Prologue: Another Chance
Mid Morning
A field Near Southtown, Ylisse
"Big Brother! We have to do something…!" a young girl's voice filled Robin's ears, her voice slightly slurred. He struggled to open his eyes. Was what just happened a dream? He couldn't tell, but he knew things were changing.
"What do you propose we do..?" a man's voice asked. Robin recognized that voice, but his mind initially couldn't place it.
"Who is this? Where am I… who am I? Was that just a dream? There's no way that… I married a Time-traveler. No way that I'm the legendary Fell Dragon, Grima… no way that I murdered the Royal Family of Ylisse… and destroyed the world. I can't believe that. I'm… just a tactician. Why am I a tactician? Where did I study the art of warfare? …Elibe? Why does that sound familiar?" Robin tried to put his thoughts together. "Wait, he's Chrom. I know that. We're good friends. …did I marry his daughter? I think I did. Wait… no that's just a dream. I think… but something's not right. Something tells me… that it… was real. That I fought in a series of wars… to prevent the Fell Dragon's return… but everything went wrong. I killed everyone I knew and loved. …But if I did… why did I just hear Chrom's voice? Could it be that I went back in time? But… why would that be possible? Lucina went back in time, but it wasn't like this."
"I dunno…" the girl responded, but as she did, Robin managed to open his eyes. In front of him were three people- a man with blue hair, and regal clothing and light armor, at his side hung a sword with a rounded hilt— the man who's voice he recognized, Chrom. Another was a girl in a yellow and white dress. Her hair was done up in two messy pigtails. The third was a man standing behind them by a horse: a knight by the looks of him- covered in full, ornate armor.
"I see you're awake now". Chrom said.
"Hey there!" The girl quickly added.
"There are better places to take a nap than the ground you know." Chrom said, reaching out his hand, "Give me your hand." Robin extended his right hand, to accept Chrom's aid in getting to his feet. On the back of his hand was an eerie mark- it stuck out: six eyes and six wings in a slight "v" shaped position.
"You alright?" Chrom asked.
"Y-yes… Thank you, Chrom." Robin replied.
"Ah, then you already know who I am?"
"No, actually, I… it's strange, your name it just came to me…" Robin replied, almost without thinking. "It's definitely seeming that way… I must have… returned.. to where it all began. Is this… my plan? To rewrite everything? Why am I having so much trouble." He thought. "I can't recall anything besides parts of that dream— or is it… my past? Certainly nothing before this point. This isn't of any help. If… I've returned to where it all started, but I can't remember everything… what good does that do? All I know… is that I mustn't let that hellish future come to pass. Lucina will agree. …Lucina. When does she show up again?"
"…Hm… how curious. Tell me, what's your name? What brings you here?" Chrom asked.
"My name is… it's…" Robin quickly found himself lost in a particular memory.
"Hmm…" he muttered.
"…You don't even know your own name?" Chrom asked, surprised at Robin.
"Hey, I've heard of this! It's called amnesia!" the girl, Chrom's sister, said, almost excited to know Robin's condition.
The knight shook his head and spoke up, "It's called a load of Pegasus dung." He turned a stern look on Robin, "We're to believe you remember milord's name, but not your own?" The knight waved his hand, and Chrom promptly turned to speak to the knight.
"But- It's the truth." Robin stammered out, looking at the knight's stern face.
"What if it IS true, Frederick?" Chrom said, "We can't just leave him here alone and confused. What kind of Shepherds would we be then?"
"Chrom took me in because I was collapsed and without memory. But I clearly can remember this happening before. But that may just have been a dream."
"Your name, stranger?" Frederick said.
"It's… it's.." Robin said, as Frederick's words snapped him out of his thought, and quickly found his dream like memory repeating itself. Chrom and the others gave swift orders to have him examined at the town. It certainly appeared as though he had been through this once before, however he still couldn't grasp whether or not he was reliving events, or if it was all a crazy dream. What mattered to him, though was that he now was traveling with the Shepherds, and one way or the other, he'd find himself caught up in the thick of things.
"My name's Robin." Robin said, which got some quick puzzled looks out of the others. "…I just remembered that. How odd." Robin tilted his head to the side, and smiled. "I suppose that's one mystery solved." "That's right, I'm Robin, a tactician… my birthday is January First. Or at least it was in my dream. I can't remember what it actually is. I think it was Lucina who decided to celebrate my birthday on that date. First of the year. I think Lissa and Sumia tried to pressure us into celebrating- she wound up joining us after getting hurt, I think. …it was before Valm. Before that horrible war…War. There's two of them coming before the Fell Dragon— before Validar. Validar… I can't remember, but I do know I hate him."
"Robin? Is that foreign? ...Ah, well. We can discuss it later. We're almost to town." Chrom said as the group kept walking— they had come quite a ways, and were almost atop the hill. "Once we—"
Chrom was interrupted by Lissa's shrieking.
"CHROM! LOOK! THE TOWN!" She screamed pointing forward over the top of the hill. Robin and the others ran to the crest of the hill and looked into the town. Buildings burned as smoke climbed high into the sky. Robin couldn't make out much, but from what he could see, the town was centered around a market that sat on a river that poured out into the ocean near the town.
"Damn it! The town is ablaze! Those blasted brigands, no doubt... Frederick, Lissa! Quickly!" Chrom exclaimed, placing his hand on his sword.
"What about him?" Frederick asked, throwing a glare at Robin.
"Unless he's on fire as well, it can wait!" Chrom responded, anger filling his voice.
"Aptly put, milord." Frederick responded, untying a covered, ornate, bladed lance from his armored steed.
"Let's go already!" Lissa cried, at the other two 'Shepherds'.
The trio darted off, leaving Robin behind. "But what about… hmm..." Robin shook his head when he noticed the tome attached to his coat. Sure, it may have been a simple book, but he recognized immediately that it was more- no, it wasn't a simple book, and it was a weapon- magically charged ink wrought from blood wrote repeating patterns on its pages. Robin looked at the tome and remembered exactly what it was and how to use it. "Tonitrua…" He muttered, yes that was it- he could feel the energy of the spell build up in his hands. He wasn't exactly helpless. He also noted he wore a blade, a simple, rusted sword made of Bronze.
He ran into the town, smoke filled his lungs, which made him cough, but he was driven. He managed to plan his way thru the town, even though he was not familiar with the location. He then heard a woman scream, followed by a man yelling something he couldn't exactly understand. He then heard another woman cry out- an agonizing cry. He didn't want to think what happened to her- he just knew he had to stop these villains.
"Chrom! We have to stop them!" Robin heard Lissa from ahead- he had caught up to the Shepherds.
"Don't worry—after today, these bandits won't be bothering anyone ever again..." Chrom replied to Lissa, the sternness of his voice made it clear, he was ready to kill, and kill they would- Robin had already steeled himself for war, something that he was quite adept at.
"Wait!" Robin called out- the last thing he wanted was Chrom to confuse him for the enemy.
"Robin!? You followed us?! Why?" Chrom asked.
"I'm not sure myself… But I am armed, and I know my way around a fight, if you'll have me." Robin said.
"Of course, strength in numbers. Just stay close!" Chrom commanded.
"I will," Robin replied. "Now let's clear out these brigands."
"Remember, Robin, we face practiced thieves and murderers. They will grant us no quarter. It's kill or be killed." Frederick said, keeping his horse under control, and turn turning to aid Chrom.
"I'll keep that in mind." Robin replied, quickly scanning his view. A sudden surge of dread filled his mind as he overlooked the enemy. For some reason, that he wasn't quite sure of, he was afraid- was it merely the potential of death? "No… that can't be it." He quickly thought, before settling on the idea that he's afraid the others would die. "And… Chrom, I'm a tactician by trade. To be honest, though, when you found me, I was out of employ."
"You are? …Those clothes make you certainly look the part." Chrom replied. "If you can understand the battle, then feel free to guide us."
"That doesn't seem very wise, Milord." Frederick replied.
"If I do misguide you, I'd be dead as well." Robin answered swiftly.
"True, but—" Frederick said, but was cut off.
"Frederick, we've got bandits incoming, and they're the problem right now" Chrom said, "Robin, if you've got ideas, say them. Frederick will realize if you're up to something."
Robin closed his eyes and nodded, taking complete stock of the situation they were in. Two swordfighters, two axe wielders, and a mage. Another glance across the battlefield that became of the once bustling and lively market place showed another pack of bandits congregating across the waterways that ran throughout the town.
"Yes, Milord, but I'd advise caution," Frederick grunted in begrudging compliance of Chrom.
"Roger, Chrom." Robin nodded. The enemy was, after all, just a handful of bandits, he must have dealt with this hundreds of times before. His eyes scanned the battlefield once more, and he set his sights on one of the ruffians, a myrmidon, standing beside a market stall, clearly preparing to loot it. He'd be the first to taste steel, nodding at Chrom and Frederick before making the first move, he charged out, his footsteps unchecked against the stone: sneakiness wasn't on his mind, but what was, was far more charged; "TONITURA!" Robin yelled out, as flashes of electrical arcs formed in his hand and flung outward, almost recklessly towards the swordsman.
"Magic?" Chrom asked, surprised, "You sure you can control it?" His brow furrowed as he and Frederick made their approach towards Robin, "Perhaps I should keep a couple paces back-"
"No, I can, for certain." Robin said affirmingly, "Now, Frederick, finish him off!" Robin said, but it didn't matter- Frederick was already in the motions, raising his Silver lance with deadly intentions towards the looter, ramming it squarely into his foe's chest, using the momentum of his horse's charge to keep the target off balance, letting the blade on the end of the lance due the gruesome work. But there was still more to the fight than just killing one of the brigands. "Lissa!" Robin called out, turning his head back, towards the yellow-cream cage dress wearing healer. "Come on!" He motioned with his lips, but another sight of another swordsman stopped him- she needed to keep her distance until they could reposition in a safer formation. "Hold there!" He shouted pointing loosely towards a small alleyway along side the row of buildings south of the market.
At that moment, one of their axe brandishing foes charged at Frederick and Chrom. Frederick quickly reacted, positioning himself to take the blow if need-be. Robin turned and swallowed air, something didn't quite seem right: his heart raced and it wasn't just the fear of battle setting in. There was something off, especially notable when the bandit turned and attacked. Maybe it was reckless luck, but the bandit's attack set something off in his mind. The bandit turned his axe sideways and swung with tremendous force, the blade of the weapon almost glowing amongst the smoke as he swung it towards Frederick, but he, luckily for Frederick, missed, which put him out of position and landed him a lance slamming into his exposed and vulnerable shoulder, which while far from lethal was enough to blow the man to the ground, and send him tumbling violently into the market stall. "I've seen that move before… where though..? Who fought like that? Gods… why do I have such clear images in my head that just aren't useful…? A name..? Inigo— did he use it? …That was it..! I know that move— it's used to penetrate defenses. Wait… this isn't right. There's no way simple bandits should be able to master it! That took countless hours of training to perform! These have to be trained soldiers, and elites at that." Robin thought as he saw the events unfold before him. It was precisely then that Robin's fear started to become a panic response. His rapid heartrate became hyperventilation, because if one thing was obvious to him, it was that it wasn't right.
"Still with us?" Chrom asked turning his head back towards Robin, who had lowered himself, resting his palms on his knees. Unlike Robin, Chrom was keeping his stalwart composure, his posture unaffected by the smoke or the simple chaos of the battle.
"Come on… I must have dealt with worse, unless that was just a dream. How do I handle this?... I guess I take point against those guys..." Robin thought as he looked up. "It's just one Luna wielder... I can take on Gods." Robin nodded, "it's the smoke," he replied, turning back, playing off his panic, and looking around. "Gods, damn these mongrels." He continued, which was followed by Chrom nodding and turning back towards the approaching foes. His eyes glanced right, not too far was a small waterway which ran through the town, and an idea hatched in his head. "Chrom... I hope none of you mind getting wet, but we're gonna have to for victory here."
"My only care right now is seeing this village safe." Chrom nodded back, "Getting wet is no problem."
"Good," Robin responded, swiftly turning his head and body over to the east. "Lissa, now's your opening! Come quickly!" He called hailing Lissa to their location.
"Right!" Lissa said, grabbing her staff and darting past a couple of their foes, and running almost straight into Robin's side, narrowly avoiding a collision. "Oops!" She said, sliding to her side, and being quickly helped to her feet.
"It's alright, now Frederick, mind watching her?" Robin said, nodding as he readied his tome with a glare cast towards the axe-wielder who was climbing to his feet after Frederick had reamed him, "Chrom, with me," Robin said, "If this goes wrong-"
"I know, I'll finish it."Chrom said, shifting into a combative stance and pointing his sword at their foe. "My strength is yours."
"TONITURA!" Robin's hand flashed with magic once more, the ball of magical lightning arced out, slamming into the axe wielder, who was immediately blown backwards by the blast, his muscles spasming and twitching from the energy for a brief moment. Two foes dead, and despite Robin's fear, things were going to plan. It didn't take words, just a quick motion from Robin towards Frederick to give the next move in his plan.
A mage was approaching, and the last thing Robin wanted to learn, was how effectively that mage could employ his magic: because even at the lightest of cases, it was an extreme danger. Killing him absolutely came next, and Frederick should be capable for the task. Fortunately, for Robin, he was, and Frederick's lance hit home, smashing through the dead center his foe. A swift armored foot came down from the back of the knight's horse, driving the winded and gored man off the lance, with a cold "Alas for you," leaving his lips as he pivoted his mount back, with intent to keep formation.
What Robin wasn't exactly counting for, though was yet another enemy swordsman. The foe stepped out from behind an overturned cart that lie next to the stalls, barely visible in the haze and smoke. He cocked his arm back, and charged with deadly intentions, and unfortunately for Robin, precision: unlike the barbarian's charge toward Frederick earlier, this man hit home before he could ready his blade. A pained gasp left Robin's throat, as he rolled back, a bloody gash across his chest his present, and a blast of magic and a swift blow from Chrom in reciprocity.
As both parties caught their bearings, Robin clutched his chest and nodded to Chrom, it was time to put their plan in motion. Diving from the edge and slipping into the water, Robin hoped it wasn't salty, and luckily enough for him, it wasn't. It might seem a fool's errand to give up the high ground, but Robin was armed with magic, and a foe would be severely at risk to engage. However, it wasn't without risk, and that risk caught Chrom, another blow from the enemy swordsman caught him in the back. It would at the least be a painful recovery. "Gods, how are mere bandits this dangerous..?" "FREDERICK, TAKE LISSA AND RUN! GET AROUND TO SAFETY!" Robin yelled out, motioning at a bridge ahead of them. It was difficult enough to see, and the water wasn't helpful, but he figured he'd get the message well enough.
"What now?" Chrom asked with a sharp groan, lightly nursing the wound he sustained, tying off a bandage as he looked back. Blood stained the water, and it was hardly a pretty sight for either of them.
"We get the enemy into a more favorable position. I can rip them apart with magic, and they can't really pursue well while we're in this canal- it'd mean moving unfavorably, and the water won't be their friend should they try." Robin explained as he watched the brigands give chase.
"That's solid thinking." Chrom nodded. "But I can't really fight like this."
"It's fine. The individual battles aren't important. It's the overall victory that we seek. Use the best tool for the job, and in this case, unless we have more ranged fighters, that's my magic."
"No, you're right, it's just us four." Chrom nodded, "But..."
Robin replied by shaking his head. "Nothing, just get ready and take Lissa, I've got a... plan." Robin turned and his hand began to arc with his thunder magic yet again, glaring at the swordsman that had wounded both of them earlier. His brow furrowed with indignation, and rolled his fingertips forward, unleashing the blast of magic, which blew the swordsman off his feet. Recklessly his foe had been in pursuit of Frederick's steed, and Robin's surprise blast of magic would prove fatal, as the man collapsed, and having lost control of his own weapon, slit his own throat, his nearly decapitated body falling off and landing in the river. "Another down."
"Good job, Robin." Frederick said, as he struggled with his uncooperative horse in the water.
"So far, so good. But this battle is far from done." Robin nodded back, catching his breath. It was good to see Frederick start changing his tune, but it'd be a long road ahead for that icy relationship to warm.
There was another barbarian running along the same bridge, and Robin's eyes were set on him. They were in a good defensive position, and from there, the axeman was defenseless: it simply would not matter for the enemy as Robin began his assault. The bandit took a handful of blasts, evading panicked, unable to counterattack against Robin's magic, before finally succumbing to the deadly barrage that had ultimately, when combined with the injuries he had sustained earlier, and the intensity of his magic, left him winded and panting.
A lull in the battle left the Shepherds with an opportunity to catch their breath and recover, but perhaps more importantly heal. The insanity of it was still setting in for Robin, who clutched his head and rested against one of the wrecked market stalls. Kneeling next to him, Lissa held out her staff. The soothing light was good and he turned his head to thank her, but he found himself staring blankly at a burning husk of a building instead.
Robin looked down at a blue haired, brown eyed girl. She smiled, lifting an axe onto her shoulders. "Yes master." She said, "I'll make you proud." She seemed so familiar, but he couldn't recall who she was or why she was smiling at him, and being honest with himself, he felt the whole situation was sinister. The sound of a wyvern's wings could be heard as he looked down at his hand, which bore the menacing mark of Grima for a moment before he turned back in the direction the axe-carrying girl had gone. She couldn't be seen, but there was a lone wyvern in the moonlight sky, as a dreadful storm seemed to brew in the distance. Would she be safe? Would she return? He didn't know the answer to these questions, and something seemed to tell him that he didn't care: she was useful and that's all she would be to him: a useful pawn in some kind of terrible game. There was no joy in his own heart, no connection, no feeling, but making it all that much worse, he had no idea why.
"Robin, are you ok?" Lissa asked, turning her head slightly, holding her staff in a ready position. The rest of the Shepherds stood battle ready, and there were more bandits on the far side of the river, formed up near a church.
"Yeah, I was just thinking." Robin said, wiping sweat and what he figured was probably a bit of blood from his brow. "He who defends everything defends nothing." Robin muttered, looking over at Lissa, who shrugged her shoulders. "There's a lot to be learned from history, but all I can remember is battle."
"Okaaay?" Lissa responded, "I guess you're alright," she got up to her feet, and so did Robin, both turning back towards the bridge. "But how are do you suppose we take these ones?"
"I just said how." Robin grinned. "We give them the ground, and take them apart, if we try to hold the ground, we're going to be overwhelmed by that force. We fight selectively, and we don't need to fear their number."
"How would you suppose we do precisely that?" Frederick interjected sternly.
"Similar to how we defeated the others- a swift attack, and then utilize the layout of the city." Robin explained, turning towards the smouldering building and extending his fingertips to illustrate his battle plan. "If we attack from there, we can do exactly what we did earlier, hopefully with less pain. I'm a tad concerned for my Tome's uses, but we don't have any other ranged fighters right now."
"The enemy has a mage in their ranks." Frederick noted to Robin. His voice was stern, and clearly looking to pick him apart, a sharp look on his face didn't fail to give away his intention. "And if you get injured, Lissa cannot aid you in the water."
"That isn't an issue, I can take him, and looking at the enemy, we just trick them with a bit of mischievous misdirection, and create an opening for her."
"You sure of that?" Chrom asked, looking Robin in the eyes. "She can be quite delicate so..."
"I AM NOT DELICATE, Chrom!" Lissa huffed and waved her staff.
"Calm down, Lissa." Robin said shaking his head at the display. "Let's do this. It's a tricky case, because I'm fairly sure these aren't just bandits... I'm half certain these are... better trained." Robin stated.
"…Well that confirms my suspicion." Chrom replied, rubbing his hand across his back, where he had gotten struck earlier when they leaped into the water the first time.
"What suspicion?" Robin asked, quizzically, placing his forefingers on his chin.
"That these are Plegians." Chrom responded, getting a quick look from Robin.
"Plegia..?" Robin shook his head, not knowing what Chrom was getting at, "I should know this… the term's so familiar, why can't I place it?"
"Plegia is Ylisse's westerly neighbor. They send small bands into our territory, hoping to instigate a war." Chrom said, shaking his head, clearly annoyed at the situation. It was obvious just looking at him that he was familiar with the discourse, it must have happened several times.
"…so this is less of a bandit attack, and more of an invasion." Robin responded. "That was it. Plegia… the enemy. They're the ones that start driving the world into ruin!"
"An invasion we can't prove is an actual invasion." Chrom groaned. "They're good at covering their tracks."
"That certainly is an issue." Robin replied turning away, looking downward towards their destination. "But, we've got to act."
"Right." Chrom nodded in compliance.
He looked over at Chrom, and both nodded, and began swiftly walking through the smoky, ember laden town. It was a sad sorry sight, and he knew this town had better to offer than a ruined marketplace, torched houses, and the smell of smoke and death. The bandits would pay for their crimes, no matter how fiercely they fought, and he knew almost instinctively what to do, how to handle the situation. The surprises given by the foes skilled beyond reason wouldn't run him down, not today: he had a future to protect, he thought.
The group's initial movements were masked by the smoke, and once again they were soaked to the waistline as they drew into a defensive location, once more in the water Robin cringed as he hit the water. It was cold, very cold- he hadn't noticed it the first time, since he was too frightened by the immediate conflict, but the water was incredibly cold and it hit him hard- no wonder Frederick couldn't keep his horse under control in the water. However it was much preferable to the idea of dying on the bridge, fighting for ground they couldn't take. It was the enemy mage who first noticed their approach. He yelled something to the bandits before charging along the banks of the channeled river.
"Fulmine!" The mage shouted as a blast of lightning magic shot Robin's way- and he knew there was no stopping it. From the glow in the mage's hand, that mage too had mastered techniques far beyond what he could account for. Luckily for him, and unluckily for the mage, the first shot was an overshoot, careening past Robin with frightening speed, frying only the wall behind them, and leaving Robin with an opportunity to strike back. And strike back, he did- replying in kind with a blast of his own Thunder spell.
The mage readied a second attack swiftly, calling out once more the activation word for thee stronger of the Thunder spells, "Elthunder?! …That's not good. That's not good at all! If I don't end this quick, I'm gonna end up fried… then we're all dead. And if I don't do anything to change what's going to happen… so is every living being on this world!" He snapped his eyes shut, bracing himself for the enemy's attack, which blew him back. As pain coursed through his body, Robin suddenly decided that the water was actually rather soothing, keeping the scorching pain from the enemy's Elthunder blasts to a minimum, but it was then time to put his plan into action. A quick glance from beneath the cool water at the enemy positioning gave it away. He threw as second blast of electrical magic the mage's way and slipped out of the mage's range. If he wanted to kill him, he'd have to give chase, across the bridge- a mutual disengagement from the fight. True, there'd be no way to wipe out the rest, but that wasn't his plan at the moment.
Hitting the other shore swiftly, and resting slightly as Lissa climbed out of the water, Robin nodded back, "be ready to move, Lissa", he said, looking at the enemy: they were on the move, following the mage's lead. They took the bait perfectly, luckily being stupider than what he had needed to plan for. It put some pressure on Lissa, but it wasn't anything they need worry about.
"Right," she replied, raising her staff, it emitting a soft glow.
It was definitely a soothing that Robin needed, and it'd keep him in the fight, which he knew was coming. At least one more trade of blows, then if he's got it, he'd kill the mage with his sword. But first they needed to escape. Nodding at Lissa, and then down the way to Chrom, everyone needed to move- Chrom needed to escape the foes that had made it around and brought him into a deadly position, and Lissa and Robin made a break for the opposite bank, the blood in the water showing Robin was still wounded. "Once more, Lissa!" Robin said, cringing as he lifted her ashore. His breath was already labored, and he was clearly not well.
"Robin, stay with us...!" Lissa said, raising her staff once more.
"Thank you," Robin replied simply as he felt the soothing light flow into him, healing up the last of his wounds, and restoring just a bit more of his stamina. Lissa was good with staves, that was for sure.
Retreating once more, Robin's plan grew daring as the Mage charged out in front of the group, and a violent trading of spells marked the fight's immediate end. Something came over him, as he arced his hand back ready to discharge the spell. "You're finished!" he shouted, just before striking the enemy down with a decisive blow, the enemy mage collapsed, dead, onto the street.
However, things didn't quite go as planned, the enemy had appearently wised up and remained right outside of the safe range for Robin to cast. "Maybe though, with the right bait," Robin thought as he looked around, "Chrom, we're going to have to fight."
Chrom turned, "You can't wipe them out with magic?"
"Not in this position, no: we'd have to give up a defensive stronghold. We need to get them to go exactly where I need them to wipe them out-"
"You're not planning on using milord as bait are you, Robin?" Frederick immediately interrupted.
"Bait... isn't the word I'd use." Robin said, "But if you want to be a tad pedantic, yes, I am. You can't keep that Horse under control in the water, and Chrom is stronger than either Lissa or I."
"So what's your plan, now?" Chrom asked, "I can take a bandit or two."
"Two bandits, that's about right." Robin answered. "The idea is you and Lissa work together. Move up onto the shoreline and fight one- get back immediately, and if you can throw him into the water with a blade in his gut and be rid of one more of them, do it. Just be careful and make a break straight across, giving Lissa the opportunity to heal any wounds you may take.. they're not stupid, but they're not smart: I'll rip them to pieces with my magic as they run. They hit the water, they give up any hope of survival, so we have the advantage and opportunity here."
"Understood." Chrom nodded, drawing an ornate rapier from its sheath and sallied up to the riverbank, before shouting an obscenity at the brigands. A swordfighter dashed ahead of his compatriots, drawing his sword back, and charging. Luna once more. Chrom tried, and subsequently failed to deflect the blow completely, it still cut him gravely. Not enough to stop him though, as Chrom turned, stabbing his foe in the side with his rapier and a fierce kick into the swordsman's leg.
As the fight unfolded in Robin's eyes, he started his plan. "Chrom!" He shouted, giving signal for Chrom to escape. "TONITURA!" He yelled, following it up with an immediate discharge of a spell as Chrom slipped into the water, out of reach for his land-locked enemy The swordsman was not so lucky, Robin's spell hitting home with ease, causing him to spasm uncontrollably, before collapsing, agonized and with a very shorrt life ahead, sliding from the wall along the riverbank, into the river- death would come by drowning. Tragic, but necessary.
As Chrom fled with Lissa to the other bank, Robin set to work blasting his other foes. Each receiving a shock as they ran, depleting the enemy's ranks one-by-one. Another fight, another plan, another victory.
Robin shook his head. Once more had they found a mild lull in the battle, all that remained was a lone man on the far side of the river, the bandit's leader, he supposed.
"... That plan of yours… it worked surprisingly well." Chrom said, "Now let's take out their leader and be done with it!"
"Right!" Robin replied, as the group moved up to the bridge. There weren't any brigands on the bridge any longer- they had all been killed one way or the other, having fallen victim to Robin's plan- wiped out to the truthful, very last man.
"So… it's the damnable Shepherds." The brigand's leader said, staring at Chrom and Robin. "Here sheepy, sheepy..! Come to the Slaughter!" He taunted.
"Stay back Chrom… this is a trap." Robin said, "Make him attack us— I'll counter with magic, then when he's weak, we'll take him out before he can spring whatever trap he has in store."
"Well, you haven't gone wrong yet." Chrom replied. "Just be ready— he's coming..!"
Garrick threw one of his throwing axes at Robin who managed to dodge out of the way, his thunder spell already charged, and ready to be released- and release it he did, although the accuracy was off- the blast of magic exploded harmlessly on the steps of a great cathedral behind Garrick. Garrick quickly responded, throwing another axe, after leaping upwards, which smashed into Robin's chest, but not before Robin threw another blast of magic, which Garrick appeared to shrug off.
"Lissa!" Chrom shouted, "Can you still use your staff?"
"I'm not that bad off Chrom!" Lissa replied, holding out her staff.
"Good. Take care of Robin." Chrom commanded, noting Garrick fumbling around. Surely, he was getting another axe, and that meant they had to act quickly. Lissa's staff works fast, but if Robin dies from repeated wounds, it meant nothing.
"I'm fine, Chrom… Thanks, Lissa." Robin gritted his teeth as he saw Garrick brandish another axe, "Lissa… Move!" Robin said, as Garrick threw his axe, which flew past Robin, narrowly missing everyone. "You dastard..! Tonitrua!" Robin threw another bolt of magic at Garrick, which hit him in the face, and sent the barbarian to the ground. He and Chrom both quickly ran towards Garrick, and simultaneously stabbed the Bandit's leader.
"Bwaaargh!" Garrick's death came swift, as both Chrom and Robin pulled their swords from Garrick's chest, and swung them swiftly to get the blood off their blades.
"That's the end of him." Chrom said, "Thank you, Robin."
Robin took in a deep breath. It was over, at least as far as he could tell— it seemed the other bandits had chased the thief- and the three of them had fled into the countryside. Of course, the process of rebuilding lies in front of the townsfolk. "Well, that's the end of that." He said.
"Luckily for the town, we were close by." Lissa said, with the sound of relief in her voice. "But holy wow, Robin! You were incredible. Swords, sorcery, AND tactics? Is there anything you can't do?"
"You're certainly no helpless victim, that much is for sure." Chrom added.
"Indeed. Perhaps you might even be capable of an explanation for how you came here?" Frederick quickly reiterated his suspicions of Robin.
Robin shook his head, "I understand your skepticism, Sir Frederick. And I cannot explain why only some knowledge has returned to me. But please, believe me. I have shared all that I know." He said firmly.
"You fought to save Ylissean lives. My heart says that's enough." Chrom said, placing his hand on Robin's shoulder. "And Frederick, I spoke to you during the course of the battle."
"I understand, sir. But I must advise caution." Frederick said. "However, his actions were commendable, and I admit, I was impressed with the way he handled himself in that fight."
"Thank you, Frederick." Robin said. "Well, at least he won't be so hostile for long... I think."
"His tactics may have been what secured our lives in this fight. We were down from our usual number by a fair deal." Chrom replied. "So, with that in mind, Robin, would you join us?"
"I'd be honored." Robin replied, "…Well… hopefully what's to come won't be as maddening as that fight. What hell was going on? Were they really elite soldiers? Why do I have a terrible feeling…" Robin thought as he shook Chrom's hand. "…Blast it. I can't remember anything about what— wait. Tonight we encounter Risen! Gods… if there's a way to avoid that…"
A man, an innkeeper by the looks of him, ran up to the group, he had a smile on his face, although Robin could tell, moments ago, he was terrified. "Milord, please! You must stay the night! We are simple folk of simple means, but we would gladly toast your valor with a feast!" He said, directing his offer to Chrom.
"Chr—" Robin started to say, but was cut off by Frederick, who spoke on Chrom's behalf.
"A most generous offer, sir, and no doubt your hospitality would be grand... But I'm afraid we must hurry back to Ylisstol." Frederick smiled as he spoke.
"Dark meat only for me, medium well, and no salt in the soup. I simply— " Lissa had started to speak before Frederick, but was cut off. "Wait, what?! We're not staying?! But, Frederick, it's nearly dark! Chrom!"
"I—" Robin started to speak but his mind flashed into what he couldn't tell between a memory and a vision. He winced as he thought it. "Wait… if we're not there, then Lucina has to take all of those Risen by herself. Can she do that?" He kicked a few thoughts around. "Perhaps but, that poses a risk of failure… we need to be there. She's fully capable of fighting, but against that many? If she dies, then we're all dead… this can't change, since the other outcome could very well be worse!"
"Yes, Robin?" Chrom asked.
Robin swallowed before speaking, "I agree with Frederick."
Fredrick grinned. Lissa groaned. "Well, when night falls, we'll camp. Eat off the land, make our bed of twigs and the like... I believe you mentioned you would be "getting used to this"?" Frederick said, turning to Lissa.
"Frederick? Sometimes I hate you." Lissa exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "And Robin… that was mean!"
Robin laughed at the sight, "You've quite the stern lieutenant there." He commented.
"Yeah, well, "stern" is one name for it. I can think of a few others!" Lissa responded, her face red with irritation.
"Frederick only smiles when he's about to bring down the axe." Chrom added.
"Duly noted." Robin said with a slight chuckle.
"You do realize I AM still present?" Frederick coughed, his face returning to his normal serious look.
"Oh, we realize." Chrom said, rolling his eyes at the knight.
Robin smiled and laughed.
"Milord remains as amusing as ever. Now then, shall we be going?" Frederick said, shaking his head, clearly not amused by Chrom's gesture.
"All right, all right. Ready to go, Robin? The capital isn't far." Chrom sighed and returned to a more serious tone.
"As I can be, Chrom." Robin responded. "Gods, I hope the Risen aren't as brutal as those bandits were…"
Author's Note (2018v): Ok, so, Alternative is being updated and continued. You might have noticed several changes to how the battle was fought right here. Yeah, I'm partially updating the chapters in accordance with new strategies for Lunatic+. This chapter used to be "Well, Water Trick happens." Now, it features the KTT Enhanced Water Trick+ with Lissa heals. Reason being, I'm needing to play the damn game alongside writing this. And Lunatic+ is now more properly done with certain strategies, gone are the days of 'Reload in the name of True Love'/"you don't talk about Chapter 2"- which this mild rewrite is gonna have a huge effect on. I'm not shitcanning the fic for the rewrite like I did moving from Howl [The HM Ficlog project] to Alternative [The L+ fic] just some early parts are getting an overhaul.
