hair down before; not that he could remember anyway. Given its length and volume, he could certainly see why she'd tie it up for practicality. But now that they were alone like this…and with the sun's golden glow enveloping her, no less..."You look beautiful with your hair down," he said without thinking. "A-ah! No, I mean, you always look beautiful to me, Lyn, but—Mmph!"Lyn lunged and silenced him with a kiss. She smirked when she heard a muffled squeak escape his throat. Then she pulled back and stared into his deep brown eyes. "Thank you, Robin. You're not so bad yourself, you know? I kinda miss your brown hair, but if anyone can make white look good it's you…""Oh…" He flushed. "W-well, I think you're the prettiest girl with green hair I've ever met…"Lyn pouted. "Because you've met so many, right?""Ah! I mean—""Relax, I'm kidding…" She chuckled. "Goodness… Have a little more confidence in yourself, yeah?""Confidence," Robin repeated with a nod. "Right... Sorry."She laid back down, snuggling up to him. "No worries, Robin. I'm just glad we're together like this. I think part of me has been wanting this for a long time now…""Me too, Lyn," he admitted as he held her. "But… how long, exactly?"By now her face was practically aflame. She hid it in the crook of his neck and mumbled, "Don't make me say it…"Robin couldn't help but grin at both her words and the contact. "Say what?"Lyn felt as though her heart would explode. She loved him as early as meeting him again in that arena; before then, even. When she found him on the plains of her homeland, they became fast friends. Lyn protected him with her blade and Robin protected her with his tactical advice. They were practically inseparable, but it wasn't until Lundgren died that she realized just how much he meant to her.When he left her.
The day was theirs.
Though Castle Caelin had suffered some damage, Lyn and her legion of friends and comrades-in-arms had succeeded. Kent, Sain, Florina, Wil, Dorcas, Erk, Serra, Rath, Matthew, Nils, Lucius, Wallace… and Robin. They'd all played a part in today's victory, but it was ultimately Lyn herself—Lundgren's own flesh and blood—who'd ended his life with the Mani Katti. Afterwards, she hurried to Lord Hausen's bedside and tearfully embraced the grandfather she never knew she had.
She hugged her friends and allies afterwards, overjoyed at their victory and her grandfather's newfound resolve to keep living. Her smile disappeared when she noticed that Robin wasn't among them. Kent and Sain informed her that they saw him wander off on his own towards a nearby hill. When Lyn rode with them to a grassy hill overlooking Castle Caelin, she found Robin there. He sat under a tree with a pensive frown on his face. The sun was setting behind him. His hair was shoulder-length and brown; the emerald cloak he wore hid most of his body from view.
Kent was quick to drag Sain away, giving them some privacy as Lyn approached him.
"Robin! There you are." She placed her hands on her hips and frowned. "Where were you? We were worried sick!"
He glanced at her in surprise. "Oh, Lyn! I'm sorry. I just… came up here to think, I suppose. How's your grandfather?"
"Much better now that Lundgren is gone." Lyn grinned with confidence. A pleasant breeze swept over them both, making her ponytail sway. "Robin... I just wanted to say thanks. You've stood by my side all this time… Your companionship and tactical knowledge have saved us—saved ME—more times than I can count…""Oh, stop..." He looked off to the side, smiling just a little. "You'll make me blush… Besides, there's no need to thank me, Lyn. I helped you because I wanted to.""Still…" She wrung her hands together, her cheeks heating up. "Um… Robin? I have a proposal to make.""H-huh?!" Robin's heart thumped in his chest."Will you stay at Castle Caelin? Will you be my… OUR tactician?""Oh…"
He calmed down, but his heart sank as he did. Part of him wanted her to ask something else, but the rest of him knew exactly why that wouldn't work. Why it wouldn't be fair to her even if she wanted it just as much as he did...
"Lyn, I…" Robin sighed. His gaze fell on the grass in front of him. "I'm leaving soon."
Lyn gasped at once, a hand flying to her mouth. "You… What?! You're leaving?!"
"Yes," he answered with a frown. He couldn't even look her in the eye. "Lyn, it's not you, I promise. I just… want to see more of the world. I want to hone my tactical skills and become a master tactician.""I…" Lyn nodded, but she didn't look at him either. Her arms fell to her sides. The air felt colder somehow. "I understand. I won't ask you to stay if that's the case. It's just… I'll miss you. When I found you unconscious on the plains… I had no idea we would be together for so long. You've helped us all so much, and… and I'm sure you've learned all you can from us too.""Lyn…"
He finally gathered the courage to look up. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, but she smiled all the same. "You'll do just fine on your own, Robin. I have the utmost faith that you'll become a master tactician someday… That's from someone who's seen you at work!"
Lyn held her smile, but she wiped at her eyes with a gloved hand. "W-well then... Take care… I… I h-hope I'll see you again, Robin! I'm sure that I will someday…!"
Robin reached a hand out to her, but she had already run off. With a heavy heart and blurred vision, he brought his knees to his chest.
"Lyn… Goodbye…""Lyn?"She gasped as she found herself back in the present, still lying next to Robin. Lyn's eyes instinctively landed on his face. He'd changed so much since that day in Caelin without even knowing. How much time had truly passed since they first met? She found Robin on the plains six months after her parents died, Lundgren was dead within another six, and then she didn't see him again for an entire year after he left. And then Eliwood felled Nergal within a year of their reunion… And she had no idea how much time had passed since she first arrived in Regna Ferox. More than a few months… Perhaps another year?
Has it really been four whole years?
"Lyn?" Robin asked again, frowning. Concern pooled in his eyes as he waved a hand in front of her face. "You've been quiet for a little while now...""Ah! I'm sorry, Robin." Lyn shook her head and sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I was lost in the past… What were we talking about again?""I asked you when you started to realize your feelings for me…" He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Was that weird? I'm sorry...""No, no! Goodness no," came her frantic response. "It feels like I've known you for a lifetime, Robin, but… I realized how I felt about you when we beat Lundgren. When… When you left me."Lyn explained the events of that evening in painstaking detail. Robin didn't remember any of it, but it felt as though a stake was being driven through his heart all the same. He abandoned her. They'd grown so close in such a short amount of time… and he abandoned her. All for reasons that seemed flimsy at best. Robin recognized the importance of exploring new sights and learning new things, but what good were these experiences if he had no one to share them with?"Robin," she whispered, leaning in close. She touched his face. "Are you alright?""I… I should be asking you that!" Robin moved away from her and sat up, his legs falling over the side of the bed. "... Sorry. I just… Lyn, I am so sorry I did that to you. I don't know what could have compelled me to leave your side, but whatever it was… it couldn't have been worth it. Not if it hurt you like that."He hid his face in his hands. Lyn's heart ached at the sight. She hadn't brought it up to hurt him; she only wanted him to know how deep her emotions ran. How long she had wanted to be with him. Crawling over to him, she wrapped her arms around Robin from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder."Shh… Hey," she gently whispered in his ear. "It's okay. I know you had your reasons…You probably wanted to broaden your horizons, and you couldn't have done that if you stayed in Caelin all your life. It'd be like keeping a bird in a cage…"He almost smiled. The fitting comparison in relation to his name was not lost on him regardless of whether it was intentional. Lyn's words and touch warmed his heart more than words could express… but he hardly felt as though he deserved it."Lyn… Thank you," he said after what felt like forever. He didn't want her to let go. "I still have no idea why I ever thought about leaving in the first place though. Nothing out there could have made me happier than you do…""Silver tongue much?" she joked. They both chuckled as she continued to hold him. "Like I said, I'm sure you had your reasons. Maybe you had other friends out there to return to. Or..."Lyn paused as a sobering thought crossed her mind. The Robin she met on the plains never spoke about his life prior to meeting her; he said he couldn't remember anything then either. The idea of someone losing their memories twice in one lifetime was horrible enough, but... did he have a family of his own back in Elibe? Parents?A lover, maybe…?"Robin," Lyn said, her voice decidedly less jovial than before. She let go of him and moved over, sitting on his right. "... Have you remembered anything new lately? Anything at all?""Beyond what you've told me today? No," he admitted. Robin looked over at her; he grew worried when he saw her stare at the floor and bite her lip. "Hey… Are you alright?""You don't remember anything about your parents?" She cut through his question with her own. Lyn knew what the answer would most likely be, but she had to know for sure. "Anything at all?"Robin shook his head. "I don't, Lyn. I can't remember ever even having a family. I must have at some point, but almost everything before meeting Chrom in that field is just… buried. I don't even remember how we reunited in Elibe."Lyn perked up at the memory. "Oh, that's an easy one! Castle Caelin was under assault and you showed up with Eliwood and Hector. Imagine my surprise at seeing you and Eliwood again after all that time... Oh, and Dorcas too!""Dorcas?" He scratched his chin as he racked his brain. "Dorcas… Was he the one with brown hair?"She giggled. "No, silly! That must've been Bartre; Dorcas's hair was red. Dorcas's wife had brown hair, though. Her name is Natalie.""I see…""Hmm…" Lyn folded her arms and tilted her head, thinking. "Well… What do you remember about Elibe? Maybe if we start from there it'll jog your memory."Robin thought long and hard. Lyn could provide all the details in the world about their escapades—and she surely had at some point or another—but hearing about those things secondhand was a far cry from being able to remember them."I definitely remember the first time we met," he said with confidence. "We were in a tent.""A ger," she corrected, trying not to laugh."Right, a ger. And…Oh!" Robin gave a toothy grin. "I remember Lyndis's Legion."Lyn couldn't help herself at that; she covered her mouth as she chuckled. "Of all the names for Wil to come up with…""Wil! He was the archer of the group, right? Brown hair?""Right!" Lyn cheered. She grasped his hands in her own, just as eager to hear this as the first time he recounted this memory. "Do you remember anyone else?"He squeezed her hands. "I do. It was us, Wil, two cavaliers in green and red… Sain and Kent?""Yes! And…?" She gave him an expectant look."Florina!" Robin finished with a bright grin. "She was a pegasus knight!""That's right! She's my closest friend. I met her a few years before you and the rest of our allies." Lyn grinned nostalgically as the younger girl crossed her mind. "Heh… She was always a little afraid of you. You and the rest of the men, actually…""What? Why?"She shook her head. "She's always been a bit meek around men. No idea why though… That's just how she is.""Heh… I don't imagine she and Lon'qu would get along…""Not at all!" She couldn't help but chuckle some more. Lyn's amusement subsided soon after, but she kept holding Robin's hands. She clutched them as if he'd vanish into thin air if she didn't. "So that's it then? You really don't remember anything else?""I don't... " Robin sighed and hung his head. "Honestly, I don't even remember how I ended up in Ylisse in the first place… Or how I wound up in the clothes that I did."Lyn bit her lip. The strange, ominous cloak he wore everywhere was still a mystery to her—a far cry from the familiar green cloak he used to wear—but she remembered their last night in Caelin all too well. What was supposed to be a normal evening had quickly spiraled out of control when she saw a man standing over Robin.A man who looked just like he did now."Robin… We were in Castle Caelin," she explained. "We made plans to go back home to Sacae after Hector said he'd take Caelin under Ostia's protection. When you left me to pack your things… You were attacked. By a man who looks just like you.""You're kidding!" he exclaimed in disbelief. He'd been so caught up in assisting Chrom and the others in the present that he'd given little thought as to how he ended up near Southtown. Even so, he hadn't been expecting that. Seeing Lyn's serious, unchanging expression made him calm down. "You're not kidding, are you?""Do you really think I'd lie to you, Robin? Especially about something like this?"He stared her in the eye. "... No. I know you better than that. I just can't believe it… Do you remember anything else about him?""He was tough," Lyn told him, glaring. "I couldn't even scratch him. He used magic, and then he opened some sort of… doorway. Like the Dragon's Gate.""The Dragon's Gate…" His eyes widened. He recalled hearing her briefly mention something like that long ago, shortly after they reunited in Regna Ferox. "You mean like a portal? To another world?""Yes. This world." She nodded. Lyn ran a hand through his hair, taking in its softness and color. "I'm not sure what he was after, but whatever he did to you… It turned your hair white.""Well that explains that change at least…"Robin frowned. He knew she was telling the truth, and yet… It all sounded so hard to believe. Like something out of a child's imagination or one of Sumia's novels. Then again, with all the strangeness they'd encountered across both worlds…"I'm sorry, Lyn.""What? Why are you apologizing?" Lyn's heart sank. She stared at the floor as the memories of that night flooded her mind. "I was the one who couldn't stop him from taking you. I couldn't protect you…"He stroked her face with a gentle grin. "But you came for me. You gave up a comfortable life back home and risked your life just to make sure I was okay…"She giggled a little. "Silly Robin…""Huh?"Her hand traveled upwards until it rested against the one on her face. She gazed into his eyes, smiling softly all the while. "It wouldn't have been a life worth living if you weren't in it...""Lyn…" Robin couldn't believe his ears. Even so, his heart filled with joy and adoration. He leaned forward and kissed her. "Thank you. Truly. Those words… Your kindness… It's more than I deserve.""It isn't." She kissed him in return. "Not now and not ever.""If you say so… I'm sorry, Lyn.""Don't be," she whispered, mimicking him and stroking his cheek with her free hand. Lyn leaned in close and softly pressed her lips against his a few more times. When she pulled back, she was beaming; her eyes sparkled with hope and adoration. "None of what happened is your fault. We'll find the person responsible, and we have all the time in the world to help you get your memories back. And in the meantime… We can make new memories too. Together. What do you say?"Robin couldn't help but admire her beauty. Not just her outer beauty, but her inner beauty as well. Someone who was so strong and formidable, yet also kind and patient… It touched him more than words could express. He answered her question in the form of a tender kiss.And another.And another.Thirty minutes passed before Robin received a knock at the door courtesy of Frederick. He groaned as he remembered that Chrom wanted to meet with the High Council while they were all still in the capital. Before getting out of bed, Robin took the opportunity to kiss Lyn one last time. With a dreamy sigh, she rolled out of bed herself.Once the two were finished getting ready, Lyn made her way to the door. She turned to him and asked, "Robin?""Yes?"She gave him a warm smile. "... I love you."Robin's cheeks went red, but he returned the smile tenfold. "I love you too, Lyn. Now and always."An involuntary giggle escaped her lips. "Good. See you in a bit!"Lyn left with a spring in her step. Robin watched her leave before approaching his dresser and examining himself in the mirror. After putting on his gloves and primping his hair a bit, he gave himself a toothy smirk. Aside from the cloak that was still draped over his chair, he looked the same. He would have called himself passably attractive on a good day, but now that he knew that she loved him…He felt like a god.As Lyn strolled through the castle gardens, her heart soared. This new world seemed so much brighter now. Various flowers in shades of red, white and pink filled her vision, bursting with life. They swayed among neatly cut green hedges as a light breeze swept through the gardens. She savored the sweet aroma; in a way, it almost reminded her of home.She hummed a little tune to herself as she reentered the castle. She and Robin would surely return to the plains of Sacae soon enough, but not until making sure Chrom and Lissa didn't need them anymore.
I can't wait to see everyone again…
With peace restored to the land, Lissa and Maribelle felt comfortable returning to their usual morning pastimes: breakfast in the dining hall, tea and elderberry crumpets in the gardens, and the age-old art of gossiping."Did you hear?" Maribelle asked Lissa as they rounded a corner in the castle. "Apparently our dear tactician and his lovely swordswoman left the ball together last night!""Yeah, so?" Lissa raised an eyebrow. A couple of seconds passed before the implication set in. "Oh. Oh! You mean… together-together?""Yes, darling! I hear they even shared a room!""You're kidding! I mean, I knew they loved each other, but…""They're not even married yet!" Maribelle excitedly whispered. "Why, to do such a thing before then is simply…""Simply…""Scandalous~!" they sang in unison.The girls giggled to themselves. As they did, a third entity watched from the shadows. Their merriment came to an end as they felt a chill run down their spines. When they looked all around, whatever was watching them had disappeared."Yeesh…" Lissa shivered and rubbed her shoulders. "Did it get cold in here or is it just me?"Maribelle narrowed her eyes at a pillar on her right. "I felt it too, darling. Something—or perhaps someone—is clearly displeased with this rumor… which is simply a rumor, might I add! Nothing more!"Silence greeted her. She gave an indignant "Hmph!" before turning back to Lissa. The two continued to talk about various topics as they walked past royal guards and servants. Maribelle giggled when Lissa told a joke at Vaike's expense. She was in the midst of telling her own joke when she abruptly trailed off. Her eyes grew large and her jaw dropped as she spotted something behind Lissa."Maribelle, what's wrong?" Lissa furrowed her brow. "… Maribelle?""Oh. My. Gods."She grabbed her by the shoulders and whirled her around. Lissa gasped. Strutting down the hall was none other than Robin himself. He wasn't wearing his usual cloak. His normal, unassuming walk was replaced by a confident stride as he snapped his fingers. He nodded as he passed some of the castle staff. Then he formed L-shapes with his fingers and pointed at them. Once in a while he'd pause to clap his hands and spin them before holding them above his head, shaking his hips to nonexistent music. At one point, he even slid past a baffled Cordelia with his arms outstretched. Then he greeted her with a thumbs-up and a grin.When he finally reached Lissa and Maribelle, he strode past them without so much as a hello before suddenly spinning on his heel and pointing at them."Good morning, ladies!" Robin crooned. "And what a beautiful morning it is. Stay charming!"He walked away, still snapping his fingers. Lissa and Maribelle turned to each other, completely dumbstruck, before breaking out into a raucous fit of laughter."Wha—" Lissa snorted. "Wha… What was tha-ha-haaat?! Ahahaha!"Maribelle clutched her side with one hand and covered her mouth with the other. "Eee hee hee hee! Ohohoho!""Hey! What's so funny?"They straightened up the moment they saw Lyn. She wore an amicable expression and the Sacaean clothes she loved so much. She must not have seen Robin's antics if her question was any indication."Ah… Ahem." Maribelle cleared her throat a little loudly, still red in the face from laughter. "Pay it no mind, dearest Lyndis. Lissa and I here were merely reminiscing about the good old days. Nothing more, nothing less!"Lyn rolled her eyes. No matter how many times she tried to tell the more "proper" individuals that "Lyn" was just fine, they insisted on the formality all the same. She had a feeling the younger girl was lying to her, but she was willing to leave it alone for now.Or, at least, she would have been willing to were it not for Lissa's failed attempts at keeping a straight face."What? What is it?" Lyn asked, almost chuckling herself."N-nothing…" Lissa cleared her throat just as Maribelle had, only with less poise. She struggled to think of another conversation topic. "Um… So… Uuuugh! I can't take it anymore! How are you and Robin doing lately?""Lissa!" she and Maribelle cried."C'mooon, spill the details! You two are together now, right?"Lyn's face went beet red. She knew Lissa was hardly what one would call a prim and proper princess—a similarity they shared, come to think about it—but she had no idea she would just come out and say it like that! And in front of Maribelle no less!
Still… Sacaeans don't lie. And if it'll get her off my back…
"We're together now, yes," she answered with a straight face."Oh, how splendid!" Maribelle's eyes lit up as a smile graced her face. "Pardon my vocabulary, darling, but it's about darn time! Do you have any idea how long Lissa and I were waiting for you two to confess? And we were not the only ones, I can tell you that much!""I..." Lyn coughed, feeling her face heat up. "Well, now you know!""Did he kiss you? Was he good at it?""Maribelle!"Maribelle giggled. She fanned her rapidly reddening face. "Oh, my. A thousand apologies, Lyndis. It seems I've forgotten myself in all the excitement."Lissa laughed and folded her arms. "Oh, they kissed alright!""Lissa, please," Lyn groaned. "I'm not ashamed of my feelings for Robin in the slightest, but do you have to blab it to everybody?"With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes and smiled. "... But yes. I enjoyed it very much.""Cuuuute!" the two younger girls cried.As they continued to gush about it, Lyn shook her head in embarrassment and walked away. It seemed even Little Miss Maribelle couldn't resist the temptation of gossip. She only hoped the two would find something more interesting to talk about before everyone in the castle found out.
Or everyone in the country… Good grief.
At Chrom's insistence, the High Council of Ylisse assembled in one of the castle's war rooms. The room had a high ceiling and colorful stained glass windows. Almost everyone who had been present at the last meeting months prior took their seat at the roundtable.In the chair closest to the back of the room, Chrom sat with Robin on his right and Frederick standing at his left. Under normal circumstances he might have asked why the former wasn't wearing his cloak, but there were more important matters to discuss at the moment. Besides, some of the nobles likely would have commented on its… interesting design.
Maybe it's better this way. The last thing I need is someone doubting his allegiance after all he's done for us…
As the last chairman sat down, a sobering realization hit Chrom. This would be his first political meeting without Emmeryn. He'd made peace with her death long ago, but she was always the more diplomatic of the two. Lissa was educated enough, but still a bit young for meetings like this; neither he nor Emmeryn had wanted to push her before she was ready.Without his older sister to rely on, Chrom would have to be a strong diplomat on his own merits. Strong… but reasonable."Chairmen of Ylisse," he addressed them, "I want to thank you all for meeting me here today. Last night's ball was a great success, and I am sincerely grateful that you all played a role in making it happen."There were many nods and grunts of approval. Chrom's gaze fixated on the pair of empty chairs on his left. "... That said, there is clearly much we must discuss. Despite our victory against Plegia, the Exalt is still dead. Furthermore, neither Hierarch Joseph nor Chairman Daniels seem to be present. Has anyone seen or heard from them since our last meeting?""The Hierarch has not been seen since the Exalt's kidnapping," one nobleman said. "As he was the only person with her at the time outside of the fallen pegasus knights, I believe it prudent to assume he too is deceased.""Were that not the case," another chairman added, "he surely would have returned to Ylisstol while you were away, Your Highness.""... I see." Chrom frowned. He stared down at the table before him; his leg bounced underneath it. "I'll have to seek out his next of kin and express my condolences to them personally. He served the royal family his entire life and never once faltered."Despite his own words, a seed of doubt sprouted in the back of his mind.
That still doesn't explain why he was so dead set on going with Emmeryn though…
"Chairman Daniels vanished near the Plegian-Themis border some time ago," a red-haired noble told him. Chrom saw much of Ricken in his face. "I think it's safe to assume the Grimleal may have taken advantage of the chaos and abducted him.""Damn!" Chrom swore. Some of the chairmen gasped; he recomposed himself shortly afterwards. "... My apologies. It seems we've lost some of our most prominent members. They will be missed."While many of the council members hung their heads quietly, a pale hand found its way into the air. It belonged to an aging gentleman in lavish green robes. Many of his once-blonde hairs were gray. Chrom recognized him right away as Theodore, Duke of Themis and Maribelle's father."Your Highness, if I may be so bold as to interject," Theodore said, "I truly hope Mister Lowenthal is not insinuating that my men would fail in their innate duty to protect an Ylissean, especially one of the High Council.""Chairman Lowenthal. And I am merely stating the facts." The other nobleman glared at him. "Themis is the closest Ylissean territory to Plegia. It's been ravaged by bandits and Grimleal cultists time and time again. This would not be the first time your soldiers failed a Ylissean of high prestige."Chrom felt a flash of anger. He knew all too well that the chairman was referring to the death of his mother, Queen Gaia. For years, he'd been led to assume that her abduction and murder was what spurred his father to act. To wage bloody war and genocide against Plegia. But if what Gangrel said was true…He shot a pointed look at the chairman. The older man scrambled to correct himself. "Er… My sincerest apologies, Your Highness. I hadn't meant to dredge up old wounds. I merely meant to—""It's fine," Chrom said. It wasn't, not really, but he had to be better. To control himself in the name of diplomacy. "While we're on the topic… the former King of Plegia told me something during our final battle. Something about the Crusade."At this, many of the nobles grew tense. Their eyes were wide and uneasy as they looked all around the room. Several made eye contact with each other, but none with Chrom. He and Robin shared a suspicious glance. Frederick remained outwardly stoic as always, but his heart was filled with dread and shame."Gangrel told me the slaughter had gone on for far longer than I thought," Chrom confessed. Under the table, he clenched a fist. "Ever since I was a child, I was told that my father acted in retribution… But was that truly the case?"The nobles continued to avoid his gaze. It was just as he'd suspected; someone had to have known something, but not one of them said a word. No one was willing to talk.He wanted to scream. To jump up from his chair and demand that they just tell the truth. His father's actions were completely unjustifiable regardless of the circumstances, but the idea that they may have been entirely unprovoked drove him mad.And yet... he did not scream. He did not cry out. He kept his composure… just as she would have.Chrom felt a hand on his right shoulder. When he turned his head, Robin was looking at him with an unmistakable look of empathy."... I have a theory."Chrom looked over at Duke Themis again. The aging man wrung his hands together, no longer as confident as he once was. "I cannot claim to understand what your father was thinking at the time, Your Highness, but… I have a theory. I believe that, however horrid his actions were, his true target was the Grimleal, not Plegians as a whole."There were some murmurs among the council; some of agreement, some of ridicule. Chrom cleared his throat, silencing them, and continued to stare at Maribelle's father with a frown. "... Go on."Duke Themis nodded. "The Grimleal's rampant disregard for human life is appalling enough, but if the rumors are to be believed… They may have been trying to resurrect their dark god."This caught Chrom and Robin's attention. Unconsciously, the latter clutched his right hand under the table, thankful for the gloves he wore. He had no recollection of what the Brand meant or when he got it—Lyn had never made any mention of it either—but whatever its origins were, it couldn't have been good. Robin only hoped it was unrelated to the conversation at hand."Grima?" Chrom asked. He was no stranger to the tale of Grima and the First Exalt—Ylissean children heard it all the time—but the tale typically ended with the idea that the First Exalt sealed him away forever with Naga's aid. "So all those sacrifices… All those people senselessly killed…""It is… a reasonable theory," Chairman Lowenthal conceded, giving the duke a nod. "It certainly does not justify all the innocent Plegian lives lost to the conflict, but it does provide a sliver of logic as to Exalt Chronos's actions. Grima would have torn the world asunder had it not been for Naga and the First Exalt.""'Innocent Plegian lives,'" a much stockier noble repeated mockingly. His hair was curly and red; even his thick mustache and beard couldn't hide his sneer. "Impossible. Not when their entire country is run by a death cult. Do you see Naga worshippers running around killing people? No!"Chrom grit his teeth. Chairman Scotts had raised a reliable comrade and friend in Sully, but it was no mystery where she'd inherited her brashness from. The former knight had fought alongside Chrom's own father back in the day. It was a small wonder he felt the way he did even now."That hardly seems fair. Many of the Plegians we encountered on our journey wanted nothing to do with Gangrel or the Grimleal," Chrom argued. "A few even made it their mission to help us combat them."Robin smiled at that. Chairman Scotts did not, but he sat back in his chair and looked away with little else to say. "... Hmph.""So how shall we proceed from here, Your Highness?" Duke Themis inquired. There was a gleam in his pink eyes. "We clearly must get to the bottom of this matter, but what of our subjects? Many are still feeling the effects of the war even if they did not fight in it themselves.""My first and foremost priority will be to tend to the country's wounds," Chrom declared, sitting up in his chair. "I will personally visit each and every Ylissean village and city just as my sister would have."There were several gasps in the chamber. Robin and Frederick both stared at Chrom in surprise, but neither said a word."After Ylisse is back on its feet," he continued, "I shall look into rebuilding the Ylissean Army."There were many cries of approval and much applause."However," Chrom interjected, raising a finger; the applause came to a crawl. "Our army must only be used for self-defense or the defense of others. We must not abuse our power. We must not repeat my father's mistakes. Is that clear?"No one objected."... Thank you. We'll seek out soldiers both new and old when the time is right. Until then, we should reestablish our trade routes between both Ylissean territories and our allies up north.""Are you referring to those Feroxi barbarians?" Duke Themis gaped. "Surely you jest!""Like it or not, the people of Regna Ferox have helped us time and time again; we couldn't have defeated Plegia without their strength. I consider them friends and allies and, as such, will not tolerate such sentiment towards them in my presence.""Er… Y-yes, Your Highness. Of course.""If there's nothing else," Chrom said, "then you are all dismi—""I have a question."He fought the urge to sigh. "Yes, Duke Themis?""I understand that you've not formally claimed the rank of Exalt as your own," he said tentatively. "I personally think it is quite noble that you've abstained out of respect for Exalt Emmeryn, but… the people are eager for you to ascend, Your Highness. To become their next leader. To take a wife and produce an heir."Chrom groaned inwardly as he rubbed the bridge of his now-pink nose. Of course this would come up today. Emmeryn had never married, much less had children, so with everyone looking to him as their future Exalt, talk of an heir was inevitable. Perhaps he was naive to hope that this was the one thing that wouldn't be brought up…"All in due time, Duke Themis…" He couldn't look anyone in the eye. "All in due time.""You know, my darling Maribelle has plenty of marriage proposals waiting for her back home, but—""Priorities, Duke Themis," Chrom said, feeling more and more awkward by the second. "My first priority is my country and countrymen. I must put their needs before my own—now and always.""Ah…" The overly opportunistic duke shrank in his seat. "Y-yes, of course… My apologies, Your Highness.""We will meet again in a few months to discuss progress on Reconstruction. I shall send for you when it is time." Chrom signalled for Frederick to approach the table; the knight held a sizable scroll in one hand and a yardstick in another. "For now... "Frederick unfurled the paper over the table, revealing a map of the country. Chrom accepted the yardstick from him and used it to point at the northernmost Ylissean territory: Vaike's hometown of Dreadnaught, just south of the Ylissean-Feroxi border. As he spoke their names aloud, he pointed southwest of there to the Dukedom of Themis, then at Ylisstol and the Eastern Palace in the nearby forest before stopping on Southtown. Robin watched with great interest, as did many of the chairmen."We shall reestablish trade routes with all of these territories," Chrom reiterated, "and I will personally visit them myself. I also would like to visit any and all smaller villages between them."He looked at the small island southeast of Ylisse itself; the same he'd met Donnel on. "And Farfort Isle. The people there are largely self-sufficient, but I think they'd appreciate knowing that the war is over as well. I will make plans to visit these areas as soon as possible. Until then, if there are no more questions… You are all cordially dismissed. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your time."The chairmen applauded. Chrom smiled as Robin placed a gloved hand on his shoulder; he felt as though he could breathe a little easier now. Even if not every single noble was on board with his plans… Even if he still had yet to uncover the truth of the Crusade… He'd taken the first step. He only hoped that he'd be able to live up to his promises and be the leader Ylisse needed in this post-war period."That was excellent, Chrom," Robin said as the chairmen took their leave, patting him on the back. "Truly.""You think so?""I know it.""I agree with Robin," Frederick said, getting their attention. He smiled. "This meeting has given me much to think about, and I shall do anything and everything within my power to make your dreams a reality, milord.""Thank you… Both of you." Chrom stood from his chair. He looked up at the ceiling with a small grin. "Did you get all that, Gaius?""Huh?!""What?!"Their heads snapped upwards in shock. Sure enough, Gaius sat perched on one of the rafters in the shadows, mostly concealed from view. He jumped from his hiding place and landed on the floor near them, rolling to his feet with catlike grace."Oh hey," he greeted, smirking at Robin and Frederick. "What's up?""You were, apparently," Robin answered, still gawking at him. "... Were you up there this whole time?""Unfortunately." He sighed and folded his arms, frowning at Chrom. "Seriously though, Blue. Next time I have to sit through such a long snoozefest, I want snacks."Chrom chuckled. "I'm surprised you didn't bring any yourself…""Yeah, yeah…" Gaius's sharp eyes landed firmly on Robin. "Say… What happened to Bubbles's cloak?""Oh…" Robin blushed and rubbed his arm as he remembered the morning's events. "I just… forgot it, I suppose…""... Bubbles?" Chrom raised an eyebrow."Don't ask," came their unified response."Yes, yes, this is all very amusing," Frederick deadpanned, "but I hardly think it wise to allow such sensitive information to fall into the hands of a shameless vagabond, milord."Gaius held a hand out. "Tin Man, don't call me a vagabond, alright? I don't know what that means.""... Tin Man?""Frederick, I trust Gaius," Chrom told him. "If he had any intention of double-crossing us, I would think he'd have done it during the war.""True enough! Red and I've decided to throw our lot in with you guys permanently," he said with a bright grin. "Er… Red being Anna, obviously.""Truly?" Chrom and Frederick asked, the latter more disdainfully."Yup! And as Blue here already knows, my talents don't extend to just lockpicking. I can be one hell of an intel gatherer too!""So a spy then. Fantastic.""He may have a point, Frederick," Robin said, shrugging. "These talents could prove useful in sniffing out a potential turncoat among us."Frederick avoided eye contact with him, again overcome with shame. "... Indeed.""So what's next for us then?" Gaius asked, ending an awkward silence before it began. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'd love to just sit around and do nothing all day, but… Somehow I get the feeling that's not on the table.""I think we should check in on the others for now," Chrom suggested. "With the war officially over, I'm sure several of them are going to want to return home or otherwise leave."He felt a twinge of sadness deep down. Of course he'd never force anyone to stay, but that hardly meant he wanted to say goodbye. Still, the very least he could do after they fought alongside him would be to see them off with a smile."Very well," Frederick said with a nod. "I fear I have some business to attend to as well. I shall rejoin you all as soon as possible."Despite the bulky armor he wore, he left the room swiftly. Chrom and Robin exchanged odd glances at his behavior.Gaius, on the other hand, stared after him in silent intrigue.
Now this I gotta see...
The sun still shone high above Castle Ylisstol. In the stables, Cordelia sighed as she brushed her pegasus's mane. For as happy as she was that they'd won, she still mourned for Phila and the rest of her fallen sisters. Night after night, she heard their screams in her dreams. The pained neighs of their pegasi as they fell to the frozen earth. Even Phila's had died in such a horrible way… and since Phila herself was never found, she couldn't even receive a proper burial.Cordelia kept it together at the funeral even as Sumia openly wept for them, but as soon as she was alone in the barracks… She sobbed. She sobbed and sobbed until she was out of tears to shed."Forgive me…""Cordelia?"She leapt to her feet, ready to throw her brush, but she relaxed when she saw it was only Frederick. His hands were clasped behind his back as he stood in his usual polished armor. Aurora spotted him and gave a friendly neigh in response, flapping her wings a little."Forgive me for startling you, milady," he apologized with a bow. "I was just making the rounds and wanted to make sure you were alright.""That's very thoughtful of you, Frederick." Cordelia smiled in spite of her sorrow. "... Thank you."He smiled back more genuinely. "I could do no less."Silence. Nothing but uncomfortable silence. Even though Ylisse was finally at peace, there was still much work to be done. Families would have to be consoled. Buildings would have to be rebuilt. And in the event of another armed conflict… New recruits would have to be found. New soldiers would have to be trained. New pegasus knights, even.By her. She loved Sumia with all her heart, but she hadn't formally finished her training before the war with Plegia began. Before Phila and the others were taken from them. With Cordelia as the more experienced flier, all would be looking to her to fill Phila's shoes.It terrified her."Um… Frederick…""Yes?"She needed a distraction. Anything to keep those thoughts at bay for now. "Is that all you came to say?"Frederick blinked, clearly taken aback by her question. It seems she'd read him like a novel. "Er… Well, I suppose not…""Go ahead," Cordelia told him. "I'm all ears.""I… feel I must apologize," he admitted stiffly, forcing himself to look her in the eye. "It was wrong of me to ask you to spy on some of our allies during the war."She blinked in confusion. Cordelia certainly hadn't expected him to say that. In truth, she'd been so preoccupied with the war effort that she'd forgotten about it entirely... Not that she liked the idea in the first place. Robin, and Lyn… and Virion too. All three had proven themselves trustworthy in the war against Gangrel."That's very kind of you, Frederick… but I'm not the one who deserves an apology."Frederick gave a slow nod as the realization dawned on him. "I… I see. I should right this wrong at once. Still, it was improper for me to burden you with such a task in the first place. For that, I must apologize to you as well.""... Very well. I forgive you, Frederick. But their forgiveness is ultimately more important here.""Yes, you're right. I should apologize to them immediately.""You should." Cordelia gave a heartfelt smile. "I'll even come along with you if it helps."There was a funny feeling in his chest. He shoved it aside with a stiff upper lip. "Very well. Let us be off."The two knights left the stables, but not before Cordelia rubbed Aurora's head and fed her some hay. Once they were well out of earshot, Gaius peeked his head out from behind the outside of the stable."Well, well." He smirked. "Looks like Tin Man has a heart after all…""Nonono, your legs! Swing with your legs!""Vaike, what the heck does that even—Woah!"Lissa grunted as she landed on her rear for what felt like the eighth time that day. She'd been serious when she told her friends that she wanted to get stronger all that time ago. Even so, she never imagined that swinging an axe around would be so much work. It wasn't even made of metal!Fortunately for her, Vaike was a more patient teacher than one might have expected. Even as he folded his arms and shook his head, it was more out of disappointment in himself than her."You're alright, Liz," he told her, walking across the training room and helping her. "Let's take five, yeah?""B-but I've barely done anything!" she whined. Despite her feelings, the exhaustion in her arms was in full agreement with Vaike's words. She let the wooden training axe fall to the floor with a clunk. "Ugh. This stinks… I have no idea how you do it, Vaike."He laughed and flexed his arms with pride. "Years o' trainin', kiddo! The Vaike didn't get muscles like these overnight!""Hey! Don't call me a kid. I'm not that much younger than you and Chrom, y'know." Lissa's cheeks puffed up as she pouted. She folded her arms and turned away from him. "Honestly, never mind… I'm beginning to think I spoke too soon with the whole training thing.""Woah now! You can't just quit after one or two falls!""Eight, Vaike! It was eight!""Ah, that's not so bad! I fell lots of times before I got good," he said, shrugging. Vaike pointed his thumb at a large scar that ran diagonally down his chest. "Ya see this? Old Man Gangrel did that, and that was after years of me bein' a bona fide warrior!"Lissa rolled her eyes. "Vaike, you probably don't even know what 'bona fide' means!""Wha? 'Course I do! It means ya got bones of steel!"She giggled. "Okay, now I know you're just messing with me.""Heh…" Vaike grinned and folded his arms. "Well, maybe a little. But the point is that you shouldn't throw in the towel if ya really want something.""Oh yeah? And why's that?"Vaike closed his eyes as he thought back upon the man he used to be. The streets of his village up north had raised him well enough—he knew right from wrong, after all—but he had no purpose in life then. He had a gang, sure, and genuine friends to boot… but he had no purpose. Nothing to do with all his strength… until he met Emmeryn."Vaike?""Hmm?" He opened his eyes. "Oh, sorry. I was thinkin' about the first time I met your siblings.""Huh?" Lissa stared at him. "What does that have to do with anything?""Liz, they gave me somethin' to want. Somethin' to fight for." Vaike stood tall, smiling. "And that somethin' is protectin' people. Helpin' people! Because they helped me...""Vaike…""So don't give up on your dreams!" He clenched his fist between them. "If ya follow your dreams, you'll be sure to succeed!""Heheh." Lissa grinned; she couldn't deny his contagious enthusiasm. "You really think I could be a great fighter someday?""'Course I do! And until that day comes, Teach'll be your own personal trainer!" Vaike grinned and gave her a thumbs up. "Believe it!""Yeah! I gotta believe!"She leapt up and gave Vaike a high five. It was just like him to be in high spirits even after a rough time… and to his credit, that confidence was contagious too. Lissa was once again confident that, with enough time and effort, she'd be a formidable fighter in her own right. As long as she had her friends to guide her, she'd make it happen."You two!"They turned their heads at the voice. Cordelia stood in the doorway with an uncharacteristically guilty-looking Frederick beside her."Heeeey, Cordy!" Vaike waved. "Wassup?""Everyone is saying their goodbyes in the main hall," she told them. "You should come too. There's no telling when we might see them again."Lissa couldn't contain her gasp. "Huh?! You mean… Everyone's leaving?""Well, not everyone, but a few people at the very least.""Damn." Vaike sighed. "If there's one thing Teach hates, it's sayin' goodbye. Still… It'd be worse not to. Let's move, team!"Most of the Shepherds had already converged in the middle of Castle Ylisstol's main hall. The Khans' belongings were already packed up as they said goodbye to everyone. On Chrom's orders, everyone was given a sizable sack of gold for their service. Some tried to refuse, but the castle staff made it clear that he'd insisted upon it. Basilio and Gregor shared a great hug as Flavia and Sully tried to see who could give the stronger handshake. Lyn laughed a little at the scene before wrapping her arms around Olivia."Take care, Lyn," Olivia said, returning the embrace with a warm smile. "Come visit sometime, okay?""Of course!"Lon'qu cracked a rare smile at the scene himself. He kept a safe distance from every woman not named Olivia or Flavia—an impressive feat considering the size of the crowd. "I expect a fierce duel the next time we meet, Lyn.""Count on it!" Her green eyes glinted as she grinned. "I'll come at you with everything I have!""... Heh."Chrom and Robin joined the crowd from the northern section of the castle. At the same time, Cordelia and Frederick made their way to the party from the castle's front entrance. Lissa and Vaike were close behind them; Gaius crept in last."I suppose this is it, then?" Robin asked Virion as they shook hands."For now, mon ami. For as much as I love Ylisse, there is much of Regna Ferox I have yet to see. It was most gracious of the Khans to let me accompany them!"Virion's eyes drifted towards Olivia. He waved at her with a grin; she blushed and looked away. Behind her, Lon'qu glared daggers at him. Virion cleared his throat and returned his attention to Robin. "Ah, but enough about me! I can see you are in good hands here yourself, Robin.""No arguments there." Robin smiled. He gasped when Lyn wrapped her arms around him from behind. He blushed and let out a bashful laugh as she rested her chin on his shoulder. "Aha... ""Ah, there you three are," they heard Frederick say. When they looked at him, he brought an armored fist to his mouth and cleared his throat. "Might I see you all for just a moment? I have something I wish to say."The three nodded. They moved to a less populated corner of the room with him. Once they were far away enough from the others, Frederick spoke again. "Thank you all. Truly. You've all fought tooth and nail for milord and done us all a great service. Not just the royal family, but all of Ylisse as well."Virion bowed. "It was our pleasure, Sir Frederick.""Really, Frederick," Lyn added. "There's no need to thank us.""We fought alongside Chrom because we wanted to," Robin said with a smile."Even so, you've all done us a debt that cannot be repaid. Yet, in spite of all of that… I distrusted you," he admitted. He made the effort to swallow his pride, speak earnestly, and look each of them in the eye. "I even asked one of our own to spy on you."Lyn gasped; Robin and Virion were just as shocked. "Frederick! You didn't!"He nodded in response. "I did. It was wrong of me, and I should never have behaved in such an undignified manner no matter how concerned I was for the royal family's safety. I… I'm a disgrace to the knighthood.""Hey now," Lyn said, frowning. "That's not true at all. I mean, it was wrong of you, but… That doesn't necessarily make you a bad person, Frederick!""Or a bad knight either!" Robin argued. "I've never met a knight as devoted to their leader and country as you.""But…""I must agree with them both," Virion said. "I can understand the desire for security, but I also value my privacy. I simply hope you have at least a little more faith in us now, monsieur.""I do." Frederick nodded again in earnest. "Completely. There is much I do not know about you three, but having seen your devotion to Chrom firsthand… I was wrong to treat you the way I did. I fear there simply aren't enough words or actions in existence to convey my remorse."Robin sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Frederick, really… As long as you promise not to spy on your friends anymore, I think we can put this mess behind us."Frederick's mouth parted in confusion. "You… Friends… What?"None of the trio were completely okay with what had transpired, but they knew why Frederick would be suspicious even if he took things too far. As Chrom and Lissa's sole retainer, he was often called "Frederick the Wary" for a reason. They looked at each other, smiled, and then looked back at him.Lyn held her hand in the middle of the ground. "Friends?"Robin's hand fell over hers, interlocking their fingers together. Virion placed his hand over theirs before glancing back at Frederick. "There is always room for more, you know.""I… don't understand. How am I supposed to shake that?"Lyn snickered. "Just get over here!"Frederick's trembling, metal-covered hand made the others' look tiny in comparison. Despite everything that he'd said and done, they were still willing to accept him. The revelation stunned and confused him, but… he stepped forward. He placed his hand over theirs.And, when the time came, the others threw their hands into the air with a little cheer."See? No harm, no foul!"Frederick didn't know where to look anymore. His face growing hotter by the second, he rubbed his hand and stared at it. "... Indeed.""Thanks, Frederick," Lyn told him with a smile. "We should say goodbye to the others, but… I appreciate your honesty.""Me too!" Robin grinned.Virion chuckled. "And I make trois! I hope to see you again soon, Sir Frederick. I know a subordinate or two who could learn a thing or two from you. Adieu!"As they returned to the crowd, Frederick stared after them. Their kindness made the corners of his mouth curl up, but Virion's parting comment lingered in his mind."... Wait a minute. Subordinates?" He furrowed his brow. "No… He can't possibly be…!"Unfortunately for Frederick, his newfound suspicions would have to wait. Virion had already joined Lon'qu and Olivia as they walked out of the castle. As he sighed and gently rubbed the bridge of his nose, he heard a familiar voice behind him."That was very brave of you, Frederick.""I could do no less, milady," he said as he turned around. Cordelia's vibrant red hair filled his vision; she was smiling. "I still do not believe I deserve their forgiveness. Or your praise, for that matter.""It takes courage to apologize to someone when you know you've wronged them," she argued. Several of Cordelia's friends and comrades-in-arms came to mind, and she sighed. "I still haven't mastered that myself…"Frederick raised an eyebrow, but he said nothing. He knew better than to pry into the private affairs of others—at least now he did. Even so, he followed Cordelia's gaze until it landed on Chrom. He, Basilio and Flavia were walking near the castle's main entrance."If you need anything—and I do mean anything," Flavia told Chrom, "you let us know.""Thank you, Flavia." He beamed. When he offered his hand, she laughed and gave him a hearty embrace. He chuckled a bit and hugged her back. "Heh… Right. This… hardly seems proper, but—""Pfft!" She pulled back and ruffled his hair. "Since when have you cared about being prim and proper? Besides, you won the tournament for me all those months ago! And with all that's happened since, we're practically family as far as I'm concerned.""Hey, hey, hey! Don't forget about me!" Basilio yelled. He pulled Chrom into an even stronger hug. "She's right though, boy. It's been a helluva run. You need something, you just send for us. Our boys up north have kept our trade routes well-secured.""Leave it to Basilio to try and one-up the reigning Khan," Flavia snarked, rolling her eyes. When she looked at Chrom, she was smiling once more. "I'm proud of you, Chrom. Real proud. I know you'll make this country succeed.""Thank you… Both of you." Something about her words nearly made him tear up. "You've done so much for us…""Well, uh… don't thank us just yet." Basilio scratched his chin. "Gregor mentioned something about wanting to stay here, serve as a royal bodyguard or some such. He's a great warrior, but he'll eat and drink you out of house and home!"Chrom looked over at the grizzled mercenary. He, Nowi and Miriel waved at Lon'qu and Olivia as they stood outside with Virion. "Heh… I think we'll manage."He glanced to his right. Some of the council members from earlier were greeting their children: Chairman Scotts hugged Sully and tousled her hair in front of Stahl and Kellam, Chairman Lowenthal held Ricken close, and Duke Theodore embraced Maribelle. Lowenthal and Theodore glared at each other momentarily before returning their attention to their children."Well, we'd best be off. Regna Ferox needs its khans," Basilio announced. "Take care, boy! Don't forget to write us sometime!""Be seeing you, Chrom!" Flavia grinned. She placed a hand on Basilio's shoulder as they walked away.Chrom smiled after them somberly. His memories of his parents were faint at best, but with Emmeryn gone… The Khans were the closest he had to them in a sense. It was odd to think of how they'd been strangers less than a year ago. Then again, he'd forged many bonds in that short amount of time, particularly with Lyn and Robin. He remembered meeting Lyn during the Khans' tournament in Regna Ferox and finding Robin lying in a field not long before then. It seemed as though fate itself conspired to bring them together.
Heh. What a strange world we live in...
"Uh… Yer Highness?"Donnel's chipper young voice got his attention. The boy stood in front of him with a sack on a stick resting on his shoulder. He wore his memorable tin pot on his head with pride."Oh, Donnel! Just Chrom is fine. Are you leaving too?""Yep." He nodded, frowning. "I wanna come back an' be a knight proper someday, but…"Chrom smiled. "I understand. Your mother is probably worried sick!""Heh… Her an' the rest of the village, yeah." Donnel scratched his jaw. "It's been real fun though, Yer Hi… Er, Chrom. I know I'm not knight material yet, but… but I will be someday! I know I will!""I look forward to that day." Chrom hugged him. "Take care of yourself, Donny. Tell everyone we say hello!""Sir, yes sir!" He saluted."Oh! That reminds me… I know our fight against Plegia is done, but there might be Ylissean bandits or Risen roaming the countryside. We can escort you back if you'd like.""Aha…" Donnel tugged at his collar nervously. "See, about that—""Hey guys!" Nowi greeted. She walked up to them in a hooded brown cloak. "When do we head out, Donny?""Hmm?" Chrom glanced between them. "You're going together?""Yep! I can fly him home faster than any dinky little boat can!" she bragged, hands on her hips.His eyes fell on a bashful Donnel. "... And you're both on board with this?""W-well, I ain't never been up in the air before, but… I reckon we'll be fine. I hope…"Nowi rolled her eyes. "We'll be fiiiine. I once flew with four people on my back, remember? One person'll be a breeze!""Heh. Well met." Chrom gave the odd pair a grin. "I hope to see you both safe and sound sometime soon.""You betcha!""Yessir!"While Donnel and Nowi's departure ended in bright smiles, Maribelle's began in somber tears. She knew her father had attended—and helped to fund—last night's ball. What she did not know was that he intended to depart for Themis immediately. Maribelle knew this wouldn't be the end of her friendship with Lissa, but she hadn't expected to say goodbye so soon. It wasn't as if they could see each other every day either: Themis was at least a week away from Ylisstol by carriage."Come now, Maribelle. No more tears," her father gently chided her. "Themis needs its current duke and future duchess, after all. We have a duty to our people.""Y-yes, of course." She quickly nodded, dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief. Then she turned to Lissa and hugged her. "My apologies, darling. I know we'll see each other soon enough. I'll write a dozen letters every day!"Lissa giggled. "Aw, Mari… I think one a day'll be enough.""While we're here," Duke Theodore mused, "I don't suppose there are any especially talented mages among the Shepherds that could accompany us for the time being? I find our spellcasters rather… lacking as of late.""Miriel and Robin are both pretty good with magic, but my brother needs them here right now," Lissa told him. She wrung her hands behind her back. "I wanna go with you guys, but… I can't even use a tome yet without getting dizzy. I'd only get in the way…""Lissa, perish the thought!" Maribelle admonished. "You could never!""Hmm…" Duke Theodore stroked his chin. "Well we always value your company, my dear, but I fear it would be most inconsiderate of me to separate you from His Highness so soon after your return. You are both each other's last living family member, after all."Lissa's shoulders slumped. "Yeah…""Say, what about me?" a nearby Ricken asked. "I'm no expert, but I'm sure I could help out somehow!""What?!" His suggestion came as a shock to everyone, but especially his father. Chairman Lowenthal's jaw was practically on the floor as he gawked at him. "But you've hardly been home since you've returned! Lydia asks for you all the time!""I'll visit Mother before we leave! And I'll write you guys letters every day too!"Duke Theodore's eyes shifted between the two as he thought about it for a few seconds. "Hmm… Well, you're certainly rather young, but I suppose you'll do for now. Are there any other friends of yours that would like to come along, Maribelle?"Now it was her turn to mull it over. Miriel's knowledge was unparalleled, but she had already made plans to stay in Ylisstol and further her research for the good of the halidom. Conversely, Father Libra had announced his intention to roam the countryside and heal the wounds of war. Ricken was already accompanying them, much to her surprise, and trying to pull Robin away from Chrom and especially Lyn at this point would be nothing short of selfish.Maribelle glanced at the trio in question. Chrom was talking to Sumia and some of the other Shepherds. Lyn and Robin, meanwhile, stood hand in hand next to him. She couldn't help but smile at them—they'd more than earned their happiness in her book—but a familiar chill ran down her spine. Hiding behind a marble pillar was none other than Tharja; her harsh glare seemed uncomfortably fixated on Lyn…"I know someone who may be of help, Father," Maribelle said at once. She pointed at the pillar. "Tharja may be ornery, but she's as talented a spellcaster as they come. Besides..."She smirked. There was a twinkle in her eye that made Lissa and Ricken shiver. "I believe it may be in her best interest to experience all that Themis has to offer. The poor dear hasn't seen much of Ylisse, after all. I'm certain even Prince Chrom would agree with me..."Her father followed her gaze, frowning when he spotted Tharja. "... Indeed. In any case, make sure your friends gather their belongings at once; we leave this evening."As Duke Theodore and Maribelle approached her to make her an offer she was certain to refuse, the rest of the Shepherds finally seemed to wrap up their goodbyes. All but one: the viridian-clad cavalier of Chrom's militia. Stahl was sad to see some of his new friends go—young Donnel most of all—but he grew concerned when he spotted Panne slinking away from the crowd. His eyes followed her as she slipped out of the main entrance.Kellam and Sully picked up on his mood shift at once. When he turned to them with a pensive grimace, Sully grabbed his shoulder."Go on," she told him, tilting her head in Panne's direction. "We'll still be here when ya get back.""Yeah," Kellam agreed, smiling. "Go talk to her, bud. She probably trusts you more than anyone else here."Stahl rubbed the back of his head with a nervous chuckle. He wouldn't say they were that close, but it was true that Panne had softened up to him since their first meeting.He just hoped it would be enough to make her stay.Castle Ylisstol's stables were wide and well-maintained. The smell of hay, horses and pegasi filled Panne's nostrils as she walked in. She didn't mind; it was a familiar, welcome change after spending much of the day around humans. She didn't find their scent repugnant—not anymore, at least—but she felt more at ease among her fellow beasts.Panne looked at the numerous pegasi lining the stables. They looked well-fed and groomed, but… lonely. Lacking both freedom and purpose. Not at all like Sumia and Cordelia's mounts—they greeted her with cheerful neighs and heads held high. Belfire and Aurora were both in prime condition, the former's wounds having healed completely since the final confrontation with Gangrel.She looked at some of the other animals. She recognized the big brown horses that belonged to Frederick, Sully and Stahl, but there were many more horses she'd never seen or smelled before. Did they have names? Riders?Numerous questions crossed her mind as she passed stable after stable. She stopped at the very end upon seeing Stahl's horse. Panne approached it and ran a careful hand through its dark mane. This horse had served Stahl well… but it wasn't his first. Back when the castle was under attack from Plegian assassins, Stahl's original partner had been killed by Risen. It pained Panne deeply whenever animal life was lost to human warfare. In the past, she would've released them all then and there.And yet… she didn't. All for reasons she couldn't place."Panne! There you are."She didn't even have to turn to see who it was; his voice and smell made it all too clear. She did so anyway out of what the humans called "courtesy." Panne's sharp eyes locked with Stahl's more easygoing ones."Hello, Stahl. Here I am.""Er… Yeah." Stahl chuckled nervously. He leaned against a nearby post. "Are you alright? I saw you wandering off a little while ago.""I merely needed some fresh air," she explained. Panne turned her attention back to his riding partner. "... I am fond of your horse.""Heh. He's great, isn't he? Abel II's been with me for months now."Panne glanced back at Stahl with an unreadable expression. "... Abel II? Then your first horse…""Was Abel, yeah," Stahl finished. He stared at the dirt in front of him, his smile long gone. "He, uh… died when assassins came for the Exalt.""I remember that night well. That vile sorcerer and his putrid undead minions… Revolting.""Agreed." He clenched his fists, now glaring in a rare sight to her. "He may be dead, but I'll never forgive him or the Risen for what they've done. Not just to Abel, but to other people and animals too."Panne shut her eyes; her heart felt heavier. "Indeed… I only wish I could have done more for you. You, Abel, the Exalt…""Panne, don't say that! You've already done more for us than most ever could!""You flatter me.""I'm serious!" Stahl argued. He took a step forward. "You could've avoided that battle entirely, but… You didn't. You chose to stick your neck out for a group of people you'd never even met before. And then you fought alongside us until we seized victory. That… That's amazing! You're amazing, I mean—""E-enough!" Panne blurted, her face growing warm. There was a strange feeling in her chest she hadn't felt in years. She looked away. "I… I only joined you because I felt indebted to Emmeryn.""Maybe that was true originally, but… I dunno. I think we've grown on you," Stahl said with a chuckle. "And you've grown on a lot of us too.""... Grown on? We are not plants, man-spawn."He sighed and shook his head. "We really have to work on this whole metaphor thing with you, don't we? All I meant to say was that you have a place here now. I like you, the others like you, and you surely must like us too if you stuck with us even after Emmeryn died.""I… That is not…"Panne folded her arms and looked away. She stared at his horse once more. "... Hmph. Believe what you will.""Well? Am I right or am I right?""Begone!"Stahl laughed heartily. The funny feeling in Panne's chest grew when he stopped, earnest olive eyes peering right into her soul. "Alright, alright, I'm going. But… Are you gonna stay here in Ylisstol? There's plenty of rooms in the castle, or you could just sleep in here if you want. I don't think Chrom would mind either way…"Panne thought it over. Even though she could go back to her old warren… Why would she? There was nothing left there except those she'd buried. Wandering the lands aimlessly didn't appeal to her anymore either. She still loved to hunt, but what greater purpose would that serve without someone to share the spoils with?There was no replacing her family and people, but these new friends she'd made on her journey… Stahl, and Lyn, and the others… The taguel would respect their bravery and kindness. They would want her to want her to be happy. To stand by them and use her strength to defend the weak."... Very well, Stahl." Panne fought a smile. She ran a hand through his horse's mane again. "I suppose I could stay… for now."Stahl couldn't contain his excitement. He jumped and threw a fist in the air. "Yahoo! Alright!""Heh… Heheh…" She covered her mouth to muffle the rest of her laughter. "Heh… Ahem. Very amusing indeed.""Woah! I don't think I've ever heard you laugh before, Panne." Stahl's mouth parted in astonishment; his cheeks were bright red. "It's… actually pretty cute…""E-enough already!" she snapped, blushing just as hard. "If you've no more business here, then leave!""Okay, okay… I'm going this time. Seriously. But…"Panne closed her eyes and exhaled through her nose. "Yes, Stahl?""Is it true that taguel can tell what animals are thinking?""In a sense, yes." She gave him an odd look. "... Why?""Can you tell me what Abel II is thinking right about now?""... Very well." Panne looked over at the horse in question. When she rubbed its forehead, it gave a cheerful neigh in response. She smiled. "Heh. He is happy.""... Oh." He almost seemed disappointed. "Well that's good and all, but… Is that it?"She closed her eyes, still smiling. "... He also says you are very kind."Stahl perked up at that. "Aww, Panne—""Th-those were his words!" she sputtered. "Not mine!""Heh. If you say so…"With that, Stahl left to rejoin the others. It wouldn't be long before Panne followed him back into the castle. Even without those who'd already departed, the main hall was still abuzz with excitement. Sumia seemed adamant on helping Chrom unwind in the form of a picnic, Robin and Lyn smiled at the scene, Miriel spoke passionately about the intricacies of magic to a somewhat confused Gregor, and Anna tried to sell Libra some kind of skin cream. The rest of the Shepherds either stuck around to converse or split off to do their own thing.Panne flashed a serene smile. To think that humans were capable of such horrid things such as war… yet were also capable of putting a stop to those things. Capable of companionship and peace, just as Emmeryn was. Just as her own people were.She hoped it would last.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
As Ylisse's citizens went about their daily lives, several of Chrom's allies departed from the capital and went their separate ways. The youngest of the bunch, Donnel, left with mixed feelings. He'd miss his new friends a great deal, but he wanted to see his mother again more than anything. Part of his reason for joining the Shepherds in the first place was to make the world safer for her and mothers everywhere. He often doubted his usefulness—he was nowhere near as strong as the others, after all—but he still wanted to prove his worth to them someday. For now though, going home was Donnel's only goal, and that was exactly what he set out to do.He just never imagined he'd be going home on the back of a dragon."Woo-hooooo! Yeah!" Nowi's booming voice echoed through the skies, distorted by her transformed state."H-hey! N-Nowi, ease up!"She did no such thing, deciding on a backflip instead. Donnel shut his eyes and clung to her scaly hide. His pot fell off his head, but he managed to snatch it from the air when they were right side up again. This was all so new to him—he'd never even been on a pegasus before, much less a manakete! Nowi wasn't kidding when she bragged about being able to get him home faster than a boat. As he held on for dear life, though, part of him wished he'd just walked to the nearest port instead..."Hang on to your pot, Donny! We'll be there in no time!"He took her advice, keeping one hand on his headwear and the other on her back. Nowi's vibrant, shiny scales shimmered in the afternoon sunlight. Many fell to the earth below in a radiant rain of yellow and green. Though the people on the ground marveled at the sight, Nowi didn't so much as bat an eye. She hummed a tiny tune to herself, and her massive wings flapped as her flight slowed to a pleasant crawl.No longer in fear of falling to his doom, Donnel stared down at the land below in awe. The Ylissean countryside was just as lush and green as he remembered, but everything seemed so different from above… So much more beautiful somehow. Even as they soared over the bright blue sea and neared Farfort Isle, he could hardly recognize the island that had birthed him.Entranced, he took his pot off and held it in his lap. Donnel took a deep breath as the wind caressed his messy purple hair. "Golly… I've sure never done anythin' like this before. It's mighty nice, come to think…"Nowi laughed. "See? Isn't this so much better than a boat ride?""I'll say…""So where's this village of yours anyway?""It's in the middle of the island. Can't miss it," he explained, still mesmerized by the view. "Um… Nowi?""Yeah?"A deep red hue crept across his youthful face. Donnel couldn't tell if it was due to being so high off the ground or not, but his head felt a little lighter all the same. He rubbed the back of his neck. "I, uh… I just wanna thank ya fer doin' this fer me. It's real kind of ya.""Aww, don't thank me, Donny! I was getting bored of that stuffy old castle anyway!""... Really?""Yeah!" she chirped, chipper as always. "I mean, I like Chrom and the others a lot and I wouldn't be here without them, but a manakete needs room to breathe! Room to fly and play!""Oh," he mumbled, scratching his jaw. "Makes sense. Us country folk are a mite different from ya I reckon, but… I get whatcha mean.""Oh yeah?" Donnel froze when she turned to look at him. Even though they were friends, her glowing green eyes were still ominous up close. Not helping matters was how her draconic maw appeared to form a toothy grin. "Guess you were getting sick of the castle too, huh?""It ain't like that!" he sputtered, eyes darting away from her. "Er… N-not entirely, anyway. I just get homesick… Real homesick. I ain't used to travelin' so much, see. Heck, I never even left the village before meetin' Chrom… Y'know, outside of huntin' and the like.""I get it." Nowi turned her attention back to the island below. The tall forest trees gave way to a village in the center, just as he'd said. "I've been to all sorts of villages before, so I can't wait to see yours!"He grinned from ear to ear. "Oh, yer gonna love it here in Littleroot! My ma makes the best stew, and all the little 'uns in town are just the cutest!""Ooh, yay! I love kids!"They continued to chat in anticipation as Nowi lowered them both towards the ground. The village, affectionately referred to as Littleroot by its people, consisted of numerous little buildings. Most had either growing crops or feeding livestock near them. The animals became skittish at the sight of Nowi, as did many of the villagers. While most gawked, startled or otherwise tried to regain control of their animals, a young farmhand in a straw hat grinned when she spotted the boy on her back."Say, everybody! That's Donny!""It is?""By Naga, she's right!""Hey, everyone! Donny's back! Someone get Ethel!"Donnel smiled and waved at the dozens of old friends and neighbors that now surrounded them as they descended. Nowi let him climb off of her before she took her humanoid form once again, still clad in a concealing brown cloak and boots. The villagers were quick to embrace Donnel. Numerous children cheerfully chattered as they crowded around him and Nowi, some hugging the former and others raving over the latter's long hair and pointy ears. The adults, however, gave her looks she'd seen thousands of times before. Looks of suspicion, fear or outright disbelief. One old man looked like he'd faint on the spot."Donny, you've got some serious 'splainin' to do!" a man dressed similarly to him said, chuckling. His grin became strained when his eyes landed on the girl at his side. "Er, so… Who's your, uh… friend?""Hiya, village people!" Nowi greeted everyone. She thrust her hand towards the man, making him flinch. "I'm Nowi: friendly neighborhood dragon! Nice to meetcha!""Uh… Tom." He shook her hand after a second or two, his grin relaxing a little. "Pleased to meet ya, Nowi.""We're pleased ta' see ya too, handsome," a flirty voice addressed Donnel. The farmhand from before batted her eyelashes at him; she was blonde and looked about his age. "Where've ya been all this time, Donny Boy? Ya weren't serious about joinin' the Shepherds, were ya?""I was!" He nodded vigorously. "We've been all over the place and… and… Aww shucks, I missed y'all so much!"While Donnel was welcomed back in full force by familiar faces, it wasn't long before the villagers crowded around the stranger in their midst. They asked her all sorts of questions, and Nowi answered them all with a prideful grin. She wasn't surprised—after al, it wasn't every day most people saw a manakete. If anything, the villagers had probably never seen one before at all. As she talked to them, however, one of the few villagers not to approach her lingered in her mind.The farmhand.Once in a while Nowi would glance over as the other girl talked Donnel's ear off. She saw the way she would laugh at something he said or twirl a strand of hair with her finger. Nowi might have been rather carefree, but she wasn't ignorant. She'd been around humans long enough to know what stuff like that meant.… So why did it bother her so much?Before she could figure it out, she heard an older woman's voice cut through the crowd like a sickle."Donny? Is that really you?"An older woman made her way through the parting crowd. She wore a light green shirt and brown pants. Her round face was framed by graying brown hair that passed her shoulders. As she stepped towards her son, her eyes grew wet.His expression mimicked her own when he saw her. "Ma!""Donny!"The two embraced in a heartbeat. The other villagers looked on in silence as she held him close, running a hand through his hair. Donnel couldn't help but tear up himself. He'd tossed and turned many nights during the war, fearing that he'd never return home. That he'd die and leave her behind… Just like him.Keeping a respectful distance, Nowi's brow furrowed as she studied them with pensive eyes. She was overjoyed that the mother and son were reunited, but she felt a pang in her chest. A deep, painful longing that she hadn't felt in what seemed like a lifetime.
Is that what that feels like...?
Her thoughts were interrupted again, this time by the sound of Donnel's voice. When she looked over at him, he was gesturing to her with a grin and an open hand."Ma, this here is Nowi," he introduced. "She's saved my skin more'n a few times! Nowi, this is my Ma.""Oh, well ain't you just the cutest!" Ethel cooed with a smile. Fighting the urge to pinch her cheeks, she settled on a handshake instead. "I'm Ethel. It's nice to meet ya, dear!""Oh, hello!" Nowi grinned from ear to ear as she took his mother's hand. She'd long since gotten used to younger people treating her like a kid. "It's nice to meet you too!""Yahoo! This calls for a shindig!" one of the villagers cheered. "C'mon, everyone! Time to celebrate!"By sundown, the villagers had gotten everything set up. A big, bright bonfire was lit in the center of town. They ate, drank and danced around it to their hearts' content. Several of them played energetic music on various instruments as Donnel and Tom led everyone else in an upbeat group dance. It took Nowi a couple of tries, but soon she found herself getting into the swing of things with everyone's encouragement. She didn't miss the dirty looks she got from the farmhand—Emma, someone had called her—when she danced next to Donnel, but she didn't care. She merely stuck her tongue out at her and carried on. With Donnel home safe and the rest of the villagers already warming up to her, nothing could ruin Nowi's good mood now.A few more hours would pass before the moon took its place in the sky. The stars were shining bright long after the bonfire was extinguished. The villagers bid Donnel, his mother and each other good night as a few burlier ones vowed to keep watch overnight. Nowi cupped her hands together and breathed a tiny, lingering flame in it to help them find their way home. The mother and son brought her to their modest little house on the outskirts of the village."Home sweet home!" Donnel cheered as the three of them stepped inside."I have some candles lyin' about," his mother said. "Nowi, I hate to ask, but would ya mind...?""No problem!"Nowi could see just fine in the dark, but she didn't mind in the slightest. She followed Ethel and gently blew on the candles, igniting them one by one. Looking around, she admired how the light of the tiny flames enveloped the room and drew attention to its finer details. The rocking chair in the corner, the wooden table and chairs near the kitchen, the way the main room led to two smaller rooms further in the house…It was charming. Simple, but charming."You're welcome to stay as long as ya like, Nowi," Ethel said with a tone as warm as the candles. "Any friend of Donny is a friend of Littleroot."Nowi beamed at her in response. "Aw, thanks! I promise I won't be a burden.""Ya could never be, dearie! In any case, I'll be retirin' for the night. Don't stay up too late now!"As Donnel approached the dinner table to rest his feet, Ethel walked over to Nowi and whispered in her ear. "Thanks for bringing my boy home safely."They shared a smile before she walked up to her son and kissed his forehead. She ruffled his hair, despite his light protests, before walking into her room and closing the door behind her. A smiling Nowi joined him at the table, plopping down on the chair opposite his. A single candle, larger than the rest, sat between them. When Donnel took his trusty headgear off and placed it in front of him, she couldn't help but stare at it."Say," Nowi mused, "I've been meaning to ask…""Yeah?"She pointed at the pot. "How come you carry that thing around all the time anyway?"Donnel chuckled and scratched his head. "It ain't whatcha think, I promise. It ain't supposed to be some sorta helmet… Not really." He pointed to his disheveled purple locks. "I just got real messy hair, see? Lotsa cowlicks an' all that.""Aww, it's not so bad!" She giggled. "It's actually kinda cute.""H-huh?! Ya think it's…" He ran a hand through his hair, pretending to look at something in the corner of the house. "Uh… W-well… Thanks, Nowi. I like yer hair a lot too!"Really?" Her entire face brightened at the compliment."Yeah! It's all long an' pretty an'... stuff."Nowi giggled again; this time, however, she felt her cheeks growing warm. Donnel laughed a little bit himself, and soon the pair found themselves sitting in rare silence. The candles still burned brightly, giving the room an almost ethereal glow. Out of the corner of her eye, Nowi spotted a series of little shelves on the wall. Numerous rocks lined them, each a different shape and color.Donnel followed her gaze, flashing a nostalgic grin. "Ah, those're my pa's. He used to love collectin' rocks back in the day. Even brought some of 'em back from Plegia!""Huh?" She glanced back at him with wider eyes. "Your dad's been to Plegia before?""Well, he kinda had to be, what with the war an' all…" Donnel sank back in his seat. He held his smile, but there was a different emotion behind it now. "My old man weren't no knight or anythin' fancy, but he held his own as a soldier. He and Ma made a promise to get married before the Exalt came here lookin' fer warriors.""... The Exalt?" she repeated, frowning. "You mean…?""Not Emmeryn. Her old man," he clarified. "Pa came home with some nasty injuries 'fore the war even ended. Couldn't ever hold a spear or pitchfork quite like he used to…""Donny, that's terrible!" Nowi cried. Her hand flew over her mouth as she remembered his mother was asleep in the other room. She winced. "Sorry… I just…""It's alright," Donnel reassured her. "Worked out well enough fer him though. Ma nursed 'im back to health, they got married, had me and lived a cozy little life here. Things were fine 'til those filthy bandits came along. He sent one of 'em off with a few broken ribs the first time, but then they came back and… and…""... I'm sorry.""Huh?"She stood up from the table, walked around it and wrapped her arms around Donnel without another word. Nowi buried her face in his shoulder as she sobbed for him. He wrapped his arms around her small frame at once."I'm s-sorry, Donny…!""Hey now," he whispered, "don't apologize, Nowi. It ain't yer fault. I can't blame anyone fer his death but the one what caused it, and Chrom turned 'im into worm food a long time ago. I just…" Donnel sighed and shut his eyes, keeping his own tears at bay. "I just wish I'd been strong enough to fight. Strong enough to protect 'im…"He held it together, but a couple more minutes would pass before Nowi's tears stopped. When they did, she let go of Donnel and turned away from him; the last thing she wanted him to see was how red and puffy her eyes had gotten."Are you alright?""Y-yeah." She nodded and wiped away a stray tear. Then she turned towards him and managed a smile. "Yeah… I'm alright, Donny. What about you?"He leaned forward on the table with his hands clasped together. "I… I'm at peace with it. Heck, Pa's death was the whole reason I decided to join Chrom in the first place. No kid should have their parents taken away from 'em like that…"Staring at the floor in silence, she rubbed her arm. Donnel glanced over at her and frowned; she seemed so much more torn up about it than he was, but it made sense. He'd had almost an entire year to grieve. She was only hearing about this now.Still… He hated seeing her this way. Nowi was a person with feelings too, but damn if it didn't break his heart to watch her suffer. Desperate to make her smile again, he remembered his father's parting gift to him. His good luck charm that he never went anywhere without."Hey, Nowi? Wanna see Pa's favorite stone?""Huh?"She glanced over at him again, looking more curious than ever before. With a smile, Donnel reached into his pocket and pulled out the prettiest rock she'd ever seen. He placed it on the table; it was a smooth, flawless opal that sparkled with every color of the rainbow.Nowi was awestruck."Woah! It's so pretty!" she blurted, once again covering her mouth afterwards. "Sorry… but it is! It's just so…" She glanced up at him with pleading eyes. "Can I…?A simple nod was all it took to convince her. Nowi's small hands lifted the stone from the table and caressed it. It was every bit as satisfying to touch as it looked. Its various colors flickered in the candlelight as she turned it over."Well? Ain't it a beaut?""It's gorgeous, Donny… I can see why it was his favorite."He grinned. "Heh… Well that's not the only reason why he loved it so much. He said it had some kinda special power, and that it was his life goal to figure out what it was some day…"A thought dawned on Donnel. He stared at her intently. "Say… You don't suppose it's one of them dragonstones ya use so much, do ya?""Mm…" Nowi stuck her tongue out as she held it to one of her pointed ears. He bit back a snicker, but he stopped when she set it back on the table with a sigh. "I don't think so... I can tell it has some kind of power, but I can't understand it. Us manaketes can usually sniff out a dragonstone from a mile away, but this one's not telling me anything at all…"From a pocket in her cloak, she pulled out a light blue stone of her own. This one was far less round and more crystalline in appearance. Multiple edges lined its surface, and what looked like a miniature dragon head sat in the very center of it.Donnel's jaw parted as she let him hold it; he'd never seen it up close before. "Golly… Pa would've loved to see somethin' this beautiful.""Hee hee! Glad ya think so… I've had it since I was a baby. My parents must've given it to me, but… I don't remember them at all. Not even their faces.""Nowi…""But hey!" She perked up. "Manaketes live a long time, so they've gotta be out there somewhere right? I'm sure they're just waiting for me to find 'em!"Donnel grinned; her joy was infectious. "Heh… I bet they are, Nowi.""Yuuup! I just know I'll see them again someday," she said with the utmost confidence. It faded in a heartbeat as a single question crossed her mind. "But for now… Um, th-that is, if it's okay…""Huh?"She held her wrist behind her back and shyly looked away. "Uh… Is it alright if I just stay here for a little while? I promise I won't take up too much space! I'll protect everyone from bandits, and I can help with the animals too!""Huh?!" Donnel asked again, genuinely taken aback. "You… Ya want to stay here? Not a whole lot really happens around here most of the time…""I don't mind! Excitement is boring anyway! Er, I mean…"
Stupid, stupid Nowi! Get it together!
"Heh. I get ya, Nowi," he said with a grin. "I think everyone'd be more than happy to have a dragon watchin' over us. And I… Well…" Donnel's cheeks went pink. "I wouldn't mind havin' ya here myself. Yer good people.""Haha… Thanks, Donny. You're good people too…""Then let's shake on it!" Donnel exclaimed. He brought his hand close to his mouth and nearly spit on it before glancing back up at a confused Nowi. Cheeks burning brighter now, he simply offered her his hand instead. "Er… Sorry 'bout that. Force o' habit."Dagnabbit, Donny! She ain't from the sticks like you; she's a lady! She would never—"Ptooie!"He blinked in surprise. Nowi offered her hand with a wide smile, but it was now covered in her own spit. She never broke eye contact even as her face went scarlet."Um… D-did I do it right…?""Heck yeah!" That was all the encouragement he needed. He spit into the palm of his hand and grabbed Nowi's. "Pardners?"Nowi grinned and shook it with vigor."Partners."The day after he bid farewell to some of his friends and allies, Chrom spent much of his time in his private chambers. He hunched over his desk as he scribbled away at a piece of paper with an ink-dipped quill. Even though the High Council had dispersed, there was still much to be done. He, Robin and Frederick would have to sit down together and solidify his plans to embark on a journey across all of Ylisse. Then they would have to make announcements at various locations regarding the Ylissean Army's reformation in a way that wouldn't cause public unrest.Many had decried a much younger Emmeryn's decision to disband their father's army entirely, but her decision was influenced in no small part by his mandatory conscription policies. Chronos's actions sent many an unprepared man to his death, devastating countless families and contributing to famine and poverty. Chrom would have to make it abundantly clear that service in this new army, while appreciated, would be optional. The Shepherds themselves had always been a volunteer group, and it was his deepest wish that this reformed army would flourish as one too.He only hoped enough recruits would join in the event of another war.
Another war—!
The quill snapped. Chrom stared at it for a few seconds before frowning and tossing it aside; it landed in a little bin filled with several other broken quills. With both elbows on his desk, he buried his hands in his hair and sighed. The silence of his room was a welcome change from yesterday's meeting, but the stress of managing the nation was already getting to him… and this was only the beginning. He didn't regret giving Robin the day off; he just wished there was less to do in general.A knock at the door caught his attention."Chrom?" a girlish voice called. "Is this a bad time?""Sumia!" he blurted in response, nearly leaping from the table. "Er, n-not at all. I'll be there in a second..."
Calm yourself, Chrom… It's only Sumia. Relax.
After taking a deep breath, he approached the door and undid the locks before opening it. Sumia stood a few feet away, looking off to the side. She wasn't wearing the metal breastplate or gauntlets she usually did; the plum-colored dress she wore underneath was on full display. A gigantic straw basket sat at her feet."Hey there," she said with a sweet smile. "Is this a bad time?""Sumia! Hello. Now's not a bad time at all." He wasn't quite sure where to look; he settled on the object between them. "What's, er… on your mind?"She giggled a bit before lifting it by its handle. "As Virion would say, voilà!""Uh…" His eyes darted between her face and the basket for a few seconds. "What?""It's a picnic basket, silly! You know…" She tilted her head and frowned. "For our picnic?""Huh?!"Sumia brought her lips together in a pout. "Oh, honestly, Chrom! We talked about this just yesterday, remember? Right before Maribelle called you over…""Oh, yeah… Right." He nodded dumbly. Between discussing his plans with the councilmen and spending time with everyone afterwards, the events of yesterday had been a blur to him. In truth, his recollection of both conversations were foggy at best. All he could remember was seeing Sumia's eyes light up when he said yes to her… and seeing Tharja's jaw drop when he agreed with Maribelle.Agreed that she should accompany her to Themis.… Why do I have a bad feeling about all of this?As he did his best to piece together the events in his mind, Sumia stared at him with soft gray eyes. It felt as though they'd only just returned from that blood-soaked battlefield in Plegia, and yet... He was already running himself ragged. Chrom bore the biggest burdens of them all as future Exalt, but it ate her up inside to see him like this. He needed to take care of himself too whether he realized it or not, but… maybe it wasn't her place to push him."Chrom? Should I come back another ti—""No!" he blurted, making her jump. His face went red as he silently cursed his tactlessness. "No, I mean… I'm sorry, Sumia. My mind's been all over the place as of late. In truth… I'd love to spend some time with you.""O-oh!" Her cheeks flushed a bit as she smiled. "W-well… Good! I have the perfect spot picked out and everything! I've even brought some of my favorite books too!"Chrom raised an eyebrow. "You read while eating? Don't the pages get all messy?""Not if you're careful, silly!" She gestured her head to her right. "Now come on! The tea should be ready by now.""You made tea too?" By now he was positively astounded. "Sumia… You didn't have to go through all this trouble…""Hey, I wanted to!" She gave a sheepish grin. "Besides, all I really had to do was make the food... Lissa offered to brew the tea.""Lissa?!" Chrom's heart was immediately overcome with dread. His sister hadn't brewed tea by herself in years. The last time she did, things ended in disaster.She saw the fear in his eye and shook her head, trying not to laugh. "No, no, it's alright! She has some of the kitchen staff there to keep an eye on things.""If you say so…" He closed the door behind them so they were both out in the hallway. "Shall we get going then?""Let's!"When Chrom agreed to go on a picnic with her, Sumia was thrilled. So thrilled, in fact, that she had forgotten she didn't even own a picnic basket to begin with. She had the perfect location in mind and how to get there, but no idea how to get everything there in one piece. It took the better part of the afternoon perusing the local marketplace, but she finally found what she was looking for courtesy of a traveling red-haired merchant. When she made sure she could fasten it to the back of Belfire's saddle without causing her discomfort, Sumia realized she everything she needed to put her plan into action.And now, as they flew north of the capital, Sumia had a big smile on her face. The sun shining down on her and the wind combing through her hair was enough to put her in a good mood on a normal day. Today, though… Everything seemed so much brighter. Happier. She'd never forget the day she first fell in love with flying. She could ride a horse just fine—trained pegasus knights had to before proving they could handle pegasi proper—but there was just something magical about being up in the air. That a human could get off of the ground and fly like a bird was just… wondrous. Especially when they had a bond with their mount.And especially when they felt they had a bond with someone special.Sumia looked forward to the moment her boots would touch soil, but Chrom's desire for that was even stronger than her own... mainly because he was sandwiched between her and the basket. He tried not to think about it too much, but her flowing hair kept hitting his face. Tickling his nose. Filling it with the soft, gentle fragrance of lavender...Stop it, Chrom scolded himself. His arms rested awkwardly at his sides, either hand gripping the saddle. Their flight had slowed to such a leisurely pace that he didn't need to wrap his arms around her waist. Were they in peril, he'd do it without thinking twice. But off the field of battle… Now that they were alone like this...He craned his neck to the left, looking past Sumia in an effort to think about anything but Sumia. He smiled a little when he saw a giant body of water in the distance. Lake Marth sat right in the middle of the country. Swimming was never a hobby of his, but he couldn't recall the last time he visited such a place. Perhaps the fresh air and change in scenery would do his mind some good.Sumia clung to the reins, similarly staring ahead. Chrom may not have been overly talkative by nature, but he hadn't said a word since they started flying. Silence was a virtue as times—it was certainly useful when trying to gather her thoughts or read a good book—but this particular silence unnerved her. Even the sensation of the wind blowing and the sound of the birds chirping couldn't erase the pit forming in her stomach.
He's so quiet… Do I smell funny? Was it something I said earlier? Can he tell I'm nervous? Should I say something? What would I even say?!
Sumia opened her mouth a couple of times, but… she couldn't find the words. She settled on a quiet sigh instead. Trying to steel herself for what lied ahead—it had been her idea, after all—she focused on getting them to the lake safely.Without even knowing, both she and Chrom had the same thought at the same time.
Naga, help me...
After a few more minutes of soaring, the pair reached their picnic spot. Belfire lowered herself to the ground where the surrounding forest gave way to the lakeshore. Climbing down from the noble steed, Chrom couldn't help but stare out at the lake's horizon. He was amazed at the difference in perspective. From above, the lake looked pretty enough. Yet as it sprawled out in front of him, with the sun beaming brightly against the surface… As he took in the sight and smell of the trees, and the chirping of the birds above... The place was simply magnificent. Magical even."It's breathtaking, isn't it?"He turned to his left. Sumia gazed at the scenic view before her with a hand over her heart. She'd taken the liberty of placing a checkered blanket on the ground underneath a nearby tree; the basket was already on top of them. Chrom looked back at her as a gentle breeze caressed them both. With the soft smile on her face and the wind flowing through her hair, she looked so peaceful… So beautiful."Er… y-yes," Chrom managed to get out, clearing his throat. He felt the heat pooling in his face. "It's… certainly a lovely sight.""Isn't it?" she asked, sighing afterwards. Her eyes never left the lake. "Phila and the others used to take me here all the time when I was still learning how to fly…""They did?" he asked without thinking. A bitter twinge of regret struck him as he remembered their fates. Chrom stared down at his feet in shame. "... I'm sorry."Still facing away from him, Sumia blinked back a tear or two. Then she glanced over at him, mustering the cheeriest grin she could. "O-oh, no, it's fine!" She glanced back at the blanket. "Um… Sh-shall we? The tea might be getting cold… if it's not already… "He nodded and followed her to the blanket. The leaves and branches above shielded them from the sunlight when they sat down. Chrom watched in silence as Sumia opened the basket. Peering inside, he couldn't help but marvel at it. The interior was divided into four compartments. Several neatly wrapped sandwiches were stacked in one corner. In another, some cups and saucers were strapped down with little harnesses so they wouldn't slide around during travel. No less than two books occupied a third corner, and the tea kettle was strapped into the last.
She really came prepared, didn't she? All this effort...
"Impressive, right?" she asked, passing him a sandwich. He nodded and accepted it with a grateful smile. Satisfied, Sumia took out the kettle and two of the cups before she began to pour the beverage. A single thought filled her mind while she did.
Don't spill the tea, don't spill the tea, don't spill the tea...
"Mm…" Chrom nodded again in approval as he took a bite. "Sumia, this is… Er…" He chewed and swallowed before speaking again, ashamed of his lapse in manners. "Sorry… This is wonderful, Sumia. What's in it?"She giggled as she finished pouring the tea. "Oh, nothing special. A little of this, a little of that… I think you'll like the tea even more though. It's elderberry.""Really?" He couldn't help but grin; it was no secret that elderberry tea was a favorite among Ylissean royalty and nobility. "I suppose that explains the aroma…""It's not for everyone, but I've come to appreciate it over the years." She handed him a cup. "Here you go!""Thank you." He took a nice long sip, being careful not to slurp. "Mm… It's delicious. Did Lissa really help brew this?""She sure did! Said it would help her become more royal and ladylike," Sumia said, putting on a regal accent for emphasis. They both chuckled afterwards. "If you ask me, I think Maribelle's really rubbed off on her. Her and Ricken both.""Heh… I don't doubt it. They all grew up together, after all…"Between her company, the earthy taste of the tea and the thought of his sister and their friends, Chrom had already forgotten about the stress he felt just an hour prior. His eyes were drawn to the books Sumia removed from the basket. One was dark blue with gold letters and the other was dark green with bright red letters. He recognized the first as Tales of the Shadow War Vol. 1, a novel about King Marth's heroic exploits during his time as a prince. He knew there was at least one more book in the series, but the less-familiar book piqued his interest."Sumia, what's that one?""Ooh, good eye! This one's called Tales of Valentia," she told him, picking it up. Chrom watched her entire face light up as she went into further detail. "It tells of how the powerful King Alm and beautiful Queen Celica fought valiantly to restore peace to Valentia… Er, back before it was called Valm. Supposedly they were around during the Hero-King's time!""Alm and Celica…" He closed his eyes and nodded. "Mm… Yes, I've heard of them here and there. I don't know how much of their story is true, but they sound incredible from what the legends say. Awe-inspiring even...""Um… W-well…" Sumia glanced away from him, twirling a loose strand of hair. "You shouldn't sell yourself short either, Chrom…""Hmm?""I mean, you've done lots of things like them! And stuff like the Hero-King too! I… I think he'd be proud of you."Chrom stared at her in shock. For all the time he'd known her, not once had she said anything like that to him. King Marth… His own ancestor… Was what she said true? Was he even worthy of such praise?Sumia's hands flew to her mouth as she realized what she'd just said. In mere seconds, she'd become redder than a cherry. "E-eep! I… I'm sorry! I misspoke! I didn't mean to—What I meant to say was—""Thank you.""Wha?""You have no idea how much that means to me, Sumia," Chrom admitted, face flushing a little as well. "Even if it's not true, I—""It is true!" she insisted; her forcefulness made him flinch. "Ah! I'm sorry… I'm really making a mess of this whole thing, aren't I? We're supposed to be relaxing and here I am getting so high-strung…""It's okay, Sumia. Really. I'm just glad I get to spend some time away from the capitol every now and then. Especially with someone whose company I value so much.""H-hey!" Her eyes were as wide as the tea saucers. Her blush only deepened as she stammered, "Th-That's… I m-mean… Um…"She trailed off, leaving them both in uncomfortable silence. Chrom glanced down at the green book again, desperate to change the subject."... Is it true King Alm had a Falchion of his own?""O-oh!" Sumia grinned, growing confident once more. "According to this story it is! Legend says that Naga herself made it from one of her mighty fangs. Just like—""My Falchion," Chrom finished her sentence. He looked down at his hip; the fabled Blade of Light rested in its hilt. "I wonder where your sibling is now…""It's a big world, but it has to be out there somewhere. Soooo…?""Hmm?"He looked back at her. Sumia held Tales of Valentia in her hands eagerly, having forgotten all about her prior nervousness. "Wanna give it a read? It starts with their childhood in a tiny little village called Ram.""Ram?" Chrom quirked an eyebrow. "That's an odd name for a village…"She couldn't help but smirk. "Odder than naming a militia after a bunch of sheepherders?""... Fair enough." He could only smile in response. "Let's have it then."An hour of reading and idle chatter flew by in the blink of an eye. The sun's descent had already begun, the golden light flickering down through the trees. Chrom had nodded off during a rather slow passage in the book. When he came to, Sumia was asleep right beside him. Her soft hair tickled him as she rested her head against his shoulder. She snored ever so lightly, the book long since having fallen from her hand. One of her arms was wrapped around his.In that brief moment of time, Chrom felt a burst of different emotions all at once. His heart pounded in his chest as he felt bashfulness like never before. He burned with shame at the realization that he'd fallen asleep during what was supposed to be a time to get to know each other more. And when he gazed upon her sleeping form... When he took note of how full and pink and pretty her lips were...He felt fear. Fear at these strange, unfamiliar feelings. Chrom had always considered his female companions attractive, but he'd never been attracted to them; he merely saw them as friends and equals. But with Sumia... He felt all that and more. She was his friend and equal, but… Was there something else between them? Something… deeper?His stomach lurched. All she wanted was to spend time with him, and here he was staring at her like a lecher. A grimace crossed his face as he silently cursed himself and shifted. Then Sumia's grasp on his arm tightened, and he froze in place. She frowned and made a grunt of disapproval in her sleep. Chrom decided to stay put, watching as her peaceful expression returned. He smiled, but his thoughts quickly came back to haunt him.
Gods, this isn't good. I'm completely out of my element here. I think I need an expert opinion about all of this. Maybe... Maybe Robin? Or Lyn? They're together now and they seem pretty happy... Maybe they'd know how to help me deal with this.
"Mm… Wha…" Sumia stirred awake, her eyes half-lidded. When she realized how close she was to him—and how she clung to his arm—they shot open entirely. "Oh! Oh, goodness! I'm—""S-sorry!" Chrom apologized, scrambling away from her. "I… I didn't mean to—""N-no, you're fine! I just… didn't expect to fall asleep…" She glared at the forgotten book on the blanket. "Oh, stupid boat chapters! Why do you have to be so slow and dull?!"Sumia sighed and shook her head. When she looked out towards the lake's horizon, she felt herself relax. The orange hue of the sky reflected on the water's surface. Around the tree, numerous little flies began to glow in eye-catching shades of yellow and green."Wow," Chrom awed at the sight. He held his hand out in front of him; a couple of the insects flew between his fingers. "I don't think I've ever seen a sunset like this before…"Sumia giggled as Belfire neighed at some of the bugs that had flown near her. "It's easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of Ylisstol. I'm not saying it doesn't have its perks, but…" She looked back at the lake and sighed in content. "Nature truly is the most beautiful thing in the world. It is the world. And not enough people treasure it…"Chrom watched as many of the glowing insects flew above the surface of the lake, their radiance reflecting off of it like the sky. "Indeed… It's easy to forget when you spend so much time cooped up in a castle.""I bet." She laughed again, shaking her head. "... You know, if you had told me five years ago that I'd be a soldier for the Halidom, I'd have laughed. Me, a lowborn farmhand…""Sumia, you and countless others have proven to me that station shouldn't determine a person's worth. It doesn't matter whether a person is born rich or poor, or Ylissean or Plegian. All that matters is that they have a kind heart. Like you…""Chrom…" She kept her eyes on the lake as her cheeks burned. "I… I feel the same way… but about you…""Oh! Uh…"
Does she mean… No. She couldn't possibly…
"... Hey, Chrom?""Y-yeah?" His voice cracked."... Do you think Phila was right about me?" The air around them changed. "Do you think I deserved to complete my training?"Chrom felt as though he'd been punched in the gut. "I… Of course I do, Sumia! Everyone does!""... Really?""Absolutely! Why would you believe otherwise?"Just like that, Sumia's heart sank as the memories came flooding back. As a little girl, she'd heard all kinds of stories about pegasus knights. About Queen Caeda and the Whitewings of old. These courageous, valiant women and others like them were an inspiration to aspiring knights everywhere.And yet… When she was first starting out as a soldier…"Chrom… I never told you this before, but…" She closed her eyes and exhaled through her nose. "Do you remember how I was when I first joined the Shepherds all those years ago?""Uh…" He thought for a moment, racking his brain. "I think so... Weren't you originally training to be a cleric?""Spot on." She giggled; her gaze fell to the dirt in front of them. "I didn't think I had it in me to become a soldier at the time, but I still wanted to help people. To heal them… just like your sisters had.""I see…""Magic just wasn't for me," she admitted, shrugging her shoulders. A somber smile played at Sumia's lips. "I can't even tell you how many staves I would end up breaking… Or how even just trying to heal someone would result in a nosebleed… Eventually, Cordy suggested I try my hand at fighting instead.""I'm glad she did!" Chrom chuckled. "If she hadn't, I might've become a pincushion in Regna Ferox.""Please! I'm sure someone else would've rescued you if I hadn't…""But you were the only person there who could have, Sumia. And I'll never stop being grateful for that. You've saved my life at least twice now…"She shook her head with a little laugh. "You flatter me. I've come a long way, but the other pegasus knights… They didn't make it easy for me. They'd often call me names or spread nasty rumors about me when they thought I couldn't hear them…""Gods..." Chrom grimaced. "I had no idea… I never thought pegasus knights could be so callous to each other.""We're only human." Sumia forced a smile. "I'm glad Cordy convinced me not to give up and go home, but… There were so many nights where I almost wished I had. But she was my rock. My reason to keep pushing through it all…""... I'm sorry.""It's fine… Between you and me, I think Cordy took their deaths even harder than I did. They hurled so many insults her way too... Especially whenever she stood up for me. I don't know if she ever resented them for it, but... She had to watch them all die. Had to watch Phila die. I didn't." Sumia hugged her knees to her chest, staring out at the lake. "She's always been stronger than me, but… I worry about her, Chrom. I worry about her so much..."She sighed before turning her head towards him; concern and sorrow was written all over his face. "Is that wrong of me?""Not at all. You've both been through so much… I just wish I could do more for you.""Just having someone to talk to me helps most days." She chuckled, but there was no joy in her voice. "So there you have it. Me in a nutshell…"For a good while, Chrom was speechless. The Ylissean Pegasus Knights had been a separate branch from the Shepherds entirely: the last remnant of the old guard Emmeryn had disbanded. As they were mostly concerned with ensuring the safety of the Exalt and didn't typically venture out of their circle, he never got much time to interact with them before Sumia and Cordelia joined the Shepherds. He spoke to Phila very rarely, but never for more than a few minutes at a time. She certainly never mentioned that her subordinates could be so vile."Sumia, listen to me." He made eye contact with her. "I don't ever want to hear you second-guess yourself again.""Huh?""You passed your training for a reason. Through skill, talent, determination or some combination of the three, you proved that you were good enough. Phila saw it. Cordelia sees it. I see it… And Belfire must see it too."The pair looked over at the pegasus in question. She laid on the ground in a comfortable position, flexing her wings. Sumia smiled at her partner and friend, but Chrom's voice drew her attention once more. "Not just anyone can tame a wild pegasus, much less learn to ride it in such a short span of time! That takes a special kind of talent. And the fact that you can go toe to toe with even wyverns… It's incredible. You're incredible! I mean…"Sumia turned away; her lips curled up as her face burned. "I… You're not just saying that? You mean it?""Of course I do," he admitted. "You've been exceptional. I think Phila and the other pegasus knights would agree if they could see you now, and I'm certain Cordelia does too. You've done them all proud.""Hee hee…" She wiped a stray tear from her eye. "You're sweet. Even if it's not true… Even if you're only saying it to make me feel better about myself...""I'm not," Chrom said, though his tone was softer now. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a genuine grin. "And it is true. I wouldn't say it if it wasn't.""Heh…""Heheh…"The two shared a laugh, glancing away from each other a moment to admire the lake. When Sumia stopped chuckling, she turned her head towards Chrom. Her eyes sparkled, and she gave him the most heartfelt, radiant smile he had ever seen. The glow of the sunset and the fireflies around her made her look like something out of a dream. He smiled back, but he broke eye contact after a few seconds. Sumia chuckled again and turned towards the water one last time."You know," she said, "I've actually been to this spot countless times before just to unwind. Each visit was more enjoyable than the last, but today… Today was special.""Really? Why's that?"She shook her head and smiled to herself. Defying her heart, she forced herself to her feet and brushed off her knees. "It's getting late… We should head back to the castle.""But…" Chrom trailed off when she offered a dainty hand. Then he took it in his own, rising to his feet. He couldn't help but notice how warm and soft it was. "… Yes, you're right. Let's… get going…"He helped her pack up her belongings. As they mounted Belfire and left the lake behind, neither Chrom nor Sumia could think of anything more to say. Judging by the telltale smiles they wore the entire way home, however...Perhaps nothing more needed to be said.When Chrom gave him the day off, Robin decided to use the opportunity to brush up on both his tactical prowess and combat training. He found himself at ease whenever he opened an anima tome, but he was still less than confident about his sword arm. Fortunately for him, he had a patient teacher in the form of his closest friend and the love of his life."Lyn..." Robin hesitated as he stared her down from across the training room; nobody else was present. He held a wooden sword upwards in his hands. "Are you sure about this?""Of course!" came her enthusiastic response. Lyn's hands were on her hips. A more curved wooden blade—a parting gift from Lon'qu—hung at her side. "I can handle anything you can dish out. Don't be afraid to really give it to me!""But... I don't want to hurt you...""Robin, you're too sweet," she said with a gentle smile, "but I'd honestly be a little more worried about yourself." She beckoned him forward with a gloved hand, smirking. "Now come at me!"He stared at her with a determined look, gulping. He knew she was the better fighter by far, but for as much as he wanted to improve, he would never forgive himself if he wound up hurting her. He wouldn't go easy on her—she deserved better than that—but he wouldn't go out of his way to injure her either.The sparring match didn't last very long. Robin's swings weren't nearly as powerful as Chrom's, nor were they as fast as her own. While his footwork wasn't too shoddy, Lyn grew more and more frustrated with his constant missing. It was almost as if he was doing it on purpose."C'mon, Robin," she growled, circling him. "Hit me!""I can't! You're too fast!""Am I? Or are you too slow?""Heh…" He grinned and shook his head. "Sorry, Lyn. You won't get me to lose my temper that easily."Her sweet laughter filled his ears. "I suppose you always were too clever for something like that. It's one of many things I adore about you.""Wha?"She took the opportunity to sprint towards him, zigzagging. As Robin bent his knees and got into a defensive stance, she slid under his legs. He whirled around and brought his sword down. It connected with hers immediately."What the...?!"Lyn swiftly spun on the ground, sweeping his leg with her foot. He lost his balance and tumbled back-first onto the floor. When she leapt to her feet and pointed her blade at his throat, Robin groaned and shut his eyes in defeat. "I yield...""Not bad," she complimented, looking him over. "Not bad at all.""How can you say that? You wiped the floor with me… Almost literally, might I add.""But you're learning." There was a twinkle in her eye as she smiled down at him. "We have plenty of time to work on your form. I know magic is more of your speciality, but it can't be a bad idea to work on your sword arm too. You don't want to have to cast a powerful spell at close range, do you?"Robin sat up and scratched his jaw. He couldn't bring himself to look her in the eye. "I... don't suppose so, no. Thanks, Lyn. I just... Ugh."Her smile fell at once. "You're not hurt, are you?""No... Just my pride. I know that no one is an expert at this sort of thing right away, but... Well, failure hurts.""You're not a failure. Here…"Lyn offered him a hand, but she gasped when he pulled her to the floor. Robin wasted no time in tickling her sides."R-Robin!" she chided through her giggles. "That's… Hahaha! St-stooooop! Ahahaha!"He relented after a few seconds, smiling as she laid on her back and caught her breath. When she sat up, she gave him a light punch to the arm. "For Elimine's sake, Robin… Geez.""Foul play begets foul play, Lyn." He smirked. "You used emotional manipulation on me. Not that you needed it to win in the first place…""Heh… I'm sorry." She scooted as close as she could to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. Then she kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry, Robin. I don't think any less of you. A lesser man might've refused to train with me altogether out of fear of looking foolish.""I mean..." His face flushed at the contact. "W-well, when you put it that way..."By now, both were acutely aware of how close they were to each other. The room was large, but the heat between them was no less intense for it. Sweat dripped down their faces as their breath grew short. Without thinking, Robin brought a hand to her forehead and brushed her damp green bangs aside. Lyn leaned closer and tilted her head, pursing her lips together. He met her halfway in a tender kiss. It wasn't long before she crawled into his lap and buried her hands in his hair. Robin cupped her face with one hand and rubbed her upper back with the other before both found their way to her hips."Ahem."They broke the kiss at once. A little farther away, Chrom and Sumia stared at them with big eyes and bright red faces. Chrom looked a little more stern, but his face was no less flushed than hers."Ah! Uh..." Robin wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. His cheeks were on fire as Lyn hastily stood up. "We, uh... So we were sparring, and—""Save it." Chrom chuckled for a moment, mostly to mitigate everyone's discomfort. "I understand love can make people feel certain... things, Robin, but this is a training room first and foremost. The younger Shepherds pop in here from time to time too... my sister among them.""I'm sorry, Chrom," Lyn apologized. She stiffly offered Robin a hand. Her face was still beet-red, but she stared at the ground as she helped him rise to his feet. "It was—""My fault," Robin cut her off. "I tripped and wanted to stop for a minute to regain my bearings and—""Robin. It's fine, just... Not in here, okay?""Right." His gaze drifted to the floor. "Sorry..."Chrom sighed and shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad Duke Themis and the other nobles aren't around right now. The last thing I need to hear right now is them complaining about something like… that."The four of them stood in silence, nobody quite meeting the other's eye. In the back of Sumia's mind, however, she squealed with joy.
Eee! It's like one of my Valmese romance novels!
"S-so!" Lyn's energetic voice cut through the air. "Anything new happen lately?"Chrom and Sumia glanced over at each other, but they looked away just as quickly. Robin and Lyn looked at each other as well, but Chrom cleared his throat and got their attention again. "Actually, I wanted to speak with all of you tomorrow over lunch. Er... If you're not busy, of course.""Of course!" Robin nodded. Lyn and Sumia similarly nodded in response. "Is this about the trip?""What trip?" both women asked."I want to travel around Ylisse and see to the civilians' needs in these trying times," Chrom explained, "just as my sister would have done. Emmeryn was known to personally visit entire villages during her rule.""Really?" Lyn blinked in surprise. Such a thing was unheard of among most Lycian lords back home. "That was thoughtful of her…"He nodded. "Indeed. I know I'm not her, and I'm not trying to be, but I think the commoners would appreciate having their voices heard. Knowing that I care about their well-being just as much as that of the nobility. And perhaps…"Sumia peered at him, raising an eyebrow. "Perhaps…?""... Perhaps we could also seek out new recruits during this time," he finished. "Willing recruits, of course. The life of a soldier isn't for everyone. The last thing I want is to force people into roles they don't want or can't handle.""I think it's a great idea!" Lyn exclaimed, a twinkle in her eye. "I'm sure there's at least a few people out there who'd want to join. Especially after our… er, your recent victory…""Ha! I couldn't have won alone, Lyn, and we might not have stood a chance without you on our side." Chrom chuckled. "Not just because of all you've done for Robin, but because of your own skill as well. I fear the day I have to fight someone like you as an enemy…""He's right," Sumia agreed with a grin. "Don't tell Lon'qu, but… I think you might even give him a run for his money.""You think so?"She looked back at Robin; he shrugged. "It's definitely possible. You're both miles ahead of me, in any case…""For now." She smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "But you're getting there. I have no doubt you'll be able to match us someday.""Lyn…"They shared a tender gaze. Chrom and Sumia couldn't help but smile at the scene themselves. The latter gave the former a little nudge before tilting her head away from the couple."Well," Chrom said, clearing his throat again, "I have to go… do a thing. Dinner should be ready soon, but there's also some places in Ylisstol that stay open late if you'd prefer a night on the town. In any case, I think you've both more than earned some time to relax.""You mean it?" Robin asked."Neat!" Lyn piped up. "I've actually been wanting to see more of the capitol…" She turned to Robin. "What do you think?""It's been quite some time since I've wandered around the city, actually… Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea."Sumia giggled. "Well, whatever you decide, just be careful! Not that I imagine you'll really need to, though. Ylisstol is usually pretty peaceful at night..."After a little more chatter, Chrom and Sumia bid the couple farewell and went their separate ways. They had much to think about themselves, but neither wanted to keep Robin and Lyn any longer. After splitting up and washing up, the couple met in the main hall and greeted each other with a hug and a kiss. They nodded at the guards posted there."Shall we, milady?" Robin brought her hand to his lips with a grin.Lyn rolled her eyes, but she couldn't fight the smile that grew on her face. "Lead the way, good sir."The moon was high in the sky as darkness took its hold over the capital. True to Chrom's word, however, several shops and restaurants were still open for the night. With the light of well-placed torches and lanterns paving the still-crowded streets, Robin and Lyn strolled hand in hand."Ylisstol really is beautiful," Lyn said as they rounded a corner, the smell of various foods filling her nose. "It almost reminds me of Bulgar… but bigger.""Bulgar," Robin repeated, thinking. "Isn't that a massive trade center back home?""The biggest in all of Sacae!" she boasted. Her heart soared at his recollection; maybe he'd get all his memories back after all. "Is Ylisstol similar in that respect?""Absolutely! People from all over the country come here to buy and sell wares of all kinds. It's essential to the Ylissean economy.""Heh. Similar indeed…"Against her will, Lyn felt a twinge of unease. When they left Elibe, Caelin and its surrounding areas had been taken under Ostian protection courtesy of Hector. She was confident in his ability to lead and maintain peace, and Eliwood would always be around to offer help from Pherae as well. And yet, in spite of that… She was concerned. The friends who'd accompanied them back to Castle Caelin—Florina, Kent, Sain, Wil, even old Wallace… Were they getting along alright without them? How much time had even passed in their world since then? And what of everyone else?
Maybe I'm worrying too much… I'm sure they're fine.
She thought back to Florina in particular. She would always have her sisters, and she'd grown close to some of the others in the army as well, but... The two had known each other for years. Even before she met Robin. Even before she lost her people... Her parents.
I really hope she's okay...
"Oh! This looks like a good place to eat."Lyn was broken out of her thoughts by the sound of Robin's voice. He gestured to a little brick building on the corner of the street in front of them. Above the door hung a big white banner with the name "Anna's" written across it in flashy red letters."'Anna's'?" she repeated, tilting her head. "As in… our Anna?""Er… Probably not," Robin said with a chuckle. "With how many sisters she has, it's likelier that it belongs to one of them instead…""Right…"It still boggled her mind that they'd met another Anna in this world, let alone multiple of them. Before she wound up in Regna Ferox, the only Anna she'd ever known was the one they met at Port Badon. Just how many Annas existed between their worlds anyway? Or even just in this one?Lyn shook her head to clear her thoughts. Her grumbling stomach helped her focus on the eatery in front of them. "R-right! Should we check it out then?""Yeah! All that training really worked up a good appetite…"With that, the pair stepped inside. Anna's was a cozy little restaurant in the southern half of the capitol. It had been fortunate to only receive minimal damage during the Plegian Army's assault so long ago, and business was booming now that the war was over and people could relax again. Many tables were already occupied. When they approached the front counter, the man standing there was quick to recognize Robin."Oh!" he exclaimed. A starstruck smile spread across his visage. "You… you're the tactician of the Shepherds! The one who led 'em to victory against Plegia!""That's not…" Robin blushed at the high praise. "Really… I am their tactician, but it was hardly my strength or tactics alone that won the day…""Nonsense! We've 'eard of your triumphs in battle again and again. You've done more for Ylisse than most o' the nobles 'ave, and any friend of Prince Chrom is a friend o' ours!""Somebody's popular," Lyn told Robin with a chuckle. She grabbed his arm and rested her head against him. "But I wouldn't have expected anything less of my tactician.""Aha…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "Right…""Well I'd love to stay 'ere and chat yer ears off, but Anna'll have me head if I do! Follow me; our finest table awaits."He grabbed a couple of menus from the counter before leading them further into the eatery. To their surprise, he didn't seat them at what few free tables remained. Instead, he brought them to a staircase in the back. They gave each other a wary glance, but they relented when the man went upstairs and opened a door. When Robin and Lyn followed him, they found themselves standing on the roof. What they saw before them was a view that was nothing short of breathtaking. Castle Ylisstol loomed in the distance, framed by a starry blanket of darkness. The moon shone down on the pair. Beside them, a few round tables stood dressed for the occasion."Goodness..." Lyn broke the silence, staring in awe. "It's…""Amazing," Robin finished, just as taken with the view.The server glanced between the two with a kind grin, placing the menus on the nearest table. "Sit anywhere ya like. A server'll be with ya right away!"They settled on the table in the center. Robin and Lyn made small talk as they continued to look out at the sky. Numerous stars twinkled high above them. It wasn't long before their server for the night joined them: a familiar redhead in a flowing green dress."Well, well, well! So this is the tactician Thomas won't stop gushing over.""Anna?!" they blurted in unison."Well, of course! I do own the place after all." She giggled and rested a finger on her chin. "Though I'm prooobably not the one you guys know. You're probably thinking of the merchant.""That sure narrows it down," Robin joked. "I don't suppose you've met a man named Gaius?""Mmm… Nope! Can't say I have."Lyn stared at her in confusion."... Do restaurant owners usually serve customers in Ylisse?""Not usually, but we make the occasional exception for war heroes." She smiled as she held an ink-dipped quill and a notepad. "So, what'll it be?"It didn't take long for them to make up their minds. Robin ordered a plate of bear meat with some greens on the side; Lyn decided on a hearty chicken broth instead. Anna winked at them as the man from before, Thomas, arrived with a sizable bottle of wine. Filling their glasses carefully, he left the bottle with them and bowed."It's on the house," Anna said, bowing as well. "Please enjoy the meal!""Thank you!""Very kind of you!"The food arrived in short order, and their conversation continued as they enjoyed it. They also helped themselves to the wine as they enjoyed the exquisite view."You know," Lyn said as she admired the stars, "the night sky really is just as beautiful wherever you go… Isn't it?""I suppose so," Robin agreed, taking a sip of his drink. Emboldened, he smirked in her direction. "Then again, I suppose I could say the same of you.""Wha?!" She stared at him with large green eyes and a familiar redness on her face."Ehe..." He snickered; it wasn't often that he teased her like this. "Sorry. Was that too much?"With a couple of blinks, Lyn's expression soon became one of adoration and relaxation. She propped her head up with one hand as the other locked fingers with Robin's across the table."No," she whispered, still smiling, "it was perfect. Thank you."Robin squeezed her hand as his own face went red. They sat that way for quite some time, taking in the other's presence and the cool nighttime breeze. Lyn gazed into his eyes—those earnest brown eyes she'd fallen for years ago—but as she did, a single question came to mind. A deep, burning question that had stuck with her ever since they reunited.A question she wasn't sure she wanted the answer to.Robin could feel her hand trembling in his. "Lyn? Is everything alright?""Robin…" Her tongue moved across her suddenly dry lips. "Um… Do you ever think about…?""Yes?" he urged her in a soft tone. He held her hand in both of his, running his thumbs across her calloused knuckles. "Lyn, whatever it is, I promise you can tell me.""It's just…" She broke eye contact, staring up at the moon instead. "Do you ever think about… going home? You know… back to Elibe?""I…"Robin kept his grip on her hand, but he was at a loss for words. It wasn't as though he never wanted to return, but for the time being it seemed downright unfeasible. Chrom and the others were quick to take him in when he had no home… no memories at all. As their tactician and friend, nearly all of the memories he'd formed since had been in this world—and all thanks to them. Ylisse essentially was his world now… or at least a substantial part of it.Still, Lyn wasn't wrong to feel the way she did and he knew that. Most of her memories happened in Elibe—some two decades worth of friends, family, hardship and victory. She could talk about the beauty of the Sacaean plains from dawn till dusk. It was no small wonder she wanted to return."Lyn…" Robin spoke at last, but his voice was heavy. He stared down at the empty plates. "I… Of course I do, but…""But you're more attached to this world… Right?""I… That's not—""It's okay, Robin." Her lips formed a sad smile as she looked down at their still-intertwined hands. "It's only natural that you'd feel a deeper connection with people and places that you remember. I can't thank the others enough for all they've done for you… for us.""Lyn… There's something I need to tell you. Something important.""Yeah?""Earlier… when Chrom was talking about finding new recruits, he meant it." Robin looked all around them; no one else was on the roof, not even Anna. He leaned across the table and brought his voice to a whisper. "He wants to rebuild the Army.""What?!" Lyn blurted. She immediately matched his hushed tone. "Sorry, but… He does?""Yes." Robin nodded, his lips pressed together. "And he wants me to help him. He told me as much the night of the ball.""I… I see." Lyn's face grew hot as she recalled that night's events in vivid detail. She grabbed her forgotten glass and took a sip of wine to quell her nerves. "... Well, that makes sense. The Shepherds are strong, but we might not have beaten Plegia without the help of Regna Ferox. Ylisse needs to be able to defend itself in case they can't and another Gangrel comes along...""Exactly his thought process," Robin agreed, nodding again. "I don't know how long it'll take, or even how many new and old soldiers would want to join, but I—""Made a promise?" She finished his sentence, grinning.His jaw dropped. "I… How did you know?""You two are as close and Eliwood and Hector! It'd be weirder if he didn't ask for your help.""Then… you're not upset if I stay for now?""You mean if we stay?""Huh?!"Lyn rolled her eyes and laughed, grabbing both of his gloved hands. "Robin, did you really think I would just up and leave you like that? No! Not after all we've been through!""I didn't say that," he mumbled, cheeks burning. "And I'd never want you to either. It's just… Don't you miss Sacae? Don't you miss everyone back home?""I do," she admitted, squeezing his hands. "I miss it all so much. I miss the big blue skies and sprawling green plains, and I miss everyone too. I miss Florina. I miss Eliwood, and Hector, and Kent and Sain... Everyone.""And yet," Lyn continued, her voice falling again, "even in spite of all of that... It just wouldn't be the same if you weren't there to enjoy it all with me." She gazed into his eyes and smiled. "I love you, Robin. ""And I love you." He smiled, squeezing back. "Now and always."The two leaned over the table and met in a tender kiss. They could still taste the wine on each other's lips. There were still many trials to overcome in the future—their future—but all their worries faded away in that brief moment of time as they melted into the kiss. Robin tenderly cupped Lyn's cheek even as they pulled away from each other, their breath short and faces hot."I…" Lyn panted, eyes half-open. "Th-that was…""Uh… Sorry." Robin's eyes darted away from her. "It's g-gotten rather late, hasn't it? We should pay and—""Get going," she finished, standing from the table in a hurry. "I can pay this ti—""N-no, please! Allow me," Robin insisted, standing as well. "Really… I don't mind at all. Chrom pays me more than enough…""Heh… How about we split the cost then?""... Is that okay?""Of course it is! Chrom pays all of his soldiers well, not just his chief tactician," she answered smugly, taking his hand. "Now come on; we can't keep Anna waiting too long, after all.""Ha! Indeed…"After paying the surprisingly reasonable dining fee, they walked back to Castle Ylisstol. They greeted Stahl and Kellam as the two let them through the front gate. Their knowing smiles were not lost on the couple, but they paid it no mind. When Robin and Lyn found their way back to his room, they quickly fell into each other's loving embrace.In the dark, early hours of the morning, Lyn woke up in Robin's arms once again. She smiled as she realized what she wanted to do moving forward. As the previous day's training session crossed her mind, she realized that she wanted to see them both grow and improve as warriors. As she thought of the revelation at dinner, she realized wanted to help Robin fulfill his promise to Chrom in any way that she could.Once they'd done that and they were certain Ylisse didn't need them anymore, she wanted to go home. To return to the plains of Sacae that had given her life. To reunite with all of their old friends. To help Robin experience everything that he had lost all over again.And one day, when they were both fully ready… Lyn wanted to rebuild the Lorca with him at her side. As a family.One day, she told herself as she felt her eyelids droop once more. A small smile rested on her lips by the time slumber had reclaimed her.One day.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The road to Themis was rocky and winding. There wasn't a cloud to be found as the sun beat down on two rows of soldiers on horseback. Between them, two luxurious carriages pulled forward—one for the Duke and one for his daughter. Over a week had passed since Maribelle and her entourage departed from the capital. While she initially accompanied her father, she had made it very clear that she wanted some time to converse with her wartime companions as well. A chipper Ricken sat at her side during much of the journey, and the two spoke about her home with much excitement.The woman sitting across from them, however, didn't even pretend to be interested.Clad in a hooded black cloak, Tharja massaged her temple with one hand and drummed her fingers against her knee with the other. The outside heat wouldn't have bothered her under normal circumstances, but everything else about the situation was getting to her. She knew exactly why Maribelle was so adamant on dragging her here. With that vile green-haired nuisance having claimed Robin as her own, Themis was the perfect excuse to keep her from doing anything about it.This isn't fair… What does she have that I don't?! I'm far more alluring than that… that...!Tharja sighed and sulked as she sank back in her seat. She couldn't care less about the fine red leather beneath her; all she cared about was him. From the moment they met at the Plegian ball, she knew Robin was something special. The way he carried himself, how kind he'd been to her… He just seemed so… normal. A far cry from the various suitors her mother tried setting her up with over the years. They all had something to gain from marrying the countess's daughter—wealth, prestige among the Grimleal, the ability to propagate their bloodline—but Robin didn't.Lacking the ties to Plegian society they possessed, the kindness he'd shown her must have been genuine. He was never anything short of a gentleman with her. A charming, boyishly handsome gentleman. That sort of man was in shockingly short supply back home.And she wanted—needed—more of it. She craved it. She craved him…!"Hey, Tharja! Whatcha doin'?"She grimaced as Ricken's plucky voice filled her ears like a screeching rooster at dawn. Tharja shot him a glare. He sat across from her with a silly look on his face, still wearing that ridiculously large hat on his head.
Why does he even wear that inside anyway?!
"Nothing. Shut up and mind your own business.""Oh!" Maribelle's dainty gloved hand flew to her mouth. Her shock was soon replaced by a protective anger. "How rude! Ricken here was only asking a simple question about—""I don't care." Tharja folded her arms and stared out the window. "Just leave me alone."For a few seconds, Maribelle's mouth hung open as she scrambled to think of a response. She eventually crossed her arms as well and turned away. A peevish scowl marred her porcelain face."Hmph! The things I do for the greater good! I'm beginning to wish I'd brought anyone else along, magical talent or no. Anyone would have made for better company really: Stahl, Kellam, Cordelia… Even that brutish lout, Vaike! Ugh!""Hey!" Ricken protested. "Teach ain't so bad when ya get to know 'im!""Good heavens! You're beginning to sound just like him! We'll have to scrub that tongue of yours with soap as soon as we reach the castle.""What?! No!"The two squabbled, but Tharja stopped paying attention entirely. It was bad enough that she'd been forced into visiting some Ylissean territory without Robin. Did she really have to babysit as well?She huffed, blowing a loose strand of hair from her face. As much as she respected Chrom for dealing with Gangrel, she wished he'd stayed out of this entirely. Were it just Maribelle and her father asking, Tharja would have turned them down on the spot. But when Maribelle dragged the future Exalt onto the scene, it ended up putting her on the spot.
Curse you, Chrom! Curse you, Maribelle and Lyn alike! I should have hexed the lot of you when I had the chance!
She glared at the others again. They continued to talk aimlessly, oblivious to her vitriol. A wicked grin crept across her face as her sharp gray eyes locked onto Maribelle.
Perhaps I'll turn those blonde curls of hers into serpents…
All three of the wagon's inhabitants were shaken as the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Tharja's hand flew into her cloak, reaching for the tome within her pocket, but Maribelle held her hand out."Hold a moment," she said, glaring out the nearest window with narrowed eyes. "I do not believe we're under attack, but it would certainly appear that some rider is in dire need of a reprimand!"A few soldiers opened the doors of the wagon, but it was the young rider himself who offered a hand and an apologetic smile. "My sincerest apologies, Lady Maribelle. We have arrived."After the Schism of old, the Duchy of Themis was founded as a territory of Ylisse—the closest to Plegia, separated only by the mountains to the west. This closeness to them made it Ylisse's main source of ore, but it also made it a prime target for bandits. Yet it endured assault after assault time and time again. Its stony castle, second in size only to the capital's, sat on a hill overlooking the duchy. Beneath her pink parasol, Maribelle smiled fondly at the sight of her home in front of her. Her smile only grew as she turned to look at the sprawling landscape and town below.While Maribelle had been graciously helped out of the carriage, no such courtesy was extended to Ricken; he grumbled as he got out on his own. When a soldier extended a hand to Tharja, she ignored him and stepped out as well. Themis was a far cry from Ylisstol, but the bright blue skies that blanketed it were nigh identical. Their surroundings were noticeably more arid than the lush capital, however, and giant mountains loomed to the west.Mountains that separated Maribelle's home from her own."Gaze upon our lovely abode, friends!" Maribelle announced, gesturing all around. "And for the next two weeks, it shall be yours as well!""Wow…" There were stars in Ricken's eyes as he stared at the castle. "It's just as pretty as I remember it!""Hmm?" Tharja glanced over, her eyebrow raised. "You've been here before?""Yeah! A couple of times back when I was a kid.""Right, so… Two, three days ago perhaps?""H-hey!" He grit his teeth, seething at her smirk. "I'm not a—""Both of you, please!" Maribelle cut him off with a frown. "It's not every day you get to visit Ylisse's one and only dukedom! This should be a time for merriment! Celebration!""I'm celebrating on the inside," Tharja deadpanned, folding her arms. "May we enter now? The sun and I have never gotten along. Any longer and I might burst into flames… or make someone else burst into flames."A few nearby soldiers gave her suspicious glances, but Maribelle merely rolled her eyes. "Save your spells for the classroom, darling. You start bright and early at our Mages' College tomorrow morning! Now come along. I suspect Father is already back on the throne waiting for us...""Mages' College," Tharja repeated with disdain, already halfway to the castle entrance. "My own powers aren't even fully developed and yet you expect me to teach others? Why couldn't Miriel have come along?""She said she was busy!" Ricken said as he jogged to catch up. "She did teach at the college in Ylisstol before joining the Shepherds, though. I hear she tutored Exalt Emmeryn in the past too!""Hmph. Riveting."It wasn't long before Maribelle led them through the halls and to the throne room. Sure enough, Duke Theodore of Themis had already made himself comfortable in his chair of choice. His neatly groomed, once-blonde hair was now almost entirely gray. He was pale and gaunt with sunken cheeks, but his eyes lit up as they laid upon his daughter's face."Ah, Maribelle!" he cried, rushing off of the throne to meet her in a hug. "How are you, daughter dearest?""I'm quite well, Father," she reported, hugging him back with a smile. Maribelle gestured to the figures behind her. "I believe you are already acquainted with my friends here?""But of course…" Her father stroked his chin, glancing at the odd duo. Ricken gave an awkward wave as Tharja gazed off to the side, arms folded. The Duke returned his attention to his daughter once more. "Ah, but where are my manners? You all must be exhausted from the trip. Maribelle, the maids have left your room as tidy as it was when you were here last! Guest rooms have already been prepared for your companions as well.""Thank you, Father!""Thank you, Duke Themis!""... Hmph." Tharja nodded, still not looking at him. "Thanks."With that, the Duke's soldiers escorted them out of the room. Theodore watched them leave with a smile, but it faded the moment they were out of his sight."That woman… Could she truly be the instructor Maribelle spoke so highly of?"The question escaped his mind as pain filled his body. His muscles ached with every step he took back to the throne. When the Duke's soldiers approached him, he halted them with a single raise of the hand. He settled back into his seat with a sigh, and a cleric approached him with a staff."No, no," he told her softly. "I'm fine, thank you. Really…"She opened her mouth to argue, but stopped as she heard footsteps. Theodore looked past her and saw several soldiers carrying numerous scrolls in their arms. "Good heavens… Are those all truly for me? I knew a man of my station had amassed quite the following, but…"He sighed again as they approached him. Reluctantly, Theodore took one of them into his wrinkled hands. While he normally would have one of his men read it out loud, he suspected this was a more personal matter. He opened and read scroll after scroll silently, his face growing more glum with each one.His suspicions were confirmed.It was no secret that the only child of House Themis had grown into a refined young lady. Noblemen across Ylisse had pined after Maribelle for years, but she refused each and every last proposal. Even during the ride back to Themis she had expressed no interest in them… and expressed it vehemently at that."That girl," Theodore muttered, his head resting against his fist. "I understand how she feels, but she has a duty to her duchy. Her halidom! Can't she see that? Oh, if only Francesca were still with us…""The burden of nobility is a heavy one indeed," the cleric from before said, bowing her head. "Worry not, Your Grace. I am sure she will come around eventually. Shall I fetch you some elderberry tea?""That sounds like a godsend at this hour. Please do."As the cleric departed for the kitchen, Theodore looked down at his weary feet. The piles upon piles of proposals that had accumulated there filled him with dread. No one would force Maribelle to get married, least of all him, but she was his only child. Had she died in the war, or had they both, what would have become of Themis? His advisors would always be around, but who was to say a more ambitious noble wouldn't try to worm their way onto the throne? He knew firsthand how cutthroat they could be.Before long, he had a hot cup of tea in one hand and a little saucer in the other. The aroma and taste of elderberry did little for his palate, but it brought back fond memories of his wife. It was Francesca's favorite when she was pregnant with Maribelle. Some of the castle staff even joked that their daughter inherited her love of it from her—that it was in their blood.It wouldn't have surprised him. They had much in common: their mannerisms, their diction… Even their strong sense of justice."Francesca… What would you have me do? I cannot force her, but what of our future?" Theodore sighed. The empty teacup and saucer were taken from him as his face fell into his hands. "Naga, give me a sign, a miracle… Someone she can truly love, who will love her back tenfold…"Castle Themis's hallways were as extravagant as they were long. Luscious silk carpets sat under Ricken's feet as the guards led him and the others past numerous pillars and paintings. As they did, he couldn't help but think about Maribelle's father. Duke Theodore—Teddy, as Ricken's mother snidely called him—was rather gray and worn-down. According to the rumors he heard, however, he was no older than Chrom when his wife gave birth to Maribelle. He might've been even younger, actually..."Uh, hey, Maribelle?" Ricken asked once they stood outside the doors to her room. "You, uh... got a sec?""For you? Always." She smiled at him before shooing away her guards. She waved daintily at Tharja, who merely rolled her eyes and followed them without a word. "Speak, Ricken.""Well, um…" He rubbed his arm, avoiding those reddish-pink eyes of hers. Normally he'd meet them without even thinking. "I mean no disrespect, but…"The corners of her mouth fell. "Yes?""Why is your dad so old?!" Ricken blurted. His face went as red as his hair in seconds. "Ack! No! I… I mean…!""Ricken! It… it's fine." Maribelle sighed, crossing her arms. She frowned and stared at the floor. "In truth, it's neither unthinkable nor unreasonable that one would come to such a conclusion. I may be seventeen years of age, but my father is only thirty-five.""Huh?!""Fear and stress have aged him," she elaborated, still not looking up from the marble tiles beneath her shoes. "He never lets anyone know this, but…"Maribelle briefly tilted her head up and glanced all around. No one else was nearby, but she leaned in close anyway. "Young as he was back then, the Crusade against Plegia still haunts him to this day. Countless innocent families across both nations were torn apart… including those of his friends and subjects. Many never forgave him. Between that, the stress of ruling, and the constant bandit raids… He's a mess."She backed away, shutting her eyes. "Perhaps the death of my mother played a role in this as well."Ricken was stunned. He and Maribelle were far too young to remember those dark days firsthand. He'd never stopped to consider that others, even with Ylisse heading in a new direction, still clung to the past. He never remembered seeing or hearing about Maribelle's mother as a child either."Oh… Oh, no," he muttered, his heart sinking. "Maribelle, I'm so sor—""Don't." She brusquely cut him off. With a remorseful look, her tone softened. "Please don't, Ricken. She was always rather sickly, and we were told she ultimately chose my life over hers. In any case… That was a lifetime ago. As her and Father's only child, it falls to me to rule Themis as its duchess someday.""R-right," Ricken managed to get out, nodding. His mouth moved faster than his mind. "W-well, I think you'll be the best duchess ever!""Duchess and magistrate!" Maribelle corrected with a bright grin. "But… Thank you, Ricken. Truly." She grabbed his hands, eyes aglow with life. You have no idea how much it means to me that you're here right now.""H-huh?!" His cheeks began to match his hair again. "But I haven't done anything special. I can't even teach anyone how to use a beginner-level tome…""Nonsense! You've been one of my most stalwart companions since the day we met, and I'll never forget how you rescued me from Gangrel's clutches that fateful day."Ricken rubbed his arm, blushing again. "Oh, geez… That was, I mean… I had to do something, you know?""I know," Maribelle said, still smiling. "Not just anyone could have done what you did.""It's true that Father has already appointed Tharja to teach, but you can certainly lend a hand as her assistant." She giggled. "Or we could simply sit in on the lesson together! I've been meaning to brush up on anima magic myself, you know.""Oh, wow! That's… I mean… You really have the time? I thought you'd be busy with your studies and… stuff."At this, Maribelle chuckled. "Worry not, Ricken. Father has allowed me to take the rest of today and tomorrow off. But afterwards, it's right back to class for me as well!""Neat!""Well, I'd best get settled back in," she said, turning slightly towards the door. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled back at him. "I expect to see you there as well, darling!"With that, Maribelle entered her room and closed the door, humming to herself. Ricken couldn't help but stare after her. He met her and Lissa when they were all much younger, shortly after a run-in with other children of the nobility. It was about six or seven years ago, but he remembered it all too vividly…"Where are you running, shrimp?!""Those little legs won't save you!""Ha! I think he's running out of breath!"
They were gaining on him. What started as just another round of teasing from the older boys turned into a contest to see who could shove him the hardest. It was only a matter of time before they got bored of that. The woods outside Ylisstol were scary, but they were scarier.
Much, much scarier.
Ricken reached a clearing in the forest, his legs screaming at him to stop, but it wasn't long before they caught up to him. These bigger, taller boys who made him look like a twig… and they all came from more powerful noble families to boot.
"Pathetic," the leader, an impeccably dressed blonde boy spat. He was flanked by two other boys. "Truly pathetic. Is this the best your house has to offer?""Just… Just leave me alone!" Ricken barked, clenching his fists. "I didn't do anything!""'I didn't do anything!'" one of the others cried in a whiny voice. The lot of them laughed. "You're not one of us. You don't even deserve the title of noble!""Sh… Shut up!""Aww, look at the wittle backwater baby! Gonna cry? Soil yourself, perhaps?""Stop it! I'm not a..."
Ricken was tearing up, but he grit his teeth as they approached him. His nails dug into his palms, and he snarled a vicious snarl at them.
… Or at least, he thought that he was him."Huh?" One of the older boys turned, his legs quivering a little. "Wh… What was that?! Show yourself!"
The snarls continued. Ricken backed away from the others until he hit a tree. Shining eyes from all sides peered through the darkness. Even the boys' leader couldn't help but shake a bit. He cleared his throat in a fruitless attempt to sound intimidating. "Th-th-that's enough! See here, you vicious mongrels! I am the most distinguished nobleman in all of Ylisse! The heir to the Eastern Palace will not be swayed by the likes of you!"
The beasts stepped into view, no longer hidden by shadows. Grey and black wolves with big white teeth and bloodshot eyes snarled at them again. Ricken grabbed a branch near the tree to defend himself, but the others made a run for it.
"Aiyeeeh!""M-Mommyyyyy!""Wait, you fools!" the leader cried after them, sprinting. "W-wait for meeeee!"
Ricken would've laughed had his own life not been in danger. A few of the wolves chased after the others, but the rest set their sights on him instead. He tried to make himself look as tall and threatening as possible, swinging his branch around wildly and yelling at the top of his lungs. Some of the wolves faltered, but the largest was not swayed. It stalked towards him, growling. Its ears suddenly perked up as the sound of galloping filled the air.
"Yaaaaah!"
The wolves turned towards the noise, and the one closest to Ricken narrowly avoided being trampled. Ricken hid behind the tree as his savior swung a lance at them from atop his horse. Some of the wolves fled into the woods, bleeding. Others leapt at the horse only to be kicked or slashed at. When a final one made a last-ditch effort to lunge at Ricken, the person jumped off their horse and battered it away. It whimpered as it ran off.
"Are you okay?" he asked, approaching the tree. Ricken peered out from behind it and saw a young man of about fifteen staring down at him. The blue hair that covered his head was a dead giveaway."Prince Chrom?! Is… Is that you?""You're Ricken, right? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before… Are you hurt?""N-no..." Ricken came out from behind the tree. "Uh… th-thank you…"
Now that he got a closer look, he could see that the prince of Ylisse had bloody scratches here and there. Chrom merely smiled at him. "You don't have to worry about the others. My friends and I made sure that the wolves didn't touch them. I'm just glad I got here in time!"
"No kidding…""Prince Chrom!""Your Highness!"
Two others on horseback rode up behind them. The first was a young man a few years older than Chrom. He had brown hair and wore silver-plated armor, along with a stern look. The other was a boyish girl with short red hair. She wore a green tunic and carried a sword.
"Where's the rest of 'em, huh?! Lemme at 'em!""Peace, Sully," Chrom gestured with a hand. "I think we're safe… for now. We'd best not linger here much longer.""Well said, milord." The brown-haired man frowned at Ricken. "It's unsafe for one as young as yourself to venture out alone, Ricken.""Huh?! You… you know who I am?""I make an effort to know all Ylissean nobility by name. There will be plenty of time for formalities later. We must go."
The four of them rode out of the forest, Ricken sitting behind Sully and Frederick keeping a close eye on Chrom. Sully went on and on about her courageous older brothers and how they were recently knighted, but Ricken just stared at Chrom all the while. He was tough as nails, but… tired. He almost looked ready to collapse.
It wasn't long until they reached the royal infirmary. Chrom had gotten the worst of it, but he would be fine. The tongue lashing he'd get from Emmeryn and the royal advisors would hurt far more than any claw could.
Ricken's parents were informed and on their way. As he sat on a bed, he could hear a girl around his age tearing into the boys who'd chased him nearby. They said nothing, for fear of incurring her wrath any further. Ricken briefly smirked before she walked into view: a dainty, diminutive girl with long blonde curls and a red bow. Never before did he think that a girl in a pink dress would frighten him.
"And as for YOU," she said, hands on her hips. "Running off into the woods all on your lonesome?! What were you thinking?! What if something had happened to you? What would your parents say?""I… I dunno! I didn't mean to, I just…" He sniffed, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "Just…"
The girl's scowl faded into a frown of remorse. "My apologies. This is no way for a proper lady to behave. It's shameful, really…"
"N-no, I understand. I wasn't thinking at all… I just wanted to get away from them.""I can't say I blame you after all of that. I heard about how those boys treated you." She pouted, her face growing red. "Honestly, that Rufus is such a boor! It's no wonder his parents have to pay the other boys to be his friends.""They… They do?""Quite! And do you want to know something else?" The girl leaned in close, grinning and almost laughing. I hear he is deathly afraid of frogs! My best friend has been thinking about slipping one into his cup during teatime.""That doesn't seem very ladylike…""She is hardly a typical lady, and I'd usually frown at such behavior, but…" She winked. "I believe I can let it slide just this once. Fair is fair!"
They laughed a bit, hers considerably more haughty than his. Ricken blinked in confusion when she suddenly offered him her hand.
"Huh?""Lady Maribelle of House Themis, at your service." She smiled, but quickly yanked her hand away when he motioned to grab it. "Ah-ah-ah!""What?""Have you no manners? You do not shake a lady's hand—you kiss it.""Huh?!" Ricken's eyes bulged out of his head. "R… Really?""Well? Are you a noble or not?"
After a few moments of deliberation, he gently took her hand by the fingers and kissed her knuckles. Maribelle giggled in response. "Well then. I suppose this makes us noble acquaintances from here on out!"
"It does?""Certainly! I don't let just anyone do that, I'll have you know.""But… What about Rufus? Or the other boys?""Please! I wouldn't let those louts touch me with the finest handkerchief! And speaking of handkerchiefs…"Ricken sighed as he leaned against that same girl's bedroom doors. From that day on, he looked up to Chrom and Maribelle both. He'd always gotten along well with them and Lissa—the latter's pranks notwithstanding—but something about Maribelle had captivated him since the beginning.Whatever that something was had only grown with time. Her dignified demeanor, her gorgeous golden curls, her smile, the little heart-shaped buttons on her favorite outfit... and her heart itself. Maribelle could be curt at first—as many could attest to—but when she let her guard down and allowed herself to warm up to people...She was wonderful. Beautiful, even.Ricken's young, lovestruck mind wandered places it shouldn't have. She was the future Duchess of Themis, but his house was so destitute it had no land to call their own. They lived as glorified commoners in Ylisstol. None of his friends ever looked down on his family, but other Ylisseans talked. The nobility was especially guilty of this. Their snobbishness at the family's financial woes is what egged on those bullies all those years ago to begin with.And here he was, impoverished and infatuated. He'd never admit it out loud, but Ricken was smitten through and through. On more than one occasion he dreamed of things far too inappropriate for a man of his station: going on romantic walks with her, holding her hand...Even kissing her.He flushed, shaking the thought from his head. He was nowhere near good enough for her love. As much as he wished it, it simply wasn't meant to be. Ricken pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, leaning against her door.It was going to be a long two weeks.Upon entering her room for the first time in what felt like a lifetime, Maribelle leaned against the doors and breathed a sigh of relief. Everything was just as she'd left it with not a speck of dust to be found. Her luscious silk sheets couldn't be more inviting after so much travel. She took off her boots, leaving them by the door, before plopping down onto her bed face-first. Her grin grew as she absorbed the ethereal softness. She rolled onto her back, careful not to push her numerous stuffed animals off."Home at last…"Maribelle almost couldn't believe she was back home after all that had happened. When she was captured by Gangrel's men near the border so long ago, she truly thought she'd never return. Not many outside the Shepherds knew, but it was only through Ricken's valor that she'd escaped his witch's clutches. The boy who was "too young" to join the Shepherds. The boy who snuck along for the ride and later snuck behind enemy lines.The boy she'd known since childhood, whose existence and companionship she treasured to this day."Oh, Ricken…"She sighed as she stared up at the ceiling, her anger building by the second. How could the other nobles treat him and his family so poorly? They'd been considerably impoverished for years, but that hardly meant they deserved all the nasty words spoken about them behind their backs. It wasn't as if the others had skeleton-free closets, after all."Well now!" Maribelle sat up at once. "This won't do at all! By the time I'm done spreading word of his valiant efforts, there won't be a person left in Ylisse who doesn't know Ricken's name!"She gazed across her room, frowning pensively as her eyes landed on her desk. There were many a scroll neatly rolled up beside it, and untouched wells of ink sat atop the desk proper alongside writing quills. Maribelle's face lit up, an idea already coming to her."Hmph! I may not be the finest artist in the halidom, but I can certainly whip up a sketch for a more talented one to improve upon!"The next day came about with little fanfare. True to Maribelle's words, Tharja was indeed awoken bright and early by one of the duke's servants. Still buried in the silky sheets, she had half a mind to curse them then and there. Keeping the consequences of such an action in mind, she grumbled and tumbled out of bed before getting ready. Washing her face, she gazed at herself in the vanity. Her hair looked the same as always, right down to her favorite golden headpiece, but she'd swapped her black robes for similar brown attire left for her by the castle staff. In truth, she almost missed having maids and the like back home… Almost.After packing her tomes in a sizable sack, Tharja left the room and followed the servant through the castle halls. She was led into a large room with stained glass windows. Wooden desks and empty chairs sat in neat rows, and a decently sized table was in the back."Your students will be with you shortly. A curriculum has already been left for you on your table, but the duke has permitted you to take some liberties if it is in the students' best interests."Tharja raised an eyebrow, a wicked smile beginning to curl across her face. "Liberties…?""Within reason," the servant clarified. "Theory and application of basic anima magic is what they are intended to start with; they are novices, after all. Curses, hexes and dark magic of any kind are strictly prohibited in Themis.""Wonderful. A dukedom of killjoys.""If that is all, I must be off. Best of luck."Tharja watched the servant leave and soon slumped into the chair near her desk. Comfortable as it was, she couldn't help but feel that she—or Maribelle, rather—had made a huge mistake. She preferred books to people even as a child and was still honing her own skills to this day. Personal inclinations aside, what right did she have to impart knowledge unto budding mages?As she heard a knock at the door, Tharja mentally prepared herself for her most dangerous challenge yet."Enter."The doors flew open. Tharja's eyes widened as she realized her new protégés were no older than ten or twelve; some looked as young as eight. The children were all well-dressed and well-behaved as they took their seats, many greeting her politely. Tharja could only watch in utter confusion as Ricken and Maribelle followed the children in."Good morning, Professor Tharja!" Ricken chimed with a grin."What the… What is the meaning of this?!""Father asked me to keep an eye on you during the lecture," Maribelle said. "Nothing personal, I assure you. I've been meaning to brush up on anima magic anyway, so I figure this benefits us all in the long run!"Many of the children whispered among themselves, their gaze focused on Tharja."Is that really our teacher?""No way!""She's so pretty!"Tharja cleared her throat, shutting them up. As Ricken took his seat next to Maribelle in the back of the room, Tharja addressed the class. "Er… Yes. Good morning, younglings. Welcome to the worst day of your lives. Tell me: who among you knows how to cast a basic Fire spell?"Not one child raised their hand. Most looked outright intimidated. Tharja sighed and drummed her fingernails against the desk. Ricken and Maribelle, meanwhile, exchanged uncomfortable glances."Very well. It appears we should start with something a little… lighter," she said at last, leafing through the hefty tome left for her. Tharja's eyes settled on the very first passage; she groaned internally. "'Chapter One: The History of Magic…'"She spent the better part of an hour lecturing the children on the origins and practical applications of magic. Tharja noticed that while every student began the lesson scribbling in their notebooks, their attention waned one by one. Maribelle would nod along politely from time to time, forcing a smile, but even Ricken would occasionally doze off only to be nudged awake by her. Some of the children whispered amongst themselves and giggled; others looked half-dead.Alright then, Tharja thought. Time for some… academic liberties.Without warning, she slammed the book shut. Then she dropped it, letting it hit the desk with a harsh thud. Now everyone was fully alert."Perfect," she whispered, smirking. She addressed the room proper. "I've always preferred the company of books to people, but there are some things that are best learned through demonstration and observation. Pay close attention."Tharja lifted her hand in front of her as if she were holding a skull. Her students gazed in awe as she effortlessly and painlessly produced a small flame in her palm. She ignored their cries of disbelief and excitement as the flame gave way to sparks, then a tiny spiral of wind, and finally ice crystals."Anima magic," she lectured, "takes on many forms. As with light and dark magic, only a mage of considerable experience should even think about casting a spell without using a tome or staff. Those tools were invented for a reason. Using magic without them puts strain on your body and mind.""With that said…'' Tharja smiled, having successfully recaptured their attention. "I want everyone to get up and move their desks to either side of the room. Then I'll teach you how to light a candle using only your index finger."Many of her students leapt from their chairs in anticipation, hurriedly doing as they were told. Some were frozen in shock or fear. Maribelle stood from her seat and walked over as well, pulling Tharja off to the side as the more eager students lost themselves to excitement. Ricken could only shake his head in response.
Kids these days…
"Tharja, with all due respect," Maribelle said once they were out of earshot, "have you gone positively mad?! Does this not seem much too dangerous for novices? What if someone gets hurt?""Hmph. You're a healer, aren't you?""That's not the point!"The two looked back at the crowd of youngsters as their voices grew louder and more eager."I wanna make fire!""Me too!""My flame's gonna be way bigger than yours!""Whaaat? No way!"Tharja almost smirked. For all the stuffiness of Ylissean nobility, their children were just as noisy as the commoners she often saw in the capital back home. Still… they seemed to possess a limitless desire to learn, if nothing else.
Perhaps this won't be so bad after all…
"Stand up straight," Tharja instructed. "Inhale, exhale… Now!""Woah!""Amazing!""I… I did it!" a small girl cried, marveling at the tiny flame atop her finger. "It's warm, but… it's not burning me!""Fear can be a powerful motivator… and a painful detriment," Tharja said, flexing her own fingers. "Well done."Tharja gazed around the classroom. Many of the students had paired off and were now practicing what she had taught them. Maribelle stood by with a staff at the ready, but not one student had burned, electrocuted, frozen or otherwise injured anyone. She was almost proud of them."Hnng…!"Almost.Not content with sitting on the sidelines anymore, Ricken had joined the class activity. He put his hands together and thrust them forward, but only a few pitiful embers came out. "Oh, come on! I almost had it that time, I swear!"Tharja shook her head. "I've seen what you're capable of with a wind tome, Ricken. A task like this is beneath you. Focus."Meeting her eyes and nodding, Ricken took a deep breath. He made sure no one was standing in front of him before putting his hands out in front of him. His hands and blood grew warmer until tiny flames formed. They encircled his fingers, weaving between them but causing no pain."Haha! Hey, I'm doing it!""A considerable improvement." Tharja flashed a small smile. "Well done."A fair distance away, Maribelle stared at the two in amazement. She knew Ricken was skilled with a tome, but wind was always his magic of choice. Seeing him produce fire from his fingertips, however small, was nothing short of impressive to her. And all under Tharja's tutelage, no less. For as much as the woman liked to keep others at arm's length, she was a surprisingly competent teacher. Patient as well.
Well, well. If this keeps up, I might have to ask Father about offering her a position here permanently…
Maribelle thought back to her friends at Castle Ylisstol, particularly the enigmatic tactician and swordswoman duo.
That might be to everyone's benefit, actually…
Before long, Tharja determined that the class had reached its maximum productivity for the day. She dismissed her students, even allowing them to leave without pushing their chairs and desks back to their initial places. Gesturing for Ricken and Maribelle to come towards the front, Tharja lifted her hands above her head. The chairs and desks obeyed her whims, floating to their original positions and staying there."Quite the lovely parlor trick if I do say so myself," Maribelle complimented. Walking over to her, she smiled brilliantly. "You did extremely well today, Tharja. Frankly I half-expected the entire room to go up in smoke, but it seems my fears were unfounded after all.""I wouldn't say that. The week is still young, after all. More importantly, why did you not tell me I would be teaching children?""Would you have accepted my offer if you knew that you would be teaching children?""... Fair enough. I'll let this slide just once.""But Tharja, you were amazing up there!" Ricken chimed in. "Er… up here. I still can't wrap my head around it all! I mean, you were doing all those cool stunts and tricks without even opening a tome! How do you even do that anyway? I get dizzy when I cast even a basic wind spell without one..."Tharja frowned and looked off to the side, the sudden praise making her skin crawl. "Those who were raised in the dark arts from a young age possess many abilities some consider to be... unnatural. Still, I imagine anyone with enough innate magical aptitude could cast spells without the usage of tomes eventually.""You mean I could shoot lightning out of my hands one day?" Ricken's eyes shined with hope.She fought back a smile; his boundless optimism was almost infectious. "Perhaps... But that skill alone takes years to master. It's not your average thunder spell, after all. Its power stems from a visceral, burning hatred of humanity.""Waah! R-really?!""Oh, honestly, Tharja." Maribelle rolled her eyes. "There's no need to embellish the facts.""Yes, because the cleric on a horse knows so much more about anima magic than the actual spellcaster.""Oh!" Maribelle huffed and turned on her heel. "How rude! I have half a mind not to invite you for tea!"Surprising Tharja considerably, she then smiled. Was… Was she toying with her?"I'm only kidding, my dear. Lunch and tea for three! Well, three plus Father. He'll naturally want to hear about your performance.""Joy…"Just after Tharja's lecture, Duke Themis summoned his daughter to the dining hall for a cup of tea. Lunch was almost ready, but there was something he and Maribelle had to discuss before Ricken and Tharja joined them."Many a nobleman has asked for your hand while you were away," he said, mixing sugar into his tea, "but none more so than Lord Rufus of the Eastern Palace. I believe he's been vying for your affection since you were both children.""I'd rather die loveless and alone." Maribelle sipped her own tea indignantly. She groaned inwardly at the sight of her father's stunned expression. "Come now, Father. You know I can't stand him! He's simply too obnoxious! And he's exactly the sort of nobleman who flirts with everyone he sees! And I do mean everyone. Why, I once caught him making eyes at a wet-nurse!""That had to have been years ago! People mature with time, Maribelle. You know this better than anyone." He smiled. "I seem to recall that a certain Ylissean noblewoman once refused to go to sleep without warm milk and a bedtime story."Maribelle's entire face went red at once. "That is completely incomparable! I couldn't have been older than seven or-""Nine. You were nine.""Rufus was nearly twice that age when I saw him last." She rolled her eyes. "He was still falling over his feet for any woman in sight. Even Virion has more dignity."Theodore nodded in apparent understanding, closing his eyes. "Ah… I see now. I am unfamiliar with this… Virion, but it appears he may be the reason why you reject these proposals before even reading them.""Father! Perish the thought!""Maribelle, if not Rufus, then who? You are nearly of age. If your mother and I had more children, this would not be so dire of an issue. But she was ill, and I would not have forced that upon her even if she were not." Theodore sighed, seeing his daughter's somber expression. "... My apologies. I know this is a great burden to place upon your shoulders. But we have a duty to our people. If we should both fall, I fear Themis and its people would be compromised without a clear leader to oversee them. I have full faith in Prince Chrom's ability to lead us as Exalt, but he cannot be everywhere at once. This is why we must fulfill the roles he cannot.""I… I understand, Father."Maribelle stared into her tea, at a loss for words. In truth, there was someone who could lay these fears to rest. Someone she cared about more than nearly anyone. Someone that, in the future, she would be more than happy to marry. She just had no idea how one of her station would even go about conveying this. She didn't give a whit about what the other nobles would say, but marrying a future duchess… Would he even consider it? Did he even feel the same way?"Father." Maribelle's throat was suddenly dry. Despite her nobility, she could not meet his gaze. "There may be…"Whatever words she had to say evaporated. Boisterous music that bordered on obnoxiousness could be heard from outside. Whoever was responsible must have had quite the ensemble with them."Of all the…" Duke Themis rose from his chair. "It seems our guests will have to wait a little while longer for lunch. Come along, Maribelle."For once, Maribelle was happy to be interrupted mid-conversation. As she and her father walked through the halls, the music outside grew louder and more pompous. They met Ricken and Tharja near the front gate of the castle. When they walked out the doors, everyone's jaw dropped. A grandiose red carpet had been rolled out in front of them. Numerous Ylissean soldiers marched alongside it with instruments in hand. They played a rousing march as a single young man on a white horse strode down the middle. He looked to be just a bit older than Maribelle, with blue eyes and blonde hair that curled into rolls on either side of his face."Rufus," Maribelle snarled."Lord Rufus!" Duke Themis perked up upon seeing him."Oh, great," Ricken grumbled under his breath. His fists were clenched. "What's that jerk doing here?"Tharja raised an eyebrow at them. "Rufus?""Yes. That little lordling presides over Ylisse's Eastern Palace," Maribelle explained, glaring at him from afar. He was oblivious as he waved and blew kisses at the townspeople that had gathered. "Though if memory serves correctly—and mine always does—he holed himself up there shortly after I was kidnapped by Gangrel and his fellow troglodytes. Rumor has it he didn't so much as set foot outside of the castle until the Mad King's death.""Coward," Ricken growled."Now, now, you two," Maribelle's father chided. "I'm certain he had his reasons. Besides, he's far from the only noble not to have taken part in the war. And if every noble had fought and died, where would that leave the Ylissean commonfolk?""I'm sure they'd figure it out," Tharja snarked. The others stared at her, aghast. "Joking, of course. So what's this about an eastern palace?""The Eastern Palace is the heart of Naga worship in Ylisse… or it used to be in any case. Father Libra and other men of the cloth reside there. Together they serve Naga and occasionally embark on pilgrimages to spread Her blessings.""Riveting.""What about you, Tharja?" Ricken perked up. "Got anything like that in Plegia?""We have Grimleal temples here and there.""... Oh, yeah."At last, Rufus and his steed made their way to the four. He gracefully dismounted his horse and bowed before the duke and his daughter. The former was elated. The latter… was not."It has been far too long, Your Grace." Rufus looked up and smiled at the duo. His grin only grew as he spotted Maribelle. "Ah, if it isn't the beauteous Lady Maribelle!" Rufus cried, stepping forward. "My lady, I-"He froze when Maribelle slammed her parasol against her palm with a loud thwap. "One step closer and I'll be forced to maim you.""Maribelle!" her father scolded."Aha… Yes, but of course." Rufus took a few steps backwards and bowed. When he rose, he immediately made eye contact with Tharja and smiled again. "And you are?""Not interested.""... Pleased to meet you too.""Lord Rufus," Duke Themis addressed him, "it is most fortuitous to see you again. To what do I owe the pleasure?""The clergymen of the Eastern Palace wouldn't stop talking about how one of our own was spotted traveling amongst Lady Maribelle and her companions. They eagerly await his return, but I also took it upon myself to personally ensure she made it back home safely.""So you thought us too incompetent to return to Themis on our own." Maribelle narrowed her eyes. "Wonderful.""That is not-""I have to go powder my nose," she said, turning on her heel. "Father, do see to it that Rufus and his men have a place to stay and rest awhile."The duke stared after her looking positively mortified. He faced the equally stunned Rufus with clasped hands and a nervous laugh. "Ahaha! My, that daughter of mine… Always one for jokes!""First I've heard of it," Tharja mumbled."Anyway, Lord Rufus… I shall see to it that you and your men receive a much warmer welcome indoors. Lunch shall be served soon, you know! Yes, indeed! Lunch for all!""I look forward to it, Your Grace," Rufus said from atop his horse. Once the Duke was well out of earshot, his pleasant expression became a garish glare. He turned his attention to Ricken and sneered. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the little backwater noble from Ylisstol. I never thought I'd see you here of all places. I assume you were a stowaway that Lady Maribelle pitied far too much to send home?""For your information, Maribelle invited me here. I'm not the one who showed up unannounced and unwanted with a pompous band!"Several nearby members of Rufus's entourage gasped or looked offended, but Rufus himself laughed in a haughty manner. "Please. Only a true nobleman and hero such as I could arrive in such a dignified manner.""Yes, because hiding away in a castle while your countrymen fight and die is the epitome of nobility and heroism."Both of the boys turned to Tharja in shock. Ricken began to smile, but Rufus was no longer amused. "I don't know who you think you are, but you have no right to speak to an Ylissean noble like that! Especially not in such shabby attire!""For the record, these shabby brown robes are Ylissean-made. Not that I'd waste my fanciest finery on a fop like you." She looked him up and down, glowering. "Tch. Nobility is a joke with no punchline. No wonder I left that miserable existence behind.""What?!""Huh?!"Tharja turned on her heel and made for the castle without another word. Ricken chased after her at once, peppering her with a decade's worth of questions that would not be answered anytime soon. Rufus, meanwhile, could only stare after them in disbelief. He was only brought back to reality by his horse's neigh."Easy, girl. The stables beckon you… as the castle does I. It seems this day just became all the more interesting..."Lunch was an awkward affair. The kitchen staff just about fainted when they were told they would be making food for not just four, but at least forty. Rufus's men sat at their own table, engaging in surprisingly polite and philosophical conversation. At the longest table in the dining hall sat Duke Themis, Maribelle, Ricken, Tharja, and Rufus. Ricken and Maribelle glared across at Rufus, who pretended not to notice with an insincere smile. Duke Themis eyed them uncomfortably, valiantly trying and failing to make conversation every now and then. Tharja sipped her tea in silence, secretly enjoying the brewing discord."So then," Duke Themis said sometime after their food had arrived, "is everything to your liking, Lord Rufus?""Oh, yes. The tea is a tad… bitter," he said, smirking at Ricken, "but it is nothing a little sugar cannot fix."Maribelle grimaced. She loathed how he made eye contact with her the moment the word "sugar" left his lips. She abhorred how he had made such a show of his unannounced and unwelcome arrival. She detested how he and many of the other nobles mistreated Ricken from such a tender age. And she vehemently despised how brazenly he behaved in his various attempts to court her before the war. To say nothing of the drivel he tried to pass off as love letters…
Lecherous blight… If I were not a noblewoman, I would beat you senseless!
"And what of you, my dear?" Duke Themis glanced over at his daughter with eyes that pleaded her to behave. "Is everything… er… to your liking?"Maribelle gingerly wiped her mouth with a napkin, stifling the urge to scream. "Yes, Father. Our chefs have simply outdone themselves today. I only wish my view were a tenth as pleasant."Tharja almost choked on her tea."Well now," the duke said, "I'm sure we can all reconcile our differences over a fresh batch of—""Duke Themis!" a soldier called, bursting into the dining hall. Everyone turned towards him at once. "I bear ill news. Shadowy figures have assaulted our men near the border!""What?!" he scowled. "More Plegian bandits, I presume. I should've known their kind would threaten us even in times of peace!""I'm right here," Tharja snarled, her eyes growing dark."By the gods!" Rufus all but jumped from the table. "This whole time I've been sharing a table with a Plegian?!""And ogling one. Let's not forget that.""Focus, all of you!" Maribelle demanded. She glanced at the soldier. "Continue, please.""They're not ordinary bandits at all… I'm not even sure if they are Plegian. These fiends have purple skin and hellish red eyes! They ooze smoke with every breath they take!"The description made everyone freeze. Maribelle, Ricken and Tharja all looked at each other as they came to the same conclusion."Risen!" they cried."Risen?" Duke Themis raised an eyebrow."Risen are what we Shepherds call living corpses, Your Grace," Ricken said."Living corpses? That's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one before!""You're an oxymoron.""Tharja!" Ricken and Maribelle snapped."In light of these dire events," Duke Themis said, glaring, "I will forgive your rudeness just this once. Now explain these… Risen. Quickly.""They're not living in the technical sense. They move around and attack anything that breathes, but they're very much dead. No pulse, no will of their own… Nothing."Rufus shuddered. "They sound positively dreadful! How could anyone even set foot near those repugnant beasts?""We do it all the time!" Ricken glared at him. "You'd know if you ever left that cushy castle of yours.""Why, you impudent little-""Enough folly! Our people are in danger!" Maribelle leapt to her feet at once. "Ricken and Tharja, grab as many tomes as you can carry. Rufus, rally your men and prepare for battle! I shall do the same.""Huh? M-me?!" Rufus balked. "B-b-but… Surely someone must stay in the castle and make sure none of them reach your father!""My finest men shall see to that themselves," Duke Themis told him. For a moment, it almost looked like he was smirking. He turned to Maribelle with tired but trusting eyes. "Maribelle… I won't stop you. I know your mending skills are like no other. Just be careful.""I always am," she asserted, winking. "Now, everyone! To arms!"Sure enough, the westernmost lands of the duchy were teeming with Risen. People fled for their lives as the undead swarmed their homes and villages, emerging from the hills just on the outskirts of Themis. On the orders of Maribelle's father, the citizens were funneled down a fortified road leading towards the castle. Rufus led the charge on horseback, his men flanking him all the while. They speared and cut down any Risen that they could, though not without difficulty. The beasts were unskilled, but durable and numerous. Maribelle rode around, healing whoever she could. In the saddle behind her, Ricken casted spell after spell. Wind blades collided with Risen, sending rotten heads and limbs flying every which way. Tharja, meanwhile, fought on her feet."Gyah!" She narrowly avoided a sword swing. She roasted the Risen in front of her with a stream of fire magic. Another roared behind her. Tharja whirled around to fight, but a nearby Ricken was already on it. Ignoring Maribelle's protests, he leapt off of the horse and fired a concentrated blade of wind at the Risen. The spell split the monster in two vertically; both halves hit the ground before Ricken's feet did."How was that for an Elwind?""Reckless and sloppy, but… useful. Thanks.""Ricken the Reckless… I like it!""I do not," Maribelle chided, scowling and approaching them on horseback. She could tell the fighting and fatigue was already taking its toll on his body and mind. As she healed them both, she took the time to warn Ricken about casting too many spells at once."Look out!" one of Rufus's men cried from afar. "More from the hills!"Ricken and Tharja stood in front of Maribelle defensively, and the three surveyed the now-ruined village. Some of the duke's men were helping each other and Rufus's back on their feet. Others were healing whoever they could or putting out fires with ice magic. Rufus's assault had cleaned up what was left of the Risen onslaught, yet more still arrived in seemingly endless waves. But… Why?"Blast and damnation!" The events of the day had long since worn away at Tharja's patience. "Who's responsible for this?!""Oh, Thaaar-jaaa~! Nya ha ha!"… Oh, no.
Oh, no, no, NO.
Slowly, her head turned to her right. A small, scorched church filled her vision. Stained glass littered the ground on all sides. Atop the building's spire stood an all too familiar foe, balancing on one foot with impeccable, uncharacteristic grace. Even before seeing his pale hair and accursed sweater, she knew exactly who she was dealing with now."Tee hee! Didja miss me?""Damn you, Henry! Go to hell!""I'll take that as a yes!""Take it somewhere else," Tharja spat, "and take the rest of these wretched Risen with you!"At this, Henry let out a cackle. Ricken and Maribelle exchanged uneasy expressions, but Tharja didn't take her eyes off of him for even a second."Ooh, I know what'll cheer you guys up! I brought a prezzy!"Henry raised his hands together and focused. His eerie smile never faded even as a gigantic ball of flame formed overhead. In one quick motion, he sent the fireball careering towards them. Tharja, Ricken, and Maribelle's horse scattered seconds before it hit the dirt. From above, Henry's grin only grew as he saw them coughing and waving the dust away."Ahaha! I knew you'd like it!""Henry!" Tharja roared. "Get the hell down from there!""Okay!"Henry leapt off of the spire, cackling again like a madman. Tharja and the others gawked as a murder of crows materialized, circling his body. When his feet were on the ground, the birds dispersed. All three of his adversaries surrounded him, battle-hardened and battle-ready, yet he felt no fear. After all, he wasn't trapped here with them—they were trapped with him."Henry." Tharja's voice had dropped to a murderous whisper. The sparks in her hands crackled with hatred. "When did you learn to summon Risen? More importantly… Would you stop doing it?!""Kee hee! No can do, Tharja!" He threw his hands up in a shrug, still grinning. "Y'see, I'm not the one making them at all!"Maribelle glowered, a staff pointed right at him. "Then who else must we bring to justice?!'A pillar of dark magic erupted from the ground, surrounding Henry. The others were sent sprawling backwards. Tharja was quick to regain her bearings, but her eyes widened as she heard a sinister feminine chuckle from the darkness. Then the magic dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. Standing at Henry's left was an older woman. Her long hair, silky and black as night, framed an aging pale face."Tharja, darling!" the woman cooed, clasping her slightly wrinkled hands together. "It's been so terribly long. You really should have written home, you know.""Hello, Mother," Tharja greeted through grit teeth. "Even including Henry, you're the absolute last person I wanted to see again…""Oh, how sweet! You wanted to see me again!""I see the dark art of sarcasm still eludes you after all this time. How unsurprising.""Wait, what?!" Ricken's eyes darted back and forth between them, Maribelle looking just as confused. His brow furrowed as he put two and two together. "That's your mother, Tharja?! What's she doing here?!"The older woman looked down her nose at him, grimacing. "Goodness… That's not your boyfriend, is it? He's a little on the young side…""H-hey!""He is most certainly not her boyfriend!" Maribelle yelled, aiming her staff at her instead. "More importantly… You have committed crimes against Themis and her people. What say you in your defense?""Oh, heavens. Tharja, my dear, aren't you a little too old to be playing games with the village children?" Tharja's mother grinned from ear to ear. She waved a dainty hand at Maribelle. "Run along now, little girl… and take the boy with you too. The adults are speaking.""Oh! See here, you marauding—""Enough!" Tharja yelled, sneering at the older woman. Henry waved back at her in an almost innocent manner. She ignored him. "You miserable excuse for a mother. It's no business of yours who I align myself with anymore.""Oh, but it is!" She nodded with an unhinged grin. "As a countess and family matriarch, it's my duty in life to see that you marry the right man. Someone… agreeable. Malleable, even. Someone you can control and raise a family with!"A pit formed in her stomach. Tharja could not believe what she was hearing. Before joining the Shepherds, marriage was almost all her mother had ever talked about outside of the Grimleal. Tharja herself received numerous proposals, but she turned down every last one. Some of her suitors had even gone missing altogether… not that she had anything to do with it.
But then why is she with…?
Tharja winced. Reluctantly, she glanced back at Henry. He waved again in response with that omnipresent smile of his. "... Please tell me that's not why he's here.""Goodness, no! You're both much too young for that… Well, he is in any case." Her mother snickered. "Still, Henry here has confided in me that he certainly wouldn't mind being yours once he's of age. Isn't that right, dear?""Tee hee! You betcha! Tharja's the prettiest girl I've ever met, and I'm already friends with the family! Your dad makes the best liver-and-eel pie!""This can't be happening." Tharja stared at them and shook her head. Anger fueled by disbelief welled up within her. "This cannot be happening! You mean to tell me that you came all this way and invaded enemy territory with the living dead for a marriage proposal?! Are you out of your minds?!""Not just for marriage, Tharja," Henry said, holding a finger up. "Your parents really just want you back in their lives! You can stay single for as looong as you want!""Lies." Tharja gave her mother a flat glare. "Not happening, Mother Dearest. You don't control my life anymore.""Mother knows best, darling," she said with a snakelike smirk. "You'll understand one day when you have children of your own.""Also not happening." Tharja held her hands in front of her, dark spikes forming. "Leave. I'm through entertaining your delusions.""How dare you speak to your own mother that way!" she roared, venom coating her words. She glared daggers into her daughter's eyes; the hostility was returned tenfold. "I don't know what vile monster made you abandon your noble upbringing, but I've had enough as well. Henry! Be a dear and subdue her for me, would you? I'm afraid I'm needed elsewhere.""Sure thing, Mrs. Mom… ma'am!"Tharja's mother disappeared in a flash of purple light. Tharja grit her teeth as Ricken and Maribelle stood their ground, thoroughly confused but no less determined. Soldiers of Themis and the Eastern Palace joined them. Together, they outnumbered Henry by dozens.This did not deter him in the slightest. Henry let out a small chuckle before bringing his fingers to his mouth and whistling. Numerous Risen wielding various weapons emerged from every corner, boxing his foes in. Tharja and Ricken struck a few close ones down with thunder and wind magic respectively. The soldiers rushed at the undead afterwards. Henry snickered and snapped his fingers, disappearing in a cloud of smoke.An axe-wielding Risen engaged one of Maribelle's soldiers. As Ricken readied an Elwind spell to catch the beast off-guard, a sudden blow to the stomach broke his focus. The wind spell dragged along the ground, just barely missing the soldier before he slew his enemy.Ricken steadied himself, but his assailant was gone. The Risen were now squarely focused on attacking the soldiers. Maribelle rode around the battlefield and kept as many alive as she could manage. Rufus rode ahead to clear her path. Closer to Ricken, Tharja tore some Risen apart with lightning. When he sprinted towards her to help, Henry materialized in front of him."Heya!"A searing blast of fell magic pelted Ricken in the chest. When he stopped staggering, his foe had vanished again. Ricken stood tall and held his tome, preparing to counterattack.But Henry had other plans.Near the ruined church, Tharja blasted a hole through a Risen's torso with a fireball. When she looked over in Ricken's direction, she saw a cloud of smoke forming behind the boy. "Ricken, move!"He didn't react in time. Henry emerged feet-first from the cloud, kicking Ricken in the shoulders. The attack knocked him to the ground face-first. He grunted in pain, but forced himself to his feet as he regained his bearings. Just as Henry brought his hands together, intent on casting another spell, a ball of thunder magic struck him from behind."Aww, Tharja…" He turned, cackling. "You shouldn't have!""You deserve worse!"He was ready the second time. When she sent another spell his way, he teleported. Tharja looked all around before he reappeared in front of her, a familiar tome at the ready. Putrid green globs spewed forth from it. Tharja cast one last thunder spell, but the magical adhesive coated her arms and legs. She collapsed to the ground, glued in place by the bog. Her entire body had become ten times heavier."Ngh… Damnit! Free me this instant!""Aww, Mire'd already? But I'm not done playing with all your cool new friends yet!"An unwieldy blade of Elwind soared between the two, colliding with a nearby house. Henry turned to see Ricken, face bloodied and caked in dirt from head to toe, with an expression that could only be described as defiant. When he prepared another spell, Henry brought his hands together again and let loose his own: a torrent of Arcfire. The flames licked at Ricken as he narrowly rolled out of the way."Nyahaha—Yeowch!"Henry lifted his left hand to the back of his head. When he brought it in front of his face, it was stained a beautiful red. He turned and came face to face with a very irate Maribelle. Her horse was nowhere in sight. Her teeth were grit as she clutched her staff with both hands; blood dripped from the tip. She readied her next swing."You invade… my home!"She struck Henry in the side."You assault… my people!"She struck him again, this time in the arm."You terrorize… my loved ones!" Maribelle screamed. She swung her weapon one last time, striking Henry in the jaw with enough force to break the staff entirely. "Gah!""Heheh… Hurts… so nice," Henry mumbled, teetering. He took his bloodied hand and dragged it across his face, leaving a crimson streak across it. Then he held both hands before him like a mantis. "But I'm not done just yet!"He disappeared in a flash of red light this time. Maribelle glanced all around her, golden curls swaying as she grasped what remained of her staff. The sticky gunk that bound Tharja was weakening as she managed to free an arm. Far behind her, Rufus and the soldiers picked off more Risen. Maribelle's gaze finally settled on Ricken as he dusted himself off. He was short of breath, but he smiled when they locked eyes. His feet dragged him closer and closer towards her despite the pain.They only quickened when Henry reappeared behind her. His fingertips glowed a bright purple as he lunged like a viper."Special delivery!""NO!"Maribelle felt the wind leave her lungs as Ricken shoved her to the ground. She was back on her feet almost immediately, but she gasped when she looked back at him. His face was frozen in fear and anguish. Henry's attack had struck him right in the side of his ribs."RICKEN!"As Henry withdrew his hand, Ricken sank to his knees. The pain in his side was unbearable. It was a horrid, searing, tingling sensation unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. He collapsed to the earth, groaning as numbness set in his arms and legs. Ricken barely reacted when Maribelle rushed over to cradle him."Monster!" she yelled at a still-smiling Henry. "What did you do to him?!""Aw, nothing serious. It's just a hex that mimics snake venom!"Fear gripped Maribelle's heart. She had a very limited grasp on anima magic, let alone dark magic. But hexes… and one that acted as a poison?! She could kick herself a thousand times over for dismounting and breaking her staff so recklessly."No… No! Undo it now! Right now!""Mm… Well, okay!""What?!""On one teeny tiny condition," Henry added, a finger in the air. "Tharja has to come back with me!"Tharja, who'd only just freed herself from her magical confines, glared in his direction. Her eyes widened when she saw an unmoving Ricken in Maribelle's arms. All around her, the flames of Themis grew louder. She could see soldiers on the ground far ahead of them. She could hear the distant cries of children who'd bore witness to unspeakable violence… children that had not been evacuated in time. She could have sworn she saw one tugging at the body of their father near a burning house. A soldier of House Themis carried them away as another called for a healer. Tharja could hardly call the dukedom close to her heart, but… She wasthe reason her mother had launched the assault in the first place. She was the one they were after.She was responsible for this."Okay." Tharja sighed, throwing her tome to the ground. Some soldiers cheered off in the distance as they dispatched the last of the Risen. "Fine. You win, Henry. I'll come home.""Tharja?!" Maribelle cried, wide-eyed.Ricken mustered the strength to turn his head and glance up at her. Cloudy as they were, she could see the disbelief in his eyes. "Thar...ja…""You heard her, Henry," Tharja said. "Undo the hex. Now.""Oh, boy! Your family's gonna be over the moon! Gimme juuuust a sec…"Henry concentrated with what little strength he had left. He chanted some ancient words under his breath, none of which Tharja recognized. He snapped his fingers and thrust both hands in Ricken's direction. In mere seconds, feeling returned to the younger boy's body and limbs. He flexed his fingers, staring at them in shock and wonder."What… How…?""Ricken!" He gasped as Maribelle threw her arms around him. In that moment, he felt as though her strength rivaled even Vaike's. "Ricken… Don't you ever do something like that ever again!""But… " He slowly returned the embrace. "I couldn't just let that happen to you…"Tharja briefly smiled at the pair before glaring over at Henry. He offered her his bloody hand."Weeeell?" He tilted his head, staring at her. "A deal's a deal.""So it is." To his utter shock, Tharja smiled and grabbed it. "So it is."The others were taken aback at what happened next. Tharja channeled all of her remaining magic into her palm. Before Henry could teleport them away, she let it all go. Henry let out a pained scream as she electrocuted him with all her might. Rufus and the soldiers gawked from a distance. Ricken and Maribelle had to cover their eyes from the intense light. Tharja, meanwhile, glared at Henry throughout it all. At last he hit the ground, twitching and smoking as jolts raced across his body."Is…" Maribelle panted, her heart racing. "Is he…?""No," Tharja said, staring down at her handiwork with a small grin. "I figured you and your people should decide what becomes of him after the atrocities he's committed here.""But…" Ricken coughed, still in Maribelle's arms. "... What's gonna happen when he wakes up?""He'll wake up in a dark dungeon cell, unable to use any of his magic.""What?! You… you can do that?""Henry's not the only one with a few tricks up his sleeve… though I'll admit to never having tested the hex on a living being before." Tharja's hand flew to her mouth as she coughed a couple of times. Dark red droplets painted her ghostly white skin. "... One can only hope it worked."As Maribelle helped Ricken to his feet, her trusted steed returned to them with a familiar blue hat in its mouth. Ricken graciously accepted it and placed it on his head after shaking it free of drool. It whinnied as Maribelle petted it. She, Tharja, and Ricken surveyed the surrounding area. Most of the buildings were still standing but showed clear signs of damage. An unfortunate few had collapsed or burned to the ground entirely."Milady!"The group turned to see Rufus approach on his steed. White clothes and fur alike were tarnished by dirt and blood. "I'm relieved to see you all in one piece. Truly. My men and I have never seen anything like this before… not at the eastern palace, in any case.""Lucky you," Tharja rasped, still struggling to catch her breath. "We… should probably report back to the duke now.""Indeed," Maribelle said. She helped Ricken mount her horse before joining him. "Father and the others must hear of this…"Ricken coughed. He couldn't even find the energy to scowl at the unconscious enemy in their midst. "And what about… that guy?""For now, he goes to the dungeon. He will receive a fair trial, of course, but the odds are not in his favor.""Must we really spare him?" Rufus argued. "He was clearly working alongside those repugnant beasts, and who knows how many they've killed today?""Killing in battle is one matter," Maribelle said, narrowing her eyes at him. "Killing a defenseless or surrendering enemy, no matter how vile, is another matter entirely. I have yet to take a life myself, but my friends here have… and I'm sure they would agree that it should only be done as a last resort."Rufus opened his mouth, but no words came out. Ricken glanced over at him somberly, and Tharja averted his gaze. "... Very well then. I shall trust your judgment. Let us regroup with the others and head back to the castle."When Henry awoke, it was in a place that was somehow familiar and new to him at the same time. Iron shackles bound his wrists and ankles. The stony slab he sat on did little to soothe his aching bones. His only source of light was a window in the corner of the cell, and the sun had already begun its daily descent. It was then that Henry realized he was no longer bleeding. Whoever had confined him to these cobblestone walls at least had the decency to heal his head wound, but… Where was the fun in that?"This cell is too good for scum like you," a voice spat from behind iron bars. "His Grace Lady Maribelle is far too kind. Were it up to me, you'd be food for the buzzards.""Ooh, I like buzzards! Did you know that—""I don't care. Just shut up and save your breath for later. You can at least rest knowing the duke will hear you out before sending you to the gallows. Not like that lawless dog you once called king, Plegian."The guard sauntered off, swearing under his breath. Henry gave the cold steel around his appendages a few tugs, more out of curiosity and boredom than anything else. It had been quite some time since he'd been in this sort of predicament, and these shackles were just as sturdy as the ones he'd dealt with in the past. This time, however, he wasn't able to melt them off along with the faces of those who'd apprehended him. Whatever Tharja did to him sealed away nearly all of his magic. He could still feel slivers of it coursing through his veins, but it was nothing compared to the ocean that was usually at his fingertips.Blowing a loose strand of hair out of his face, Henry turned his attention back to the window. Iron bars running down the middle, it was much too tiny for even a child to squeeze through. Only a small animal like a mouse or a bird could pull something like that off.Henry fixated on the gaps between the bars. There was a wicked glint in his eye as he felt one last trick crawling up and down his sleeve."Hmm…"Upon returning to Castle Themis, Maribelle rushed Ricken and Tharja to the medical ward. The family clerics took them in at once as she grabbed more staves from the armory. Wounded soldiers—both belonging to her house or Rufus's—offered their thanks as Maribelle began to heal them one by one. Their wounds closed before infection or heavy blood loss occurred, but the tissue underneath was still sore. Maribelle thanked them in kind and reminded them to rest before leaving to check on her friends. She herself was slightly dizzy from all the healing she'd done, but her insistence on always using staves prevented her from overexerting herself. In truth, she was more concerned about the others.Tharja was fast asleep by the time Maribelle arrived at her cot. One of the clerics explained that she had exhausted herself from casting so many spells but was otherwise fine. The younger woman still had a multitude of questions for her. Why was her mother so insistent on bringing her home and having her marry? How personal was her relationship with that boy named Henry? Was it truly possible to stop a skilled mage from using magic entirely?She shook the thoughts from her head. There would be plenty of time to talk to Tharja later. Her health and wellbeing were far more important right now. Quietly bidding her friend farewell, Maribelle walked further into the ward until she spotted a sleeping Ricken on a cot. He was alive, but paler than usual as chest slowly rose and fell. She knew that Themis's clerics were among the most renowned in the halidom… but the guilt weighed heavily on her all the same. Fear gripped her heart with a frigid, shadowy hand that squeezed every few seconds, reminding her just how close Ricken had been to death's door."This is all my fault," Maribelle whispered, passing his cot and walking back out into the hallway. "This is my doing. I'm the one who made such a big fuss over having to come home in the first place, I'm the one who reassured his parents that he would be safe… Oh, good heavens, his parents! I've failed them! I've put their only child in danger! What kind of terrible person am I?!""You are not."She looked to her left. Rufus stood there with a glum look on his face. He was shaken and dirtied from battle but otherwise unharmed. "Rufus?""I… I was wrong about that boy," he admitted. "I treated him like vermin all these years, but he proved himself worthy of nobility the moment he moved to defend your home. Is it true that he saved your life?""He did." She nodded. "Twice, actually.""Twice…?" Rufus's eyes widened considerably. "You mean…?"Maribelle's face shone brilliantly, her heart overcome with a deep sense of pride. "When Gangrel's forces kidnapped me and dragged me across the border? It was Ricken who rescued me from their clutches. We certainly wouldn't have made it back home without the Shepherds, but he snuck behind enemy lines to free me with only a wind tome. And the way he used the pages to set up traps for our foes… Genius. Sheer genius."She placed a hand to her heart and sighed. "I've never met a more gallant man in all my life. Not even Prince Chrom makes me feel the way he does…"Rufus looked like he'd taken a fist to the stomach. "I… I see. In that case, you should probably speak with him at once. I believe he's asked to see you.""Has he really?""I may be craven, but I am no liar when it comes to matters of the heart… not anymore at least. I see now that life is much too short for dishonesty." Rufus had stunned her into silence. He gave what might've been a genuine smile for once. "Go to him. I shall apologize formally in due time, but I believe your face would be a far more welcome sight for him at this hour.""Rufus… Thank you."He nodded in response before leaving. Maribelle glanced back to the door she left from. On the other side, Ricken would be expecting her. The boy who Rufus had inadvertently introduced her to all those years ago. The boy Chrom and his friends saved from wolves. The boy she always found herself staring at whenever his nose was buried in a book, or when he was helping Miriel with an experiment. The boy who'd risked death to save her… twice.
He deserves better than silence borne from cowardice.
She walked back into the ward. Most of the soldiers were asleep or chatting amongst themselves and castle staff. Maribelle smiled when she saw Ricken sitting up and yawning. His favorite hat was on a rack beside his cot."Hey!" he greeted, waving her over. "How… How are you feeling?""I could and should be asking the same of you." She pulled off one of her gloves as she walked to him. Mercifully, his forehead was no warmer than it should have been. "Ricken… I'm sorry. Had I been a bit more vigilant—""Stop that. You were incredible out there, Maribelle! That guy just…" He winced, sucking in air as the pain in his side flared up. "He just… got lucky, that's all."In any other context she might have blushed at the praise. Instead, she gestured to a nearby cleric to help. Ricken politely refused the help with a small smile. "I'm fine. The ones who brought me in earlier said there'd be some lingering pain here and there. Nothing some water, medicine, and bedrest can't fix! … I hope.""I'll make this right," Maribelle said, already starting to leave. "I'll get the most powerful staff in our inventory and—""No! I'm gonna be fine! Just… Please don't leave!"His voice tugged at her heartstrings. She took his hands into her own and squeezed them, surprising them both. "I won't leave you, Ricken. Not now and not ever.""Um…" His face reddened. "That's… good! Good, we're… on the same page then."Maribelle felt his hands squeeze hers back. The two stayed that way for a while, the world around them fading away, before a thought crossed Ricken's mind and brought him back to reality. "Wait a minute… Where's Tharja?""You mean your dark-haired friend?" a passing cleric asked. "She left the ward not too long ago. I remember her asking something about ink… Maybe she's writing home?"Ricken and Maribelle shared a glance as they recalled the Risen-summoning woman from earlier. Somehow, neither of them suspected that was the case. The cleric left to heal a particularly rowdy band of laughing knights near one of the room's exits. Maribelle stood in awkward silence, fidgeting with her curls, while Ricken stared. She hadn't even changed out of her dirty clothes before tending to everyone's wounds.Then again… she always put others' lives before her own appearance. And even caked in dirt and the odd patch of dried blood, she looked no less radiant for it. Ricken blushed, his eyes innocently trailing over her before settling on a peculiar sight."Hmm? What's that?"She followed his finger. Part of a scroll was sticking out of her satchel. The very scroll she'd planned on showing him at some point anyway. And yet, now that he was acutely aware of its existence…
Valor, Maribelle. A noblewoman never backs down from a challenge, no matter how daunting.
"I… W-well…" Maribelle's cheeks grew rosy, but she maintained eye contact and began to pull it out. "I… thought the people of Ylisse might benefit from knowing that my rescue from Gangrel's clutches was yours, so I drafted a little sketch for a more skilled artist to paint and distribute.""Can I see it?""You must promise me you won't laugh.""Maribelle—""Promise me right this instant!" She cracked a grin, but Ricken couldn't tell if it was out of mischievousness or nervousness. "Or it's going straight into the nearest source of fire!""Okay, okay! I won't laugh… I promise." He sighed. "I could never laugh at you, Maribelle. Not even when your entire head goes red like a tomato!""I could have gone my whole life without hearing that last part, but… Very well."At last, she handed Ricken the paper. The ink figures were… crude, to say the least. What he assumed were people had bodies resembling sticks with circles on top to imitate heads. The shortest figure had an oversized blue triangle on top. It held a green rectangle that sent similarly colored waves at various other figures. A pink stick topped with yellow curls stood behind it."... Pfft. Pfftch…""RICKEN!"He burst into raucous, shoulder-shaking laughter, failing to stop it even with a hand over his mouth. He only laughed harder when he saw Maribelle's face flush bright red. She almost tried to wrestle it away from him before she took a deep breath and recomposed herself. After a few moments, she couldn't help but laugh herself."Well now," said Theodore, walking into view. "I'm glad to see our young warrior's lungs are in good health."Maribelle quickly snatched the drawing back and rolled it up before recomposing herself once more. "Ah… Hello, Father. How fare the rest of the men?""I'm afraid we have some dead to attend to, but everyone else seems to be relatively unharmed. I shall have to thank them all personally later. First, however…"In an unprecedented display, the Duke of Themis kneeled before Ricken's cot."Your Grace?!""Father?!""I am sorry," he said, bowing his head. "For years, much of the Ylissean nobility has derided your house. It pains me to say that I was among them. All the wealth and status in the world means nothing if one does not have the courage to stand by their convictions. To help others even if it means risking their own life. I've never been half as brave as you were today, young Ricken.""Your Grace… Thank you.""I shall leave you to your rest," Theodore said, rising from the floor with a smile. "And… you have my blessing as well. In all things.""What?""What?!" Maribelle repeated. Unlike Ricken, however, her cheeks grew redder by the second. "I… That is to say—""Oh, good heavens! It's nearly teatime! Shall I fetch you both a pot?""Teatime can wait, Father. Thank you."Ricken almost looked crestfallen at the rejected tea offer. As the duke turned to leave, however, his expression became one of genuine confusion. "... Blessing? What does tha—""Your Grace!" a soldier cried, rushing into the room and towards the trio. "The prisoner is gone!""What?!" Maribelle and Theodore cried.Ricken sat up, staring at the soldier. "The… prisoner? You mean…?""Ricken, wait here," Maribelle ordered before turning to her father. "We must see this for ourselves."With the duke's most skilled soldiers alongside them, Maribelle and Theodore left the ward. Themis's prison, well-guarded but usually devoid of actual prisoners, was located off of castle grounds for security reasons. They entered the building without incident and were led to what was once Henry's cell. With a dutiful soldier bearing a torch, all could see that the cell was empty. Iron clasps and shackles sat on the floor, but there was no blood or clothing left behind. The only thing of note was a single black feather on the stone slab."By the gods!" Theodore's hands flew to his head. "How is this possible?!""He is a Plegian dark mage, Your Grace," one of the guards said. "Trickery is second nature to them."The claw of anxiety tore at Maribelle's heart once again. Her father ordered his men to spread word to all surrounding territories and fortify their defenses, but her mind blocked it all out. This boy, Henry… He looked to be about her and Ricken's age, yet had proven himself extremely dangerous on the battlefield. Were it not for Tharja's efforts, he may very well have killed them both… and even she wasn't able to stop him completely. Now he was loose. There was no telling where he would appear next or what his true motives were. For the time being, however…It is a noble's duty to defend their subjects and allies, she thought. I cannot allow fear to cloud my judgment. I must be brave. For Father. For Ricken. For everyone…"I shall pen a letter to Prince Chrom at once," Maribelle announced, snapping herself free from her thoughts. "He must know of the danger we all faced today. I have no doubt he'll be willing to aid us however he can."Theodore nodded. "Indeed. I hope you don't mind if I ask Lord Rufus and his men to stay here for a while. Given the injuries they sustained defending us—""They may stay as long as they wish. It is only prudent, after all."As they exited the dungeon and were greeted with the orange glow of sunset, Theodore couldn't help but admire his daughter. At the first sign of trouble, she had been quick to give orders and ride into battle alongside the soldiers despite not being a combatant herself. And however she felt about Rufus before, she was willing to set it aside for the benefit of not just his men, but her people and Themis as a whole. As they walked back up the hill to the castle, the orange glow of sunset embraced them. And in that very moment, Theodore could have sworn that his wife was walking alongside them with a smile on her face. A tear rolled down his face.
Francesca… We could not have asked for a more capable daughter. Themis is in good hands.
When Maribelle returned to her chamber that evening, a sizable sack sat at the foot of her door. She could tell it had gold in it upon lifting it, but the folded piece of paper underneath held far more intrigue. Holding it up, she could see that whoever wrote it had elegant penmanship. She began to read it out loud. Her face fell more with every subsequent word."'To Maribelle, Ricken, and Everyone Else. As long as I stay in Ylisse, none of you are safe. My mother has shown that she will stop at nothing to capture me no matter who she hurts, and I refuse to let her endanger anyone else. Don't come looking for me. I know of a place and people I can turn to for help in this. Not even Mother Dearest is foolish enough to pick a fight with them. I'll be in touch… and thanks."Maribelle squinted, examining some smaller words at the end. "'Also, I stole a horse. I trust this will be enough.'"She blinked once, twice, and once again before sinking to the floor. She couldn't care less about the blatant thievery at the moment, but that Tharja had taken it upon herself to protect everyone at the cost of her own potential happiness… It moved her to her very core."Tharja…" She clutched the paper with both hands. A teardrop rolled down her nose. "We'll meet again. I just know we will."Maribelle folded the note and tucked it in a jewelry box inside her quarters. Then she grabbed some paper, dipped a quill in ink, and got to work writing a letter of her own. Their fastest courier would be tasked with delivering it to Ylisstol as soon as humanly possible. The road ahead was fraught with peril for them all, but she was positive they could rely on their friends in the capital for help."'Dear Chrom and Lissa…'""'Sincerely, Maribelle,'" Chrom finished reading aloud at the roundtable. He squinted, looking at the very bottom of the page. "'Also, Ricken says hello.'"It had been a full week since the assault on the duchy. A courier from Themis had arrived on their doorstep not thirty minutes prior, having traveled night and day just to deliver her message. Lissa paced beside Chrom restlessly, looking torn between rushing over to Maribelle's side and giving her assailants the beating of a lifetime. As Chrom sat with his head in his hands, Robin and Lyn exchanged looks of disbelief and anxiety. Frederick looked similarly perturbed."I just can't believe someone from Plegia would attack so soon after the war's end," Robin admitted, a hand in his hair. "And Tharja's gone missing too?""The letter said that her mother was one of the people responsible," Lyn said beside him, frowning. "I can't imagine Tharja would've wanted this to happen though… Didn't she run away from Plegia to begin with?""She did." Chrom closed his eyes and took a moment to think. "I don't think Tharja had a hand in the carnage. If she had any intention to betray us, why wait until after the war was over? Why not take advantage of the chaos to destroy us from within?""A fair point," Frederick said, stepping forward. "In any case, we cannot allow the dukedom to remain so poorly fortified. I believe it would be in everyone's best interest if we departed for Themis immediately. We can assist them in their efforts to rebuild and recover. Perhaps the attack and our presence there will prompt new recruits to help us form an army as well."Robin nodded. "Sounds like a plan. If anything good can come out of this tragedy, this might just be it."The group splintered off soon afterwards to inform the others of this development. There was considerable doubt over whether this was truly an incidental occurrence or the machinations of whoever currently occupied Plegia's throne after Gangrel's death. Then again, the Shepherds had not been made aware that anyone actually had claimed the throne. It was entirely possible the kingdom itself had fallen into chaos and warring factions. But official communication from Plegia itself had ceased since the war.And the silence was deafening.Just as Gangrel's death had brought about a new era for Ylisse, so too had it for Plegia. It was common knowledge here that Aversa had been the main person responsible for the coup in the capitol. Word quickly spread of her actions-and those of the Grimleal-even before Gangrel's final confrontation with the Ylisseans. As such, few were surprised when she took the throne after his demise. Fewer still were willing to voice any objections they had. Most soldiers who survived both the coup and the final battle peacefully reassimilated into the Plegian Army under the condition that they serve her now. Loyalists of dead monarchs were to be apprehended and delivered to her personally. What she did with them was anyone's guess.With overwhelming support from Plegian nobility and common folk alike, Aversa took the reins and united the country under false pretenses of peace and prosperity for all. Gangrel had lost favor with most of Plegia due to a combination of his own actions and the Darksphere's corruption, but she knew better than to fall victim to the same fate. Now there wasn't a living soul across all four corners of Plegia who didn't know her name. She knew she would have to relinquish the throne to her father once their master was finished restoring him, but until that day came…"More wine, Your Majesty?"She would enjoy it to the fullest."Make it so," Aversa told her servant from the throne. He was a red-haired man dressed in a similar outfit to their former king. He held an elegant green bottle and filled the glass in her hand. She swirled it around, taking a moment to admire its beautiful scarlet hue. "Rosannean red wine. Perfection."Her server bowed. Aversa smirked in response.
I really should thank the countess for letting me borrow her husband for a bit...
She frowned when she felt movement beneath her heels. With a sneer, Aversa stared down at the floor. The soldier she was using to elevate her feet buckled under her ankles. "Who told you to move?!""M-my apologies! I didn't mean to-""Would you like me to freeze you in that position permanently? I have quite the number of tools at my disposal, you know. Tomes, staves, curses…Which would you prefer?""N-no! I…" He trembled under her heels as she applied more pressure. "Your Majesty, please! Have mercy!"Aversa chuckled, running a finger over the rim of her wine glass. "How I love it when they beg… Very well. You are hereby pardoned. Now do not move again!"The soldier did his best to stay still. Aversa threw her head back and cackled. Two more soldiers stood at her sides, fanning her with large leaves harvested from desert plants. She could have used a spell to cool herself off, but this was all too satisfying. To have men and women groveling at her feet, tending to her every need, and best of all… No Gangrel around to screech at her and order her around. Now she gave the orders. If there was an issue in the town square or beyond the capital, she'd send someone else to handle it. Territorial disputes between the nobility? She'd send her finest enforcers in the Grimleal to settle things.She reclined in her throne with a content sigh. "It's good to be queen…""Your Majesty!" A spindly figure familiar to her entered the room, immediately ruining her mood. "I—""Ah, Countess Gothel." She narrowed her eyes. The servant with the wine bottle disappeared immediately. "To what do I owe the displeasure?"The older woman bowed her head in shame and reverence. "My deepest apologies… Your Majesty. I truly meant no harm in—""Silence!" Aversa snarled, leaning forward on the throne. Her voice sent a chill down everyone's spine. "Your little stunt in Themis has put the rest of the continent on high alert. In case you have the memory of an infant, Plegia lost the last war. The war that Gangrel brought upon all of us by painting such an obvious target on our collective back! Those imbecilic Ylisseans and barbaric Feroxi already have enough reason to distrust us without you launching unauthorized assaults like a buffoon!""B-but my daughter—!""I don't give two whits about your runaway heiress!" Aversa threw her hands up, flinging her wine glass to its doom. "If you wanted to ensure your legacy would last, you should have thought about that before stopping at one. My own father knew this well. What's your excuse?!""I…""Let me make this perfectly clear. From this day forth, you will not so much as leave your manor without my approval. Do you understand?""Queen Aversa, I beg of you—!""ENOUGH!"Gothel shut her mouth, looking to the floor. "… I am truly sorry, Your Majesty. I shall accept whatever punishment you deem necessary.""Good. I've had people killed for less, you know." Aversa accepted another wine glass from a servant, this one also resembling their former king. "In fact, I killed half of them myself. Your wealth, your prestige, your husband… The Order gave you these boons, and we can just as easily take them away. Do not cross me again. Begone."Aversa watched her leave, the older woman walking away with clenched fists. She smirked in response; the more restless nobles needed to be put in their place from time to time."Your Majesty!"Someone else ran into the room. How she hated it when they did that. Aversa merely rolled her eyes at the soldier. "Let me guess: someone in town pilfered a pastry.""I'm afraid not. It's—""Move it, move it! Outta the way! Official Grimleal business here!"She looked ahead, raising an eyebrow ever so slightly. A burly, balding man in fur garb walked through the doors and into the room. While he was shirtless, he wore two red wyvern skulls on his shoulders; leather straps held them in place. Many would argue he wasn't much to look at, but the purple stripe that ran across his nose and cheeks symbolized his high status within the Grimleal. He bowed upon reaching the throne."Greetings, Your Majesty. I trust you are well?""Well, well. If it isn't Father Algol," she said in kind, examining her glass. "I assume you're not just here to say hello?""Your presence has been requested on Carrion Isle." He stood up straight to meet her eye. "One of our men at headquarters believes he has made a breakthrough."Aversa stared at her wine, sighed, and then downed the entire glass in one swig. Then she threw it without a care in the world. It shattered right next to the spot where a servant was sweeping up the first glass she tossed."A breakthrough, you say? This had better be worth the flight…"