Columbine and Honeysuckle, Chapter 4
Greetings everyone and welcome to Chapter 4 of Columbine and Honeysuckle. Sorry for the delay in finishing this chapter life has been a bit hectic lately. This chapter goes over Chapters 19 and 20 and shows the bond between Robin and Lucina growing, as well as Walhart engaging Chrom and Robin in a bit of philosophy. Also today in Australia it's the 20/4, so Awakening is finally released here, and it's Lucina's birthday today also!
Robin reluctantly awoke to the sounds of people busily moving around camp and came to the slow realization that he had fallen asleep at his desk again. He shook his head in annoyance; with the upcoming march on Valm's capital he had worked himself too hard and fallen asleep at his desk. Then he noticed the blanket wrapped around him.
"Huh, how did this get here?" Robin wondered, embarrassment making knots of his stomach. "Someone must have seen me here and taken pity on me. I just hope that it wasn't Tharja who saw me…"
Robin tidied up his desk and then made his way outside, ready for the busy day ahead of him. His day progressed from training with Frederick, tea and aristocratic lessons from Maribelle, discussing tactics with Chrom and Say'ri, making carrot stew with Panne, to sparring with Lon'qu at sunset. Robin made sure that he made the most of time he spent with everyone, deepening the connections he had. Finally, he found Lucina helping pack supplies for tomorrow's march. Curious about how the brew he brought her had worked, Robin decided to lend Lucina a hand.
"Hello, Lucina. How did you manage to sleep last night?" Robin asked. Lucina put down the barrel she was moving and smiled when she saw who it was.
"Evening, Robin." Lucina said. "I had a very sound sleep. I did not notice a trace of the nightmares I've had. Thank you Robin. "
"My pleasure, and don't forget to drink that stuff every few days." Robin said with a relieved grin. "In the meanwhile, would you like a hand with loading these wagons?"
"I would appreciate the help." Lucina replied. "Are you worried that I'll work myself too hard after what you saw last night?"
"Naturally. You've worked very hard lately, and you always put other people's welfare ahead of yours." Robin said as he lifted up a crate. "Just try to take good care of yourself okay?"
"I'm stronger than I look Robin. I can handle this." Lucina said sternly, before moving a barrel of salted bear meat. Robin made a mental note to show Frederick that barrel later on.
"But for your sake… I will do so if you take the same advice."
"I beg your pardon?" Robin asked in confusion. Lucina raised an eyebrow at him.
"If you work to the point that you fall asleep at your desk each night, you won't think clearly the next day Robin."
"How did you know that I fell…Oh." Robin said meekly as he fought the shame that was making his cheeks flush. "You were the one who saw me asleep and put that blanket around me."
"I wanted to thank you this morning for that brew but when I entered your tent I saw that you were asleep." Lucina said while her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. Robin could barely manage a sheepish smile.
"I don't suppose you could keep that moment a secret for me?" Robin asked in embarrassment. "And I promise I will avoid staying up too late."
"I have your word then. I will also try to avoid working too hard." Lucina answered with a relaxed smile.
"There isn't much left to move by the looks of things." Robin said as he helped Lucina carry a large set of javelins into a wagon. "What else is there to pack up?"
"We have mostly food supplies and spare weapons left." Lucina said as she wiped her brow. "It shouldn't take long to pack it up and call it a day."
"Let's get this finished." Robin said with a heave of a particularly large crate.
The next morning the Ylisse Resistance had completed their march to Valm Castle, their troops in formation at the ready. Robin and Chrom stood at the vanguard, looking upon the gates of the Castle.
"Why hasn't Walhart shown himself yet?" Chrom asked, fidgeting with impatience.
"He's using psychological warfare." Robin answered. "By making us wait we become nervous and uneasy. Meanwhile Walhart's troops get to make a show of intimidation before the battle starts."
Soon enough, Robin heard the march of well-ordered cavalry and many trumpets sounding in challenge. Many legions of mounted units as well as foot soldiers poured out of the castle and towards the battlefield. Riding proudly in front of them all Robin could see a giant man clad in blood-red armor. He confidently rode close to Chrom and eyed him curiously.
"You do your sisters legacy proud, prince. And your courage in fighting for what you see as a nation in need is admirable." Walhart yelled as he drew his blade from its sheath. "But humanity already has a savior. Humanity has a conqueror that broke the backs of stronger men than you when they refused to bow."
"Is that all you know of, Walhart?" Chrom answered. "Breaking the lives those that don't submit to your will? Is that how you will save humanity? You are the enemy of peace itself."
"Are those truly your own words you speak with? They sound like they come from your sister." Walhart said with scorn. "Or worse, they come from priests sermons that the weak and desperate listen to; when instead they should tear the gods down from their pedestals and forge their own fate! Think for yourself and discard those secondhand beliefs!"
"Enough!" Chrom bellowed back. "I don't need anyone else's words to show me that you're nothing but a butcher that must be put in your place!"
"Ha ha ha! Much better Prince! Let us fight as men who bow to no gods of any kind!" Walhart said with a belly laugh, before signalling to the troops behind him. "Warriors of Valm, fight with me! Together we still stamp out this last pack of insurgents and unite the world!"
A mighty roar came from the army behind Walhart as they began their charge. Walhart urged his mount at Chrom head on. Chrom drew out Falchion and ordered his troops to brace for impact. Robin readied his Arcthunder tome and began chanting. As Walhart got closer, Robin let the spell loose at Walhart's mount but Walhart swerved to avoid the attack. Encouraged by the results Robin sent arc after arc of lightning, slowing Walhart down and preventing him from running Chrom down.
Elsewhere the Valmese Cavalry charged into the line of Ylisse Armour Knights, inflicting mild casualties. But the Armour Knights held their lines and used their heavy spears to knock over the mounted units. When the cavalry had to slow down, this gave a chance for the Ylisse foot soldiers to swarm the horses and rob them of their mobility advantage. Despite the fierceness of the fighting everyone gave Chrom, Robin and Walhart a respectful amount of distance. No one else wanted to get close lest they pay with their lives for interfering with the duel in progress.
Walhart in his eagerness had dismounted and launched a series of arm-shattering strikes against Chrom and Robin, who were both forced to rely on dodging more than blocking. To make things worse the places where they were striking Walhart showed little signs of damage to his armor. Robin soon realized that he had to come up with a plan to defeat Walhart before he overpowered them both. Maybe he could use his tome to shatter the weakened pieces of Walhart's armor...
"Chrom! Go on the offensive!" Robin yelled as he threw caution into the wind and wildly attacked Walhart. Noting the spots that Robin was damaging Chrom went on the attack as well, always aiming to strike from the opposite side of Robin. Walhart started stepping back, his eyes shining with grim determination as he used his blade to parry the most damaging strikes, ignoring the ones that wouldn't harm him. He began to focus on stopping Chrom's attacks knowing that Robin could never match his strength. Then when Walhart started to lose focus on Robin, Robin raised his fist and directed a trail of lighting at a broken section of armor. The attack struck true, and the force of it broke open a gaping hole in Walhart's armor. Distracted by the pain, Walhart turned to face Robin and raised his blade in a killing stroke. Chrom however swung with Falchion at the exposed point, and the blade struck exposed flesh.
Walhart dropped his blade in pain, but before Chrom could finish him Walhart was surrounded by a flash of light before he disappeared. Robin took a moment to catch his breath. The troops that saw the fight looked on in surprise. Walhart's men could not believe that the Conqueror could be defeated. Encouraged by the sight the Ylisse troops attacked harder than ever, making the most of the situation.
"Rescue Staff." Robin yelled above the din. "I guess that's Excellus' work."
"They never make things easy for us, do they?" Chrom said in disappointment, before he realized the effect of Walhart's defeat had on the battlefield. . He then bellowed so all of his troops could hear him. "Soldiers of Ylisse, we have Walhart wounded and on the run! We can achieve victory and bring peace to Valm! For our future!"
Valm's troops fought bravely, but the loss of Walhart's presence from the field had disheartened them and gave the Shepherds and Ylisse forces the advantage they needed to win the day, especially when Dynasts from the southlands came and added their numbers to the resistance. Robin had gotten Chrom to send messengers to spread the word of Excellus' treachery that bound Yen'fay's loyalty to Walhart, and now they were seeing the fruits of that labor. Chrom shook his head in amazement at the turn of events.
"We've finally convinced the people's of Valm to fight for their freedom." Chrom said to Robin. "Good call in sending those people to spread the word by the way."
"Thanks Chrom, it's a big help to our cause." Robin said with a small smile on his face. "But we haven't succeeded until we topple Walhart from his throne. We've got more work to do."
"You're right." Chrom admitted, with a friendly pat on Robin's shoulder. "We can't give up our advantage now. Let's go take down a Conqueror."
Within a couple of hours Valm Castle found itself under siege, and Chrom and the Shepherds were leading the attack to take down Walhart. Chrom and Robin took notice of the situation inside.
"It looks like things are going to get ugly once we enter the castle." Robin said in concern. "With no space inside to move around it will be a brawl all the way to Walhart."
"And Walhart won't think of escape or surrender." Chrom replied. "His troops look ready to die before they even think of surrender."
Chrom turned to the Shepherds, each one of them ready for the upcoming battle. He knew that he could trust any of them with his life and count on them when it mattered. The realization made pride surge through his chest. He drew his Falchion and raised it high.
"Let's finish this my friends, for Valm and all people who have sacrificed themselves for us!" Chrom yelled as he began to charge into Valm castle. Before Robin could follow he heard his name being called. Turning around he saw that Lucina was hurrying towards him.
"Robin, would you like to team up with me again?" Lucina asked. "I felt empowered when I fought beside you at the Demon's Ingle and I think we'll both need that strength today."
"I'd be grateful for the help, Walhart was a nightmare to take on even with Chrom's help." Robin admitted, before an enthusiastic smile broke out on his face. "I was also able to come up with some strategies based on our swordplay. I can't wait to try them out."
"Your enthusiasm gives me strength Robin." Lucina said as she drew her Falchion. "I am ready when you are."
"Let's go." Robin said as they ran into Valm castle. They soon found that the halls of the castle crowded with soldiers from both sides. Robin knew that he wouldn't have the time to use his tomes just yet, so he brought his sword out and joined the fray. Robin kept by Lucina's side as they fought their way deeper into the castle. Time seemed to lose all meaning as they fought soldier after soldier with seemingly no end in sight. But eventually they found their way to the throne room. Chrom could be heard distantly, most likely fighting and directing the battle elsewhere. But in front of the throne Walhart stood, surveying the carnage around him. He bore a two-handed axe that would easily match most people in size. Troops surrounded him protectively.
"Lucina, we need to take out Walhart." Robin said to Lucina. "If we succeed we can end this war quickly, and hopefully reduce casualties on both sides."
"You're right Robin." Lucina replied. "We will secure peace for this land!"
"You got that right!" Robin said, as they approached Walhart with their blades at the ready. Interestingly Walhart saw their approach but did not yet raise his weapon.
"Warriors of Valm, leave the tactician and his friend to me. I would speak to this one before I end their lives." Walhart said above the chaos. His troops reluctantly backed away. "I have bitterly underestimated your skills, tactician. You've beaten my forces again and again despite numerous setbacks."
"I did not expect courtesy from you Walhart." Robin said cautiously. "You seem almost…human."
"Hmph. You possess dry wit as well as supple intelligence." Walhart responded with a sigh. "I wonder how different things would be if I had a tactician of your calibre fighting with me."
"But why I join someone like you?" Robin said sceptically. "You've slaughtered people by the thousands to bend this land to your will."
"What are a few thousand lives compared to securing peace for all time?" Walhart answered boldly. "I know that history won't remember me favorably for my actions, but I will gladly cross a river of blood if it means eradicating war for all time!"
"How can you be so willing to sacrifice people's lives for your goals?" Robin asked in disgust. "Do people mean so little that you treat them as numbers and balances when it comes to war?"
"You aren't thinking clearly!" Walhart bellowed, shocking Robin with his intensity. "War is a balance of numbers! It is a choice of whom we let die so that others may live! Blood must be shed to create something new! Take a look at yourself. Because you value the lives of your friends and countrymen more due to your bonds with them the lives of my men and I have far less value. Thus you have no qualms about finishing us all to secure peace. We are the same, you and I, despite your attempts at pretending otherwise." Robin could feel his face pale and his stomach form knots at the revelation.
"N-no, that's not... I am n-not like you…" Robin muttered. Walhart turned a grim smile to Robin and pointed his axe towards Robin.
"Think, tactician! Look at what you do. You cannot save everyone. No man can! So you place every life on the balance and like a god, you decide. 'This man here shall live' or
'This man here shall die'. Blood of other people shed against their will, so you can fulfill your hopes and dreams!"
"B-but, it's not like that...Is it?" Robin said weakly. Lucina however was feeling a rising anger fuel her stomach and she knew that she could not keep it in.
"That's enough!" Lucina yelled back in outrage. "Robin is nothing like you! Every step of the way, he has cared for his friends and family with everything he has! Each battle, he has tried to keep casualties on both sides to a minimum! If he knew that there was a way to end this conflict without bloodshed he would have pursued that option to the bitter end! You have not once put the welfare of those you have conquered first! So don't you dare mock my friend and all he believes in!"
Walhart looked at Lucina in amazement. An awkward silence filled the air for a few seconds before Walhart burst into a deep laugh that surprised everyone around him.
"What deep faith you show in the tactician, Woman. You must clearly know him better than I." Walhart said in amusement. "Very well, fight me and show me what your bonds are capable of! I grant any challenger the chance to test his or her will against my own... But you both shall be found wanting!"
With that Walhart raised his axe and charged towards Robin and Lucina. They both readied their blades and braced themselves. They both dodged his first strike, and simultaneously struck at Walhart who jumped back with surprising swiftness, before swinging horizontally at them both. Robin ducked back first and brought his blade against the spot that Chrom had wounded Walhart later on. The armor took the blow, but Walhart still winced at the pain. Lucina tried to finish Walhart while he lost focus but Walhart was too disciplined to fall for the same trick twice.
Walhart twisted around so that Lucina's attack met air, before giving Lucina a sharp push to make her fall. She fell face first and hurried to get back up again. Robin meanwhile had taken the offensive again, trying to slow Walhart down and protect Lucina. But he quickly lost ground to Walhart's monstrous strength, each strike taking its toll on Robin's arms. Seeing Robin's situation, Lucina grabbed her blade and fought fiercely to protect him, who got up and joined her in her offensive. Walhart once again stepped back desperately to defend himself better. If he didn't change the situation soon he knew he would lose the battle.
Then Lucina suddenly stabbed out towards a gap in Walhart's shoulder armor. The attack struck right between two armor plates and the pain left Walhart open for a finishing strike. Robin took the chance and swiftly ended Walhart's life. The Valmese troops that saw the battle looked in horror, before placing their weapons by Walhart's side in a gesture of respect. Then they started yelling out to the surviving soldiers that Walhart had died, and to stand down. Not long after the Resistance forces had taken Valm Castle and a celebration was planned for that night.
The people of Valm began to flood the streets in their eagerness to celebrate their freedom, but Robin and Lucina however were too tired from their battle with Walhart to join in. So they settled for retreating to camp and finding a quiet place to recover. They found a quiet spot by a cherry tree and looked to the sky.
"Thank you for standing up to Walhart today, Lucina." Robin said wearily. "His words and accusations really caught me off guard. He is right in a way; our positions meant that we both decide who lives and who dies…"
"You are welcome." Lucina said, smiling softly at Robin. "But don't let guilt eat you up, you're nothing like Walhart. You seek to build ties of friendship with everyone here, and try to find a peaceful solution if possible. Walhart might have meant well but the method he used was his message and his people rejected that."
"You have a good point." Robin admitted. "I won't ever forget what I've learned from Walhart today. But I hope I don't have to fight someone as strong as him again. My muscles hurt just thinking of the fight we had."
"I can help you with that if you don't mind." Lucina said helpfully. "Believe it or not, I'm quite the masseuse."
"I would really appreciate that." Robin said with a grateful smile. "If you don't mind that is."
"It would be my pleasure." Lucina said as she began to work the knots out of Robins back. "You helped me with my nightmares, so it's my turn to aid you."
"Well, thanks again." Robin said in relief. He could feel the tension dissolve and leave his back as Lucina continued her work. "Chrom eventually will want to head back to Ylisse and then seek out the last Gemstone, Sable. We've done so much, but we're not quite finished with our mission yet."
"Yes, we must pursue and see that the deed is done." Lucina said resolutely. "But for now, why don't we try to enjoy this hard-earned victory? Look at the stars in the sky, Robin. They seem brighter now than they did in the future. Small things like that are worth enjoying, aren't they?" Robin looked up to where Lucina was pointing to and saw that stars were starting to shine in the evening sky.
"They do look quite bright this evening." Robin said calmly. "You're right...I guess we don't have to worry about Sable until we actually return home."
They spent the next few hours stargazing before they retired to their tents for a well-earned rest.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, Lucina also mentions in her A support with Brady that she does know a bit about massage. And I enjoyed including Walhart's lines from his supports and battles with Chrom to show a bit of character depth to him. Let me know what you think. The next Chapter should hopefully be up within a week or so depending on how much time I lose to playing Fire Emblem Awakening.