I was able to get this out ahead of schedule! Surprise! I had thought it'd take me at least four days to finish this but nope! My anxiety was telling me to put off uploading this to stay in line with what I said but I'm done listening to it! More importantly thank you all for your kinds words, they're a huge confidence booster for me. Anyway, concrit welcome, flame will be ignored, enjoy the story.
The march up the northern road was a quiet one for the most part. Robin wasn't bored though, he took silent enjoyment in admiring the landscape. Like the field he woke up in less than a week ago to the forests they first encountered the newly dubbed 'Risen' in, the scenery was breathtaking. The rolling fields with small groups of trees along the northern road had grass that was much longer than he had previously seen, so each breeze made the grass sway in a way that simply relaxed him. The beautiful blue sky only had a few lonely clouds spotting its surface today allowing the sun to bathe Ylisse in its warmth. Robin was proud to serve the royal family of such a picturesque land.
"So Robin" Chrom said, grabbing his attention "what's on your mind?"
"Just admiring the view before all I have to look at is the barren, desolate, and frozen north" Robin answered, only half joking.
It was still enough to earn a chuckle from Chrom. "Worry not, snow itself has its own beauty that I've no doubt will grow on you" he replied. "So, I heard you spent a great deal of time with Maribelle these past few days" Chrom said with a teasing smirk that eerily reminded Robin of Lissa.
"Her and your sister" Robin fired back with a brotherly shove that Chrom took in stride, the two wearing pleasent smiles as they spoke. "Lissa asked Maribelle to show me how to act in a manner more befitting someone of my new station and your bloody castle is a maze" Robin could not keep the small amount of annoyance out of his voice. He initially was looking forward to Maribelle's lessons, as a way to try and work through his distrust and for the intended reason. What Robin didn't expect though was just how crazy of a drill master the she-devil was, and how that how small the benefits were for his trust issues. He'd take what he could though.
Chrom shamelessly chuckled at Robin's expense. "You needn't fret Robin, you'll learn your way around in time. Lissa and I needed guides until we were twelve"
That was… Reassuring?
"Robin, I've been meaning to ask" ah, here was why Chrom had approached him. "How're you feeling?"
Robin's face tightened. 'The barriers blocking your memories are more powerful than I thought possible. I… I am truly, deeply sorry Robin. I don't think there is a sage or sorcerer in the land who could dispel such potent magic'. Robin took a deep breath through his nostrils. That was quite the blow. "I'm managing" was Robin's neutral response.
"Emm is taking it hard too. She's trying to hide it, but ever since then she hasn't really been the same. She is one of the most powerful sages in Ylisse, so I can only imagine how she feels after discovering a magic so powerful she thought it impossible to exist" Chrom didn't say anything but over the past few days his sister had also become much more vocal about her hatred of slavery. She had been having talks with the Elder Council for many hours every day before he and the Shepherds had left. Chrom found the timing to be odd, but nothing worth mentioning.
There were also the looks Emm had been giving Robin at the table, they weren't the looks one would give a person they let down. They were more akin to pity but even that wasn't quite right. Was Chrom wrong? Was Emm's downtrodden mood not because of the magics, but because of something else? If not that, then what? The only other thing about Emm that had changed since her examination of Robin was-
"I'm sure she'll be fine Chrom. She is your sister after all" Robin assured him, yanking Chrom from his wild train of thought and back to the calmness of reality.
Chrom looked surprised for a moment. He stayed silent a moment longer, the groaning of the caravan's wood wheels filling his ears, then gave Robin a grin. "Here I approached you to try and assuage your worries and here you are assuaging mine" he laughed gently with a good natured shake of his head. Emm must have a reason, Chrom figured. She must. "Funny how things work out"
"I appreciate the thought Chrom" Robin said with sincerity. "however I think our conversation will be coming to a close. I see Risen ahead, by the bridge"
Chrom looked ahead and squinted. He could barely make out the bridge Robin was talking about in the distance. He could see specks of dark shapes but Chrom couldn't make them out. If Robin hadn't called them Risen Chrom would have thought them wolves. "You're positive?" Chrom had to ask.
Robin nodded "I can not only see them clear as day. I can unfortunately smell them just as well"
"Then I do not envy your keen senses" Chrom joked with a grave tone. Chrom thought it odd just how sharp his senses were but he chalked it up to magic. "Shepherds! Risen spotted up the road, prepare for combat!"
The caravans wouldn't reach the Risen for another half hour. But as soon as they were close Chrom ordered the stop and the Shepherds, led by Chrom, pressed on to confront the threat.
"gods, have the Risen spread this far?" Chrom muttered. He turned around and addressed his troops. "Everyone, remember what we're up against. The Risen are stronger and more durable than bandits! Exercise extreme caution!"
"Haha! They'll remember ME once I drive my axe into… their…" Vaike quickly trailed off before exploding again "wait! My axe! Where's my axe!? I had it a second ago!"
Robin could only shake his head.
"Vaike, this is no time for jokes…" Chrom said with a worried tone.
"I'm serious! It's gone, but I JUST had it! Where is that blasted thing, it's like it has a mind of its own…"
"that's one more mind than you have Vaike" Sully commented with a chuckle
"Now is not the time for banter!" Robin declared with authority. "The Risen are upon us, Sumia pair up with Chrom. Do not leave his side for any reason. Chrom, you and Sumia head up the northwest. Frederick, shadow them and destroy anything that approaches Chrom and Sumia's flank."
Once Robin was given various noises of acknowledgement he continued.
"Sully, Stahl pair up and stay paired up you're joined at the hip today. Rush up the northeast and trample anything in your path. Virion, anything Stahl and Sully fail to kill you're cleaning up. Lissa stay on me."
"A paltry job, but one I shall do with the utmost grace Sir Tactician" Virion said before chasing after the cavaliers.
"A simple 'yes sir' would have sufficed" Robin muttered. Robin was feeling like he forgot someone, it was probably nothing.
A giggle from beside him caught Robin's attention. "Virion saying 'yes sir', that would be something" Lissa said. "So, what's our role?"
"This is Stahl's first confrontation with Risen so I worry for his safety. We'll be on our own again for the most part, but we won't stray too far from him and Sully unless something unexpected comes up" Robin didn't think Lissa would want to know just what Robin feared the 'something unexpected' to be so he left it at that.
The fighting was again the kind that Robin did not enjoy. Slow paced, analytical combat. He played and toyed with the Risen he faced trying to learn as much as he could about this new threat. When he took his battered bronze blade out of a Risen's chest another with a sword was quickly upon him.
At the first opportunity Robin grabbed the Risen's sword arm and slammed his heel into the side of its knee hoping to snap it. To Robin's shock it didn't budge. Beginning to panic now Robin raised his other leg and shot a gust of wind separating the two of them. Robin rolled on the ground for a second before hopping back to his feet. looking up, his eyes widened when he realized that the Risen myrmadon hadn't even been knocked over and was already rushing him.
raising his sword Robin began dancing with the Risen, their clashing blades almost making a symphony. for all the monster's skill though it lacked discipline and intelligence, two things Robin had in spades. At the first opportunity Robin baited a thrust and when the Risen played into his hands Robin executed what he thought would be the finisher if his hypothesis was correct. He ducked under the extended arm plunging his blade into the Risen's stomach as he did. Now on the outside of the Risen he grabbed it by the forearm and pressed the forearm of his free hand against the monster's elbow and pulled back on the Risen's forearm. Hard.
Robin was right. roaring in pain the Risen dropped its blade, the arm was useless now. Confident, Robin yanked and threw the creature over his shoulder so it was on its back at his feet. With a small smile Robin stomped down on its head, killing it. As proud as Robin was for being able to figure out how to kill it, the implications unsettled him. He would need to bring his concerns to Chrom's attention if future kills supported his fears. Picking up his battered, rusted bronze sword Robin saw the discomfort on Lissa's face. She didnt like how he toyed with the Risen. Neither did he really.
"I hate it too Lissa, but the more I learn about them and their capabilities the better I can strategize around them, and that will save lives"
She nodded "I understand…" her voice and her expression did not match.
"Lissa!" a rough feminine voice shouted. It was Sully!
Without a word Robin scooped Lissa up and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and blasted in her direction. No more than a few seconds later he was with the cavaliers, both of them dismounted, but only one lying on his back in the grass.
"quickly, help me get him out of his armor and tell me what happened" Lissa was in full medic mode, any carefree cheer she had earlier was long gone. "Robin, keep us safe, this looks bad so I'm going to be here a while"
Robin nodded, and surveyed the area. In the distance Robin could see Chrom sporting a small handful of minor injuries. Robin could even smell Chrom's divine blood from where he was standing. Sumia however was completely untouched, her armor still shining bright and the clothing under it not even wrinkled. Chrom was working overtime it seemed.
Robin noticed Vaike, axe in hand now, approaching him alongside a mage with a comically large, wide rimmed hat with a tall, pointed top that bent backwards. It seemed to be made of a thin material as it swayed with each step the female mage took.
"hello Vaike, you have your axe I see" Robin then gave the mage his attention. She was looking at his ears with a very focused expression. "I have you to thank for that, I assume?"
Impressively, she didn't stutter or seemed to be caught off Guard in any way. "you are correct sir, it was I who returned this ignoramus' property" odd, but Robin didn't comment. "I am Miriel, one of the Shepherd's mages"
Robin was again badgered by his gnawing distrust. "A pleasure. You and Vaike will guard Lissa while she saves Stahl's life. Miriel, escort her to me when she is finished"
They gave their acknowledgement and Robin ran over to Chrom and Sumia who were preparing to storm the bridge. "Robin? My sister isn't with you, is everything okay?" Chrom asked his worry increasing as he spoke.
"Stahl took a serious hit. Lissa's patching him up. I got a rearmed Vaike and Miriel guarding her while she works. I'm here to send you and Sumia her way as well to get looked at." Robin answered.
"B-but I'm not hurt" Sumia interjected, sneaking a guilty peak at Chrom.
"I paired you up with Chrom, where he goes you go. I'm sure Chrom would like the company anyway, otherwise Lissa will give him an earful while she fixes him up"
"Hardy har, Robin." Chrom said, slightly amused. He turned to Sumia "come on, we have our orders"
Sumia gave a fierce nod and clutched her lance, "Right"
Frederick and Virion approached soon thereafter. "This side of the bridge is clear Robin, what do you have in mind?"
"you know your horse and Ylissean construction better than I Frederick, will that bridge collapse under your combined weight?" Robin asked. It honestly didn't matter, Robin was simply curious.
"Ylissean construction is second to none. It wouldn't even strain" Frederick immediately answered.
"Huh, good to know. Virion, I want you to fire off two arrows with a single shot, peg both Risen on the bridge in the chest. That should goad them off of the bridge and make them chase you. Frederick and I will then flank from behind and put them down before they can reach you, can you do that?" if they chased Virion it would help narrow the margin Robin had of their intelligence.
Virion smirked and ran a hand through his long, dark teal hair. "Sir Tactician, you ask if I am able yet I feel underutilized"
In other words: yes. "Good, line up your shot. Frederick and I will get into position" Robin did not miss the frustrated glare Frederick was giving him as Robin ran. Perhaps idle chatter with Frederick wasn't the brightest idea on the battlefield. Why did Robin ask Frederick that anyway? Robin was more comfortable on the battlefield... Robin almost absentmindedly slaughtered the Risen as they ran off the bridge, completely ignoring him as they ran after Virion.
"good work, now how about the three of us go ahead and mop up the last of the Risen on the other side?" Robin suggested.
"just the three of us?" Frederick asked with a raised eyebrow
"I must admit, I am skeptical of our chances" Virion seconded
"I wouldn't suggest doing it if I didnt think we could handle it. Follow me lead, and do as I say and we'll be done by sundown"
Frederick leveled his stern stare at him, Robin smirked "What? Don't you trust me?" the question was rhetorical, Robin knew the answer.
"Very well Robin. Let us end this" Frederick caved
"Well, if you're both sure then I too shall join you in ending this tiresome skirmish" Virion decided "let us be off"
By the time the battle was won and the whole area clear of Risen it was nearing sundown just like Robin had predicted. It turned out Stahl's injury, while bloody, was hardly life threatening. Robin made a mental note that he wasn't a good judge of injury. The axe cut deep but missed anything vital according to Lissa. Chrom decided to camp in the area, Robin assumed it was because Lissa could clean her bloodied dress in the nearby river.
Now some of the Shepherds were gathered around a large fire, seated on logs cut by some of the caravan workers enjoying a hearty meal. The sun had nearly by now, only a sliver on the horizon, and everyone was lit by the brilliant red and orange hues of the crackling fire. Everything else around them nearly invisible in the rapidly growing darkness. Others were in caravans preparing to sleep, and others more were refilling their stores of water from the river.
"I'm still surprised by how much you eat Robin, you could give me a run for my money" Stahl commented as Robin finished his forth, and final the cook told him, serving.
Robin shrugged. While distrustful Robin found it easier to get along with Stahl than some of the other Shepherds. "It feels normal to me"
Stahl laughed happily "we should eat together more often then. It's nice to have another Shepherd with an appetite like mine"
The offer made Robin tense. But… If… If he was going to be fighting alongside these men and women, if they were going to trust him with their lives and carry out his orders, then he needed to learn to trust them as well. It would not be enjoyable for his nerves, but Robin needed to get over his irrational distrust of humans.
There it was again, humans. He said it like he wasn't one. But if Robin wasn't a human with slightly deformed ears then just what was he? Robin found his hand playing with the black stone in the deep pocket of his heavy coat. Did the stone have anything to do with it? The only thing Emmeryn told him about it is that the black stone was special and that he should not lose it, which wasn't helpful in the slightest but Robin couldn't really tell her that with her being the Exalt. She probably knew she wasn't helping anyway. Emmeryn was a lot sharper than she let on…
Robin stared into the fire, watching the flames dance and let the crackling fill his ears. What he was could wait. Right now the more pressing issue was getting over his distrust. That was priority number one. The worst part was that as important as Robin knew it was he wasn't sure if he could do it. If he didn't know why he held distrust towards most of mankind could he really learn to trust them again? No, he couldnt think like that. While slow going he had made a small amount of progress during his nobility lessons with Maribelle.
Robin turned his head toward Virion and saw the man pat his lips with a napkin. Robin thought back to the earlier fight and how easily he made the shot against the Risen on the bridge. Vision was a stupidly talented archer, really every member of the Shepherds had an unnatural amount of talent when Robin thought about it. But few of them were as aware of it as Virion. Virion knew he was special and it went to his head. Beyond that though, Robin could could see hone-
"umm… Robin?" Stahl said, snapping Robin from his thoughts.
Robin whipped his head up and looked at Stahl. "Sorry! I-I would gladly take you up on that offer, Stahl. I'll find you tomorrow morning at breakfast" Robin really hoped that sounded nice.
"perfect, I look forward to it Robin"
"So, did the squirt tell yah whether or not it'll scar Stahl?" Vaike asked, tearing into one of his strips of meat.
"The princess assured me that it will heal completely, in a couple weeks it'll be like it was never there" Stahl answered happily.
"we can't have that!" Vaike protested
Stahl politely refrained from looking baffled "erm… why not?" he asked
"We're men Stahl! Men collect scars! They're memories! You need that wound to scar as a memory of your very first encounter with the Risen!" Vaike ranted "scars are like souvenirs!"
"So battle is like a vacation then? Anyway, I'd rather not collect a momento from those creatures" Stahl humbly disagreed
"I am inclined to agree" Virion seconded, "The thought of such hideous creatures marring my perfect skin repulses me"
"Eh?" Vaike was stunned, and then confused by the latter part of Virion's statement. To Vaike's credit though it seemed he understood enough to know it was currently two against one. "Oi! Come on Robin, you agree right? I bet you got tons a' scars, right? The Vaike has seen you train with Chrom. You're a real man, a real fighter. You got tons a' scars, don't yah?"
"I do have scars on my body, yes" Robin answered. "But because of my amnedia I don't know if I ever shared your mentality Vaike."
Vaike shrugged, and rubbed the back of his head. To Robin it seemed like he forgot about his amnesia. Which wasn't really amnesia at all, but calling it amnesia was easier to accept so Robin stuck with it. "Eh, don't worry about it" Vaike answered.
Hearing foot steps approaching Robin smiled when he saw Chrom walking up to him. "welcome back Chrom, any news?"
"water has been restocked, our hunters managed to bag a bit of game so we were able to replace some of the food we went through tonight. At this point we're prepared for almost anything" Chrom took a seat next to Robin as he answered.
"that is very good news, how did Sumia perform today against the Risen?"
Chrom ran a hand through his hair. "For a dismounted Pegasus knight she fought brilliantly, but she was terrified of the Risen."
"So was I when we first encountered them" the memory of the Risen he set on fire came to mind momentarily "That will pass with time, and once she has a mount her confidence will boost"
"I figured that as well" Chrom agreed. "She is an incredibly talented and amazing young woman Robin. She doesn't give herself enough credit."
Robin was silent. He didn't see that. The talent Sumia had that Chrom called 'incredible' Robin saw as 'deceptive'. Robin didn't see the same amazing young woman that Chrom said she was either. What Robin saw was just another untrustworthy human, if not a bit clumsier than most. But Robin trusted Chrom, and he trusted Sumia. "You don't need to convince me Chrom" Robin said, it was technically true.
"I know, I know. I guess I'm just"
"oi, oi! It sounds like you're pining after Sumia there Chrom!" Vaike blurted sporting a wide, toothy smile.
"P-pining?" Chrom sputtered "hardly. I admire her talent, dedication and character."
Robin smiled, amused. Chrom really knew how to pick a time and place.
"Okay. The Vaike believes you Chrom, you're to dense to give a hoot or notice romance anyway" Vaike said with a smirk, trying to goad Chrom on.
Robin watched Chrom slowly get to his feet. "we've still got another day's worth of marching ahead of us. I'd advise you all to get some sleep soon"
Robin called it in soon thereafter. He said farewell to the others and made his way over to the caravans and caught up with Chrom. "Chrom" he said, getting the taller man's attention.
Chrom turned around wearing a friendly smile. "What can I do for you Robin?"
He opened his mouth, then closed it. "Never mind Chrom. It can wait until tomorrow"
"Are you sure? I got time to spare Robin" Chrom replied
Robin ran a hand through his green hair. He decided to go about it in a bit more of a roundabout way. "How do you trust so easily, Chrom?"
Chrom raised an eyebrow, and grinned "does it seem that way to you?" he asked, clearly amused.
"Well… You did make a near stranger your family's royal tactician" Robin pointed out.
"I did. Only after I saw that near stranger put his life on the line for my people and family. It's all about getting to know a person, Robin. Be it through their words or actions" Chrom explained. "And after you learn what kind of person they are they either have your trust or they don't"
Robin nodded in understanding. "But what if you don't trust anyone just by default? What then?"
Chrom's brows lowered in concern and he was silent for a long moment, staring intently at Robin. Then rather unexpectedly, Chrom put his hand on Robin's shoulder. This action made Robin very aware of their height difference, but it was also comforting. "Robin, I hand picked every member of the Shepherds. There is not a single person here that I don't trust explicitly, and that includes Virion. You can trust them. If you don't trust them then get to know them. Once you spend some time with the Shepherds you will see what I see in them and then you will trust them. Beyond the Shepherds I'm afraid I can't help you"
Robin smiled, he should have known Chrom would figure it out. "Then I'm already on the right path. Stahl and I are already meal buddies" though Robin wasn't sure if it'd work.
"With how much you two eat I'm hardly surprised you two wound up like that." Chrom commented with a chuckle, taking his arm back. "Robin, I pray all we'll be sleeping in for the foreseeable future are beds and caravans" Chrom suddenly stated, it seemed almost random.
"I'm afraid I don't follow Chrom" Robin uneasily replied.
Chrom looked up at the now dark blue sky, it was littered with bright little stars, the crescent moon hanging high. He let out a heavy sigh. "I fear war will break out Robin" Chrom admitted. "I've seen the tents in storage, the war tents. That isn't their official name, of course, but that's what I was told they were called growing up. The name just stuck"
"and that's why we're sleeping in the wagons now"
"and slept under the stars before, yes" Chrom answered.
"Well, if war does break out Chrom we'll just end it as fast as we can. With your charisma, and my strategies if Plegia picks a fight we'll knock their teeth out" Robin said with a smirk. "and if you let me have my way we'll do a hell of a lot more than just that"
Chrom exhaled sharply, amused. "I admire your confidence. I wish I could see it so plainly… good night Robin, see you in the morning"
"Right…"
It was late the next day when they approached the long fort. Robin did not like the thin layer of snow atop the ground that only got thicker the further north they went. He almost wished he had stayed behind with Sumia and that injured Pegasus they ran into earlier in the day.
"We're ahead of schedule, if all goes well we'll be sleeping in palace beds tonight" Chrom stated with subtle excitement.
It was cloudy that day, and the snowfall was heavy. Robin did not like it at all. He liked Ylisse, where it was temperate. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Giving his coat another shake to get rid of the growing layer of snow on his coat Robin spoke up, rather miffed. "The sooner we're done with this frozen hell hole the better"
"You'll survive Robin, you do got that big coat after all" Chrom pointed out with a grin.
Robin decided to change the subject. He looked up Brown stone structure looming one them up ahead. "So this is the fortress?" he asked.
"Yeah, this is the aptly named Longfort. It stretches the entire border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox" Chrom confirmed.
"Their borders used to be open to us, however in recent months they've grown more wary of foreigners" Frederick chimed in. "Still, don't mistake a lack of hospitality for open hostility. This simply calls for a bit of diplomacy"
"I'd imagine a warrior nation's diplomacy and your diplomacy Frederick to be very different things" Robin said, vaguely aware he was again, exchanging words with Frederick casually.
"The language of diplomacy is universal, Robin" Frederick replied with a hint of annoyance.
"I hope you're right" Robin muttered under his breath.
"Negotiation is not my strong suite" Chrom pointed out. "But I will do my best" Chrom turned around and took a deep breath. "Remember Shepherds! Your actions here reflect back upon Ylisse!"
As soon as they got near the gate Robin's ears filled with the tapping of feet against stone and the clanking of metal. Two noises he did not want to hear.
"trouble on the wind, Milord. T'would appear their guard is mobilizing" Frederick warned.
Chrom gasped "what!? Why?"
"Who can say? They look ready to let fly at a moment's notice" Frederick said, scanning their battlements with that piercing stare of his. "We'd best prepare for combat just in case. Loathe as I am to trust him, Robin might have some valuable insight on this"
Hearing Frederick say that didn't surprise Robin in the very least, oddly enough he actually frowned instead of getting angry.
"Robin, what do you suggest?" Chrom asked
Robin turned around toward their caravans, previous tgoughts shoved to the side. "Stahl, how's the wound?" Robin called over
"Its not fully healed, but if you need me I can fight" Stahl called from his perch on the edge of one of the wagons.
Robin turned back around and looked at Chrom "Stahl will sit out." Robin took a quick look at their surroundings. "Our position is horrible and we're grossly outnumbered. If we don't go for an all out offense we'll quickly get caught in a pincer. Chrom, your paired with your sister this time. You will lead Frederick, Miriel, and Kellam up the left side. I'll take Virion, Sully and Vaike up the right. How does that sound to you two?" Robin asked
"Acceptable" answered Frederick
"Sounds like a winning strategy. I just hope we won't need it" Chrom said with a grim tone.
"Halt!" A woman shouted from atop the battlements. "Who goes there!?"
"In the name of House Ylisse, I seek an audience with the Khans of Regna Ferox!" Chrom shouted back, hoping to be heard over the distance.
"Not another step bold lad! I've lancers at the ready!" The general here was a knight, much like Kellam. Her hair was short and a pale blonde.
"Hold milady! We are not your enemy!" Frederick joined in "Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest!"
"My only interest is keeping you out of Regna Ferox, brigand!"
"B-brigand!?" Frederick was so affronted he sputtered. "Now see here!"
"You think you're the first 'Ylisseans' to try and cross the border?" she interrupted him "I have the authority to fell such imposters where they stand!"
"How DARE you!" Frederick screamed this time. Chrom seemed more than fine with letting Frederick speak on his behalf so Robin decided to stay quiet as well. He doubted he could do much better. "You are in the presence of Prince Chrom himself! The Exalt's own blood!"
"ha! Yes indeed- and I'm the queen of Valm!" she hollered back. "You do realize impersonating royalty is a capital offense, yes? Then let's settle this the Feroxi way. You claim to be the Prince of Ylisse? Then prove it on the battlefield!"
Robin heard a…. Growl? Come from Chrom. "Emmeryn won't like this at all…" he muttered. A deep breath "Good lady! If you'd just listen!"
"I'VE HEARD QUITE ENOUGH! ATTACK!"
Time seemed to slow down at that moment when Robin realized that a barrage of spears was raining down on Chrom. For all his knowledge Robin could not think of a way to save Chrom. Was this really how it was going to end? So soon after they had met… Robin had failed him. He had failed a member of the exalted bloodline. He failed Chrom.
Robin closed his eyes, not wanting to see Chrom get skewered by the spears. But all Robin heard was flapping wings and metal planting itself in frozen ground.
Snapping his eyes open Robin realized Chrom wasn't six feet under… He was thirty feet up! Sumia had saved him! She did it! She saved Chrom! He was alive!
Sticking the landing Chrom wasted no time hoping off the Pegasus. "Oh Captain, I'm so relieved I made it in time." Sumia was almost swooning.
Chrom let out a very relieved chuckle "that goes double for me, Sumia" he took a look at the mount and gaped. "And this, this is the same ornery Pegasus we met on the road!" Chrom realized, amazed.
Sumia rubbed he Pegasus' neck affectionately. "Oh, she's a sweetheart, isn't she?"
"Well, many thanks to you both." Robin grinned when he noticed that Chrom had not answered her question.
"I think the Pegasus is blushing!" Lissa joked
"and I think we had all better focus on the task at hand!" Frederick's powerful voice cut in.
"I'm of a mind with Frederick. We should all focus on the battle. In their minds if we die then our claims were false. They will grant us no quarter so do not hesitate to kill" Robin said. "Chrom, focus down those archers before they can skewer Sumia. Sumia, Lissa's riding with you, take her to anyone in need of healing. Lastly, no dying."
"My kind of plan, time to get to work" Chrom clapped his hands once and as if it were a command they dispersed and went to their respective groups.
When Robin arrived with his small detachment of… three people he was warmly greeted, Robin politely returned them and got down to work.
"Sully, you're keeping the enemies off Virion. Anything within ten feet of him should be hanging off your lance"
Sully cracked a grin "I can do that"
Vaike, you're with me. I'll be backing you up with magic, I want you to charge down anyone with a lance."
"And I shall make a grand showing of my skills for you all. Even in this frozen tundra I shall exemplify the very essence of archery" Virion flicked his long hair, his confident smile in place as always.
"oi, oi, talk like a normal person for once!" Vaike gritted his teeth. "I can barely understand your fancy talk. You're almost as bad as Maribelle"
"Vaike, I'm in charge and so long as Virion can make his shots he can talk however he pleases" Robin clenched and unclenched his hands a couple times. He highly proffered his sword, but for this strategy his magic soul be far more useful. However, that didnt mean he liked it "take a shot Virion and let's get this show going"
And that's exactly what Virion did. In the distance Robin could hear Chrom and his group facing down the enemy, but near him Robin could distinctly hear the subtle cracking noises of Virion drawing his bow back until it was taut. He let out a deep breath. Then FWIP! He let the arrow fly and it found its mark right in the eye of a lancer.
"Its time to VAIKE!" Vaike shouted, charging with his axe raised high, Robin kept hot on his heels and heard the hooves of Sully's horse race by him.
Vaike led with a jump, axe raised high over his head. The axeman raised his own weapon up to guard but they grossly underestimated the strength Vaike possessed because Vaike's axe broke his opponent's and cut all the way from the shoulder down to the abdomen. Robin was impressed, he didn't think he hums could cut that deep into someone no matter how hard he tried. Vaike freed his axe with a sickening slurp sound and shouted for the next challenger. "That was an axeman Vaike! I said lancers!"
Robin though would have to focus on himself for a while as he was rushed by a swordsman. Robin barely dodged a vertical slash by learning to the right ever so slightly, he felt the wind on that strike. Time seemed to slow as Robin watched the steel blade fly centimetres from his face. Robin barely had time to raise a hand or do anything as each strike was coming at such a rapid pace the only thin he could do was dodge. There was no over swing, there was no wasted energy. His movement's were practiced and precise. So this is what it was like fighting a trained warrior. No doubt this myrmadon would have made quick work of the Risen myrmadon Robin encountered yesterday.
Robin jumped back to create space right at the end of his enemy's swing. Finally having an opportunity Robin flicked his wrist and his enemy ignited from head to toe. He screamed and ran for a couple seconds before collapsing dead. Robin would have liked to do that earlier but didn't want to risk a stray spark igniting himself.
"Yo! Rob!" Sully cantered over to him with a victorious smile and casually tossed a small object towards him.
Catching with a single hand Robin saw that she had given him a key. "Vaike, the dumbass he is, got careless and took a slash to his upper arm. Lissa's treating him now. Ruffles, surprisingly, is quite the shot. Didn't miss a single one so he won't be shutting up any time soon. Kept the Feroxi off him like you wanted. What's next?"
Robin looked at the locked gate up at the top of the stairs. Robin could only think that's what the key was for. He grinned at Sully. "What's next is we storm the battlements"
"Ha!" Sully roared "I'm beginning to like you, we waiting for the dumbass or we pressing ahead without him?"
Robin looked over to Lissa, she met his stare and gave Robin a shake of her head. "We're pressing ahead. Sully, we're down a man now and I got no idea what to expect up there. Keep Virion alive"
Robin's choice of words made her frown. "And who's going to keep us alive?"
"Each other, of course" Robin answered as if it was obvious.
Oddly, Sully hummed. "Look, I ain't great with sentimental shit but if I don't say this now I'm going to forget it in a couple hours, or just not care"
"Very well, what is it?"
"Off the field you're weird. You look at everyone except Chrom and Lissa like they're going to pull a shank on ya. Even when you're trying to be nice there's a look in your eye that tells me you wouldn't trust us with a rusty spoon" Sully explained. "Your breakfast with Stahl wasn't much better, you were watching him like a hawk. What the hell could a softy like Stahl do to ya with a meal in front of him? You're more paranoid than a corrupt-to-the-tits Magistrate"
Robin withheld a sigh "are you going somewhere with this?"
"Keep your pants on knife-ear, of course I am" knife-ear? "Anyway, that's how you are off the field. But on the battlefield you're surprisingly friendly. None of that paranoia and fucked up distrust is there" Sully explained. "You seem happy, ironically"
Robin was quiet for a moment… Perhaps… Robin's entire face popped up in realization. It all made sense now! His willingness to speak with Frederick, the frown, his thoughts about Virion the night before. It was all coming together now! "OF COURSE!" Robin shouted "SULLY YOU'RE A GENIUS!" Even tactical guide books mentioned that bonds were forged must faster in battle! HOW had he not thought of it before!?
She raised a skeptical eyebrow "I just said what was on my mind" she said flatly "not like I just told you the meaning of life"
"Well, you had a stroke of genius then, take the compliment. You have no idea what you just did for me. Come on, we've dallied here long enough. Time to storm the battlements"
Unfortunately, as soon as Robin unlocked the door he was greeted to the sight of Chrom with the enemy general facing the tip of Falchion declaring surrender.
It didn't take long for Chrom to notice him. "There you are Robin, I was starting to grow concerned when you didn't show up. Then I heard you shouting" he let out a relieved sigh and gave Robin a warm smile. "Its good to see you unharmed my friend"
"You as well Chrom, I look forward to hearing a couple stories over dinner. You really barreled through the Feroxi" Robin said, looking at the dead bodies and the exhausted general.
"As do I, the general's name is Raimi. She will be escorting us to the capital" Chrom shot a thumb over his shoulder in the general's direction.
"I see, well lets get moving then. It's not getting any warmer" Robin shivered at that very moment, earning a chuckled from Chrom.
"I agree. We'll gather up the rest of the Shepherds, get a good night's sleep in the capital and meet with the Khan in the morning" Chrom nodded liking his plan. "By the way Robin, you seem… Much happier now than you have been, well, since I found you. What exactly were you yelling about earlier?"
Robin could not hold his smile back. "I'll explain over dinner Chrom."
Robin smiled all the way to the Khan's palace. He finally had a solution. This new life of his was getting better, and happier, with each passing day. And he owed it not just to Chrom anymore, but the Shepherds too.
I compare this to my first two chapters and I feel like this one is a bit weaker in comparison. I've looked it over and re-read it many times but I can't think of ways to make it any better. Honestly, I feel like the fight between Robin and the Risen is the only real decent part of the chapter. I love writing fight scenes. But on the bright side Robin finally has a solution so YAY! And Lon'qu will be getting introduced next chapter so YAY! I'm not going to give an approximation on the next chapter, it'll be ready when it's ready. Have a good day day thank you for reading!