Thank you for the wonderful feedback, I do enjoy supportive communities! What more, I appreciate people being honest with what they like or dislike in what they read! It's a very refreshing change from "good job keep writing." That said, unfortunately, those who dislike the name are going to have to deal with it for a little longer (spoiler hint). If it helps, think of "Avatar" as a title rather than a name, given he's the embodiment of Grima. Like "Sergeant" or "Chief." I am tempted to follow some of your suggestions for naming him anything else and call him Cheeseburger for the rest of the story. Though, not being an author possessing exceptional wit or desire to work hard, I'll stick to my original plotline.
That said I hope you enjoy this next installment!
Chapter II: Tactics and Temptation
"Watch the left! Incoming fire!"
Avatar threw his back against a wide tree trunk, grabbing Lissa's wrist as she ran by and pulling her to his chest. He threw his cloak around them and took a deep breath before a wall of fire rolled past them like a tidal wave.
He exhaled, breathing deep once oxygen returned to the air around him. Lissa swooned on the spot, clearly not anticipating the change in atmosphere. He dipped her against the tree and stepped out, lightning arcing from his fingertips at the ridge above them. The magi there ducked and he sprinted to flank the cliff side before they returned fire.
"C'mon scales, show the Vaike whatcha got!"
Further down the hill Chrom, Vaike and Lucina fought back-to-back in a clearing as enemy wyvern riders circled, diving for quick hit and run attacks before retreating to the safety of the sky.
Avatar lay prone in a rocky crevice, lifting his head slightly to gauge his distance. He immediately ducked as a fireball soared overhead, feeling the heat across his back. Taking a deep breath he rolled out, throwing a plume of flame in their direction as a diversion while he fell back to better cover. It would take him longer to circle the high ground, but he wouldn't be sucking ash along the way.
Spinning around the tree base he found himself face-to-face with Tharja.
"My, isn't this romantic." She smirked at him, arms rising to his neck. He smiled wryly as she pulled him close, whispering in his ear, "Hold on tight."
He heard a familiar roar and held another breath as fire rolled over them. He felt the heat and heard wood crackling. Opening his eyes he saw the entire section of forest behind them scorched black, annihilated. Only the patch of earth they stood on remained uncharred, Tharja's glowing hands outstretched as her brow perspired.
"Close one." He nodded appreciatively.
"You can pay me back later." She pushed him off and turned around, waving a dismissive hand and sending an enemy fireball spiraling off course. A hexagram appeared in the air before her outstretched arms as she muttered an incantation, opening her eyes and bathing the cliffside in black flames. Screams and guttural cries of pain called out from the other side before being replaced by the sounds of hoofs galloping behind them.
"Tharja having her way again?" Stahl asked as Virion swung off the horse behind him.
"Ah, such harsh methods from such a creature of beauty. I would be so lucky should I ever–"
"Virion, anti-air fire!" Avatar commanded, snapping the noble's attention back the job at hand.
Their sniper grumbled something about ignoring "the finer things in life" as he jogged past them, taking position atop the high cliff and emitting a cry of disgust and surprise when he got there. Tharja smirked, but Avatar and Stahl thought it best to not investigate.
"Take me back to the clearing," Avatar addressed Stahl, climbing behind him and gripping the armor tight, "The battle's just starting when those things land."
Chrom thrust upward to be met with air yet again as the wyvern flew backwards, wind beating down on him as wings took lift. The rider laughed, sensing Chrom's frustration as he taunted him from afar. Something caught the sunlight with a glint a split second before the rider jerked, clutching his neck. The wyvern spiraled as the reigns held one wing fast and the monster plummeted to the ground.
The rider coughed blood, leg trapped under the stunned animal as his death throes brought forth pitiful whimpering and futile attempts at clawing himself away. Chrom stood over him, not laughing as he raised Falchion.
"Two more, watch out Vaike!" Lucina called as her father brought his sword down.
The other wyverns landed now that the skies were hot; unfortunately a ground-bound wyvern was just as lethal as an airborne one. Vaike hefted his axe, returning a growl as the wyvern he faced off with snarled viciously, rider readying his lance.
Just as Vaike lunged the wyvern recoiled like a viper. It snapped forward as Lucina thrust Vaike out of the way, planting herself in the ground as the wyvern impaled itself into her sword, jaws snapping uncontrollably inches from her hands as she drove the blade deep down its neck. She smiled victoriously before a lance pierced her shoulder, causing her to cry out and fall back.
"Lucina!" Vaike picked himself up as the wyvern slid onto its side, blood gushing from its mouth and throwing the rider free.
"I-I'm okay!" Lucina called back, assuring him so he could focus on his opponent who gathered his spear and brandished it at Vaike.
"Attacking a woman? Pretty low, bro." Vaike held his axe out to connect their weapons, gauging the distance between them.
"She's going to share the same fate as the rest of you, worm food!" The mercenary shouted harshly, dashing forward. In a fluid motion Vaike caught the shaft in one hand and brought the axe down with the other.
The last rider spotted Lucina dragging herself away from the fight, holding her shoulder which began to stain her dark clothes darker. The wyvern ambled forward, spurred on by its rider. When twenty meters separated them Chrom stepped into view, placing himself between predator and prey.
"Stay away from my daughter."
The rider sneered and urged the beast forward, closing the distance between them rapidly. Chrom stepped to the side of the charge and brought his sword down across the wyvern's long neck, only to find the edge blocked by the broad side of an axe. Faster than the eye could blink the wyvern snarled and lashed out, catching Chrom by the torso.
"Chrom!" Vaike yelled, throwing himself at the wyvern which spun, catching him in the chest with its thick tail and sending him ten meters before he hit the ground.
"Father!" Lucina called as the wyvern regripped Chrom in its mouth before shaking him like a ragdoll. He cried out as the short teeth dug into his skin like a saw, tearing the flesh deeper with every motion. She tried standing but her sword was too heavy to be hefted in one arm.
Chrom clenched his jaw, staring the dragon in the eye as it bit deeper. "If I die today, my friends will fight on."
The rider grinned before a body tackled him from the side, throwing him off the mount and causing the wyvern to release its prey. Chrom crawled away and rolled over to see Avatar stumbling to his feet with the enemy mercenary as Stahl flourished his sword at the wyvern.
The axe lay between the two men. Spotting this and not waiting for the enemy to react Avatar dove for it, intending to keep his opponent defenseless. His hand clasped the hilt just as a dagger plunged through it. The mercenary chuckled as Avatar gasped in pain, gripping the hand on the dagger tightly. The man turned the hilt, forcing the bones in Avatar's hand further part. Throwing himself forward he pushed the mercenary back, undamaged hand gripping his opponent's face as electricity sparked across his fingers. The mercenary's eyes shot open as every muscle in his body contracted, laying ramrod stiff under Avatar as voltage pumped through him, low cry rising in his throat. Avatar released him and the man went limp, head lolling to the side. He panted as he slid the dagger free, leaning down and plunging it into the mercenary's chest. The body didn't react, eyes wide as they stared into the horizon.
Looking over he saw Stahl catch the wyvern's bite with an armored forearm, sinking his sword into the fleshy underside of the jaw just like they trained. By the book. The wyvern writhed and fell to the dirt, clawing at the ground feebly. Stahl looked over and took them in, "You guys look terrible."
Avatar turned to examine the others. Vaike stirred on the ground some distance away, holding his chest as Chrom winced in Lucina's one arm that could support him. He looked back to Stahl.
"Take Chrom back to camp. Bring back Cordelia, Sumia and Sully. And tell Maribelle to prep the med tent. I'll round up the others..."
"You're hurt."
Avatar rolled his eyes as he approached Chrom to help him up. "I'll live, make sure he gets back okay."
"No," Chrom muttered dazedly, trying and failing to lift his arm, "Lucina..."
"I'll be fine, father. Please, see the healers." Lucina reassured him, wiping the hair from his dirtied brow.
Avatar frowned. It was clear Chrom would survive his injuries, but she handed him off much more easily that he'd expected. In the past she might have thrown Stahl off his horse and ridden Chrom back to camp herself had he so much as broken a finger.
Stahl loaded him up without further argument and departed quickly, disappearing into the woods on the other side of the clearing.
One week after Avatar had been bedridden, Chrom was now the one in the med tent with their best healers on watch. The skirmish that took place earlier that afternoon hadn't been expected, and was both a fortunate and unfortunate turn of events that the mercenaries they'd been hunting in the area turned out to be stumbled upon by one of their smaller patrols.
Avatar leaned back at his desk, closing the book he'd been reading and rubbing his eyes. If Chrom was anything like him when he was stuck to a bed, he'd be bouncing off the walls looking for something to do. Fortunately for Avatar, his primary job could be performed from a bed – the same couldn't be said for overly-active Chrom. It was at least midnight, but peering out of his flap he could see light from under Chrom's tent. If he was still awake perhaps Avatar could go over some plans before retiring, give his friend something to think about while he rested.
He yawned, gathering a stack of drafted papers and stepping outside. The night mountain air was slightly chilly, but it served well to keep their patrols awake and alert. He strode for the tent opposite his in the command section of camp, glancing around to see most of the other tents dark. Lon'qu and Cherche patrolled the perimeter a short distance away, quietly murmuring so as not to wake the others. Those who hadn't fought that day were assigned night watch, to ensure everyone bore an equal load.
Quietly calling Chrom's name he waited a moment before entering, eyes adjusting to the brighter light. Immediately Olivia sat up in bed, blankets drawn against her bare shoulders. Chrom sat at the edge beside her, shirtless save his heavily bandaged chest.
"Apologies, milady." Avatar murmured, bringing the papers up to the side of his face so he could only see Chrom.
"Was there something you needed, Avatar?" Chrom asked, watching him from across the room.
"I had wondered if you needed distraction from resting, but it appears you ah... Have that taken care of. I'll just be going."
"No, I could stretch my legs if you don't mind a short walk." Chrom responded, rising and looking back to Olivia. "I'll be back shortly."
Avatar bowed to her, papers in front of his face until he heard her giggle and departed with Chrom.
"I don't think I was allowed to leave the bed for two days during my recovery." Avatar commented, feeling the cool air again as their feet touched the soft dirt raked clean by Frederick.
"I'm not. But I told Lissa it was urgent that I return to my station as soon as possible. I'm afraid I'm working our healers exhausted, between me, Vaike's ribs and Lucina's shoulder." Chrom responded as they walked slowly, circling the tent. "And your flea bite."
Avatar ignored the jeer and looked sternly at him. "You should listen to them, your well-being is as important to our morale as your leadership."
"I never thanked you." Chrom said suddenly, changing the subject, "For saving me today. If you hadn't been there..."
"A debt you've repayed a hundred-times over." Avatar dismissed, frowning.
"No, I mean it. If you hadn't been there, come back with Stahl – Vaike, my daughter and I would have been killed. The day was won by your quick thinking and initiative. I want you to know how much I appreciate all you do for our forces, the risk you put others in is nothing you wouldn't do yourself. You're as much of their leader as I am."
"You're flattering me. Keep talking like this and I'm going to have to bring it up with your wife."
"...Which brings up my next area of gratitude. Thank you for not pursuing Lucina. I know my words the other day were harsh, but they were necessary, and I'm blessed to have a friend who shares my perspective. I know you've done your part to not spend time with her, but I've noticed you aren't working together in many of the strategies you've drafted for me since then."
Avatar stared at him. He hadn't placed them together because there wasn't a situation where their combined abilities were ideal, it had nothing to do with Chrom's words the other day. Did Chrom think he was that unprofessional? He cleared his throat, "There might be some misunderst–"
"I know there are situations on the battlefield where you two are what's needed, and I understand if that's what needs to happen. I trust you, and I know you won't do anything to hurt her."
"Right... Speaking of which, I didn't know if you wanted to go over some plans I'd drawn up." Avatar shifted the topic as he held up his papers. They rounded back to the entrance of Chrom's tent.
"Maybe another time. After a battle, I just want to see my wife." Chrom ran a hand through his hair, glancing back at the tent flap. "Sometimes I just need a reminder of why I'm fighting, doing the things I do out there. Remind myself why we're in this war to begin with..." At Avatar's blank expression he continued, "For the people we love. For me, it's my daughter and the woman I'll spend the rest of my life with."
"I'm afraid I wouldn't know much about that."
"You will," Chrom touched his shoulder, grinning, "The girls are lining up for you, take your nose out of a book for one evening and you'll have five proposals waiting."
"Err... Right." Avatar chuckled uncertainly, scratching the back of his head as Chrom bid him goodnight. He stood there in the dark, feeling a chill run up his spine now that he wasn't moving. It wasn't so bad, was it? That he spent his time strategizing over flirting. At the rate their army was hooking up, someone needed to keep their head on straight. Still, it was important their soldiers got some form of stress relief. Fighting for their lives every few days without distraction was a wonderful way to send someone into shell-shock. And anecdotal evidence had proven that when a soldier had something concrete to fight for their performance increased dramatically.
He began walking back to his tent, eager to climb under warm covers before the cold night air set in further.
"Brr, it is cold tonight, isn't it?" A sultry voice behind him made him jump before recognizing the familiar sense of being stalked.
"Tharja. You should be resting." He answered, turning around. She stood before him, wearing her usual battle attire which could easily be mistaken for seductive sleepwear. If he weren't in his late-twenties he'd probably have greater difficulty keeping his eyes on hers and not roaming her body. Even so the temptation to look was overwhelming.
"I tried, but the night is so cold. When I heard your deep voice in the dark I thought to myself, 'What if we kept warm... Together?'" She ended the note questioningly as if offering the idea to him as she stepped closer, trailing a finger along her collarbone.
"That... Is very tempting, but if milady would allow me to sleep on it?"
"I'm much better than 'it.'" She smirked, pressing herself against him.
"Even so, I would feel guilty simply using you to get warm."
"I wouldn't."
He touched her hand caressing his chest and lowered it to her side. "If you're cold you should dress in layers. I'll send for some blankets to be sent to your tent."
"How uncreative..." She muttered, disappointment in her voice as she stepped away. "I'll just have to imagine they're you. Wrapping me up in their warmth..."
He swallowed hard, shaking his head to clear the mental images she conjured. "Don't hex me again," He called after her as she made for her tent on the far side of camp, "I know where you live."
"I know where you sleep." She responded, adding an extra sway to her hips. He was grateful she wore a long cloak or he knew he wouldn't have been able to look away.
"Great, now I need a cold shower before bed as well..." He muttered under his breath as he turned to enter his tent.
"Avatar."
"Gah!" He jumped and looked to his desk where Lucina stood from his chair, dressed in long-sleeved sleeping attire.
"I saw your light but you were out, so I waited. Would you... Care for company?"
Avatar turned as if to depart his own tent before remembering he had no where else to go. He cleared his throat, "You should rest, your shoulder–"
"Has been healed. Lissa worked on it all evening." She interrupted, accepting her declined invitation and stepping over to meet him at the entrance, "May we talk?"
"Of course, milady." Avatar paused, knowing simply blowing her off would arouse suspicion and wanting to make his disinterest appear genuine. "What about?"
"It feels as though we haven't spoken in weeks. I wanted to make sure you were well."
He met her eyes. They were full of worry and confusion. He shifted his gaze. "Your concern is appreciated, Lucina, but I assure you I am well."
"Then you won't mind some company."
Avatar winced, at a loss for how to avert the situation. He knew he cared for her, probably more than he should as the daughter of a close friend, but Chrom had a valid argument. If anything should happen out there, she'd suffered enough already. Best to remove the idea from both their thoughts before the prospect grew.
"I know my father asked you to avoid contact with me." Her voice interrupted his internal debate and he stared at her. "But in truth, I'm the one in need of company. This past is beautiful, the people are wonderful, but I... Could use a friend to talk to. My father isn't always available and I know I don't belong here, in this time, but..."
Avatar sensed a tidal wave of emotions coming forth and shifted his weight uneasily. He wasn't supposed to be here, with her, but if all she needed was someone to talk to...
She stepped forward uncertainly, eyes glistening in the nearby lamplight. Feeling a mental barricade crumble he held out his arms and she embraced him, quietly crying into his shoulder. Rather than ask what was wrong he simply waited, sensing it was a little bit of everything and resolving himself to being awake most of the night.
Lucina spoke and he listened. About her feeling misplaced in all of this; the fear or hopelessness she felt whenever they stepped onto a battlefield or some fate was unavoided; the constant pressure she felt, that it was always on her to change the course of history. Her worries stretched breadth and depth, and it took all his wisdom and charisma to alleviate her concerns. He had no idea under the calm and strong exterior she presented so much despair lingered. More than anything he wanted her to be free of it, to make her feel like a normal young woman, worrying about normal-young-woman problems. Not saving the present from the terrible future she endured.
She quietly rose from the bed and approached the desk he leaned on. Her eyes were slightly swollen and nose reddened, but she wore a small smile. "Thank you, Avatar. I wish you were with me in the future, I feel as if we could have saved the world then."
"Frankly I'm glad you came back, so we can save the world now. Before it ends and all that."
She laughed and moved closer, eyes regarding him warmly before an idea struck her. "I'd almost forgotten, I came up with another one the other day."
"Another one?" He repeated, knowing exactly what she referred to. Ever since he'd joined the Shepherds they'd been trying to name him, but when none stuck he'd simply settled with the brand on his hand. It was his only form of identity. "Let's hear it then."
"Robin." She said simply, waiting for his reaction. He mused for a moment, shrugging.
"I'll think about it."
In truth he actually liked that one, it was certainly better than "Hey Tactician," or "Pupil." Though he couldn't tell if he liked it because it was a real name or because she picked it for him.
"You do that." She nodded, moving in and hugging him closely, head resting against his chest. He placed his arms around her, head on hers. Her scent filled his nostrils and he became very aware of their proximity. The way she leaned into him, the way his arms rested naturally around her shoulders. The night outside was quiet and all he could hear was her breathing against his chest. It was one of those moments when the actions seemed appropriate, but if he took a step back and thought about it objectively, all he could see was how intimately they embraced. As if lovers.
"I'm glad I came back. The future was... Lonely." She whispered. The fingers on his back tightened, and he realized his body was about to act of its own accord, in a way Chrom would very much have disapproved of. His heart skipped a beat as he felt soft lips press hesitantly against the side of his neck. He wasn't bothered by the fact she was several years younger than he was, he was just unsure if this was even okay – was her being from a different timeline problematic at all? She certainly didn't seem to mind the age gap or potential space-time repercussions.
He grit his teeth as he forced himself to gently pull her back. It was the hardest thing he ever did in his life. Unable to meet her eyes, he muttered, "I can't, Lucina. I promised your father, to protect you."
"Protect me? Or you, from making an attachment?"
"That's not fair. Everything I do is for the soldiers in our army."
"You spend your days fretting about situations that may never arise," She argued, grabbing his hand and placing it over her chest. He felt her heart beating through the thick fabric of her sweater. "This is real."
Her eyes scanned his for a response. He averted his gaze again. "I allowed this because you told me you needed a friend, not... Companionship. I would do the same for anyone else in the army." Avatar bit the inside of his cheek at the lie, needing her to believe he wasn't interested, even if that was the furthest thing from the truth. "I apologize if I misrepresented my intentions."
She lowered his hand. After a short pause she shook her head, "No, the mistake was mine. I'm sorry for disturbing you this evening, and I appreciate your honest words."
He didn't look as she made her way to the entrance.
"Sleep well, Robin."
"You too, Lucina." The flap opened allowing dim light inside. The sky was purple, camp a blue hue in the moments before the sun rose.
"Milady..."
The sound of armor clinking just outside his tent made him stick his head out, seeing Frederick bowing to a departing Lucina.
"Avatar." Frederick greeted coolly, standing tall and appraising him.
Avatar realized how badly this looked and raised his arms defensively, "It's not what it looks like."
"It looks like Lucina, crown-princess and future-exalt, exited your tent having just finished crying, before the sun rose to avoid attention. The only thing that isn't incriminating is your attire." He eyed Avatar's battle clothes from the day before still yet to be changed.
"She just needed a friend to talk to." Avatar explained quickly, wishing she'd stuck around to explain as much. He narrowed his eyes, "Though your timing is... Impeccable. What were you doing outside my tent?"
"Milord has asked me to keep an eye on one of you at all times to ensure his trust was not misplaced."
"Sorta defeats the meaning of 'trust'..."
"It isn't that Lord Chrom doesn't trust you–"
"It's just that he can't believe anything I say?"
"Regardless, I heard everything that transpired and I'm certain milord will be most pleased to hear last night's report." Frederick clasped his shoulder in approval.
"You just wanted to watch me squirm." Avatar accused, removing the gauntlet and scowling at the knight-bodyguard.
"That is not inaccurate." Frederick admitted, deadpan delivery making the intent at humor unclear, "Though it is that time of the week, I'm certain you're prepared for PT?" Behind him Vaike stretched groggily near the dead fire pit as some others milled around, waiting for Frederick to begin their weekly physical training routine.
"Oh c'mon, I just spent all night consoling your charge. That's your job you know."
"Simulated exhaustion, a frequent occurrence on the battlefield!" Frederick nodded enthusiastically again clapping Avatar's shoulder and leading him over to the circle, "I do enjoy your taking these seriously, even adding your own dimensions of difficulty."
Ignoring his sputtering objections Frederick began stretching before their morning five kilometer run.
I would have posted this earlier but San Diego's been in an awful humid heat wave and my desktop is like a space heater. My options were to edit it in the morning (when I work) or the evening (when I sleep, because I work in the morning). Hurrah weekends!
As usual please let me know what was good, bad, help me catch grammar/spelling mistakes, or just what you thought. It makes any author's day to hear feedback or improve their work.
Till next time!