I don't own any of the Fire Emblem characters, they belong to Nintendo. WARNING: There are spoilers
Convoluted Fate
Chapter 4: A King of Myth, Zombies, & Masked Warriors
-Chrom's POV-
We had been walking for a few hours when Lissa suddenly exclaimed, "Hey, there's another one!" She ran ahead, and I chased after her. Robin trailed behind me, Frederick walking a little more sedately behind her. The three of us reached the figure together. The figure lying in the grass was a man who looked no older than twenty, despite his snow-white hair.
A single scar marred his face, a thin line across his right eye. He wore strange silver armor that wrapped around his body, a tunic and pants of navy worn underneath the armor. A black cape with burnt edges, clipped near his shoulder, wrapped around his chest before falling down his back.
A golden shortsword with four glowing gems in its blade laid beside his leg, its sheath belted upon the man's waist. Secured in a string around his neck was a green round stone.
"He doesn't look to be injured or anything…" Lissa murmured.
The man stirred, and his eyelids flickered open, revealing crimson irises. His gaze held bewilderment as he looked at us.
"Hey, are you alright?" Robin asked, her hazel almond-shaped eyes filled with concern.
The man slowly sat up, pressing his forehead with one hand. "Where am I, Nohr or Hoshido?" He asked.
"The mythical kingdoms?" I said in surprise.
"Mythical?" The man and Robin repeated, confused.
"Those kingdoms are just in fairytales." Lissa chimed in. The man's lips pursed, perplexed.
"Here, give me your hand." I said. The white-haired man looked up at me and seemed to study me for a moment before taking my hand.
Robin picked up his sword and held it out to him. Murmuring his thanks, the man took the blade from the tactician and sheathed it.
Frederick stepped forward, his chocolate-brown eyes trained upon the new stranger. "Who are you, sir?"
"I am Corrin, a king of Valla."
"Valla? I've never heard of it." The knight responded.
"I am not surprised," Corrin said, inclining his head in acknowledgement, "It is little known even in the lands that surround it, due to it being in a pocket dimension. But, I assure you, my nation, Hoshido, and Nohr are not mythical."
"Well, your words certainly hold the ring of truth to them, Your Highness." Robin said.
"I agree, Robin." I commented.
"So, may I know the rest of your names?" Corrin asked.
"Ah, forgive me. My name is Chrom. This is my younger sister, Lissa."
"Hiya!" She chirped, grinning. Grief briefly surfaced in his crimson eyes at my sister's greeting.
"And the wary one there is Frederick." I continued.
"I see. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"King Corrin-"
"Just Corrin please, Chrom. And that goes for the rest of you. Obviously, I am no longer in my homelands, possibly even a different world from my own. My title holds no power here."
"Very well. Corrin, it would weigh on my conscience if I were to leave you on your own when, clearly, you know nothing of our lands. I'm the commander of a militia called the Shepherds. Would you care to join?"
"Again, milord? We have no way of confirming the truth of this stranger's words."
I let out a small sigh as I turned to the knight. "Frederick, I appreciate your concern, but Corrin needs help, just as Robin did."
"Milord? You are a noble?" Corrin said.
"Milord is the prince of Ylisse." Frederick answered bluntly.
"A prince?! C-Chrom… I mean, Prince Chrom! Sire! Forgive my dreadful manners!" Robin stammered as she bowed.
I put a hand on Robin's shoulder, "Relax. Just Chrom is fine. I've never been much for formalities."
Corrin nodded and then said, "And I assume we are in the kingdom of Ylisse."
"Yep! Though, Ylisse is a halidom," Lissa informed the Vallite king, "Oh! And you can just call me Lissa."
After taking a moment to ponder, Corrin answered, "I am very grateful for your offer, Chrom, and I accept."
"Well then, welcome to the Shepherds." I said.
Frederick sighed heavily and then said, "We should keep journeying while we still have the daylight." The four of us nodded and proceeded to follow the knight.
-Corrin's POV-
As the sun was beginning its descent beyond the horizon, the cream-haired tactician dropped back to walk with me. "I know Chrom said my name earlier, but I wanted properly introduce myself. My name is Robin."
A small smile found its way to my lips, "A pleasure to meet you, Robin. How did you come to be travelling with these three?"
"How did you know that I only recently met them?" She asked, surprised and impressed.
"Well, you were surprised to learn that Chrom was a prince."
"Of course…!" Robin said, face-palming about missing the obvious reason.
"And secondly, that knight, Frederick, looks at you with the same distrust as he does me." I reasoned.
"Ah, it would seem I'm not very good at reading faces."
"You'll get better with practice. …But sometimes I wonder if it's better not to. I miss the days when I trusted almost blindly."
"Hah! You speak like an old man."
"I am." Robin looked at me with disbelief. "Though I appear much younger, I am seventy-two." She gaped at me.
"Agh! Won goph in mah mouph! Blech! Ptooey!"
I laughed for the first time in many years as I told Robin, "You better close that mouth of yours unless you want to suffer Lissa's fate as well!" The tactician immediately shut her jaw and turned her gaze to the three in front of us.
"Aw, come on now, Lissa. Hardship builds character," Chrom told his sister, "Want to help me gather firewood?"
Lissa furiously wiped off her tongue. "Tpht! Tpht! Yeeeeuck! …I think I swallow it…" She muttered in disdain. Chrom chuckled. "I'll pass on finding firewood, thanks. I think I've built QUITE enough character for one day!" Lissa responded angrily, glaring at her older brother.
"Alright, alright." He said as he held his hands up in a surrendering gesture, chuckling still.
Robin's stomach let out a rumble and she placed a hand upon it, blushing in embarrassment as everyone turned towards her, "We should probably think about food. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm starving."
A second rumble joined Robin's stomach. I rubbed the back of my neck in embarrassment as I said, "I think the last time I ate was several days ago…"
"Well, it seems some hunting and gathering is in order. Frederick, will you work on setting up a camping spot while I do some hunting?"
"Of course, milord."
-A few hours later-
Chrom finished his first strip of bear meat. "Mmm… It's been too long since I last had bear meat. Delicious!" He said, reaching for another piece. Then he noticed his sister just staring at her portion. "…What's wrong, Lissa? Dig in."
"Pass! …Gods, couldn't you spear us an animal normal people eat for once? I mean, come on! Who eats bear?! You're meddling with the food chain," she ranted, "Right, Robin, Corrin? …Uh, Robin? Corrin?"
The trio glanced at us. Robin was tearing into the meat with gusto, clearly enjoying it. I was doing similarly, though much more mannerly.
"*Sigh* I suppose a person would enjoy just about anything after not eating for a while…" Lissa muttered, staring at the strip of bear.
"I happen to actually enjoy the taste of bear." Robin said quietly.
"As do I." I said.
"You like this?!" Lissa gasped in revulsion, lifting and shaking the offending meat.
"Just eat it, Lissa. Meat is meat." Chrom scolded.
"Since when does meat smell like old boots?! Wait, I take that back, boots smell better!" Lissa shouted.
"Lissa, this is what we have available," I said coolly, fed up with the teenager's childish complaints, "So, unless you want to go hungry, I suggest you get over your aversion and eat the meat."
"Every experience makes us stronger, milady. Even those we don't enjoy." Frederick told Lissa in agreement.
"Really? Then why don't I see YOU eating, Frederick?" She retorted.
"Me? Oh, well… I'm not hungry. I… I had a large lunch! Yes, quite." He stammered.
"Yeah right, Frederick!" Lissa exclaimed.
Robin then asked, "Are you going eat that, Lissa?"
"You can have it!" She responded happily, tossing the meat to the tactician.
-Chrom's POV-
I took second watch. Though Ylisse was a fairly peaceful land, there were bandits and also Plegian soldiers posing as such that stirred up trouble. I tossed some small sticks into the fire to keep it burning. The hairs on the back of my neck rose as an unsettled feeling filled me.
I let out a small noise of confusion as I glanced at the surroundings. Lissa stirred from sleep and sat up, and Corrin jumped down from the tree branch he had been sleeping upon. I had commented on it when he climbed up earlier and he said that it was a habit of sorts.
Rubbing her eyes, Lissa sleepily asked, "Big brother, what's wrong?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you two, but… Something is amiss." I responded.
"Define 'something', big brother." She requested grumpily, crossing her arms.
"I'm not sure…" I replied, "I think I'll have a look around."
"I'm coming with you." Lissa said as she grabbed her stave.
I started to tell her no but saw the determined glint in her eyes. Figuring she would follow either way, I said,"Thanks, Lissa."
"I will join you as well." Corrin said, resting his hand upon the sheathed golden sword's hilt.
I walked towards Frederick to wake him, but Corrin's softened voice stopped me, "He took first watch, did he not? Also, he seems like he would be the type to arise before even the sun. We should let him rest."
"You're right." I conceded.
"Should we wake Robin?" Lissa asked.
I shook my head, saying, "She's had a stressful day, waking up with no memories and leading us through a battle while suddenly remembering a lot of information. And besides, it might be nothing." With that, I grabbed Falchion and we headed into the moonlit woods.
As we walked through the forest, the already-limited light began to fade. "It sure is dark." Lissa said as she glanced around, her nervousness obvious to me.
"And quiet," Corrin added, "Too quiet. Where did the birds go?"
"Something's wrong here." I agreed, a sense of foreboding growing in me. Abruptly, the ground rumbled beneath our feet. "What is this madness?! Lissa, stay close!"
Lissa gladly rushed towards the safety of my arms but another tremor caused her to stumble. I caught and pulled her to me, holding her closely as she buried her face against my chest. Ominous cracking sounds filled the air and I noticed trees toppling.
"Lissa, run."
"What?" She gasped, lifting her head.
"I mean it, run!" I exclaimed, pushing her in the direction opposite of the falling trees. I watched a spilt second more as I stood and then joined the other two in running.
Behind us, the ground cracked and rose, magma spilling forth. Fiery chunks of rocks arced through the sky and trees blazed like torches. Lissa stumbled backwards as a burning tree fell in front of her. Corrin stabilized her as I came running towards them.
"This way!" I shouted, changing direction without stopping to head down a clear path.
I glanced back briefly to ensure Lissa and Corrin were still with me. The three of us leapt down as the earth where we ran began to rise as well. We ran just a little further, coming into a field beside the forest. In the distance, a river of magma flowed, casting a red glow upon the broken landscape.
Corrin and I took deep breaths as we looked back at the burning woods. Lissa breathed heavily, half bent with her hands resting upon her knees.
She abruptly exclaimed, "Chrom! What is that?!" I glanced back at Lissa, saw her frightened expression, and followed her pointing finger.
Light gathered together high in the sky, as if all the stars in the sky were being sucked together. A bright flash erupted as the light flowed outward. What looked to be a magic circle appeared and another circle, like a pool of shimmering water surrounded by crystals, opened within it.
Dark shapes emerged from the inner circle and fell to the ground. The shapes slowly rose, revealing themselves to be humanoid. Their glowing red eyes pierced the darkness, their gazes firmly fixed upon the three. Their clothing, armor, and skin were all decayed, but their weapons were in excellent condition.
"Lissa, you better stand back." I said as I drew Falchion, regretting not having woken the others now. Lissa nodded as she took a few steps back. "Corrin, I hope you know how to use that sword you have."
Corrin responded by drawing the blade as he said, "Yato has been a faithful friend."
-Third Person POV-
Robin woke from her dreamless sleep as the ground beneath her rumbled. Sitting up, she glanced around camp and found the three royals absent, the campfire dead. She got up and went over to Frederick, who somehow was still asleep.
"Frederick!" The knight did not stir. The scent of burning wood reached her nose. "Good gods! Frederick, wake up! Corrin, Chrom, and Lissa are missing and I smell fire!"
The knight finally stirred. "Robin?"
"Gods, Frederick, you're such a heavy sleeper!"
"Where are milord and milady?!" The knight asked, his suspicious eyes glaring at Robin.
"I don't know! And if I had done them harm, why would I have woken you?!" The knight did not let up in his glare.
"Gah, fine! I'll search for them myself!" Robin exclaimed as she snatched up her weapons. She stomped off into the woods, heading towards the warm glow of the flames.
Frederick, finally coming to his senses, also grabbed his weapons. He mounted his horse and quickly caught up to the amnesiac. He offered his hand to her. Robin looked at his hand quizzically. "We'll have a better chance and finding them if we ride together." Frederick explained.
"I thought you didn't trust me." She said tersely.
He blushed slightly but said, "I'm only concerned about the safety of my charges. And I would be remiss to push away someone who could aid me."
"…Very well." Robin responded, placing her hand upon Frederick's.
The creatures loped towards the siblings and Corrin, but then they charged with unnatural speed. One jumped, slashing its axe down at Chrom. He side-stepped and sliced the monster through its abdomen. The creature moaned, its head twisting unnaturally to look at Chrom. He quickly turned back and stopped the monster's axe from taking off his head by blocking with Falchion.
These things don't die easily, I guess. Chrom thought worriedly.
He struggled as the creature put more strength behind pushing its axe into his neck. Thinking quickly, Chrom tipped Falchion and flicked the axe upwards, knocking the creature off-balance. He rammed the creature with his shoulder, causing it to fall.
As the monster began to get up, the prince stabbed the creature through its back. The creature struggled for a moment before dissolving into purplish-black smoke. Chrom took a moment to catch his breath but then Lissa screamed. He looked up at his sister, calling her name.
The second of the creatures was keeping Corrin busy. This one was a myrmidon, a sword wielder whose focus was speed and accuracy. The former king had continued practicing over the years, but it had been many years since he had last truly fought. The eldritch creature was certainly testing the extent of Corrin's abilities, keeping him on the defensive.
Hearing a scream behind him instilled a sense of urgency in Corrin. Finding an opening, he put the undead monster on the defensive and finally slayed it by slicing its head from its neck. The creature dissolved into black smoke, eerily reminding the Vallite of the gruesome creatures known as Faceless.
The third creature approached Lissa, making her back up. She gasped when she bumped into a large rock. The princess lifted her stave in defense as the creature raised its axe. Chrom hurriedly pulled his sword from the ground and rushed towards Lissa.
I'm not going to make it in time!Chrom realized, but he continued running, hoping he was wrong.
Corrin turned just as Lissa shrieked, the monster bringing down its axe. But a pair of people stepped between Lissa and the undead creature.
Chrom stopped mid-stride, staring at his sister's saviors.
The one was a man wearing a cobalt butterfly mask, probably only a little bit younger than Chrom, with midnight blue hair. The other was another young man who also wore a mask, his in the shape of a raven's face and his hair as black as his mask. Something about the blue-haired young man bothered Chrom.
The two masked men combined forces and dispatched the creature. Chrom relaxed slightly as the pair sheathed their swords.
"Quite an entrance," he said, "May I ask your names?" The two turned towards Chrom but did not respond.
"Milord! Milady!" Frederick's voice called. Frederick and Robin emerged from the forest. "Are you hurt?" The knight asked as Lissa, Chrom, and Corrin met up with them. Chrom looked at Lissa and she shook her head.
"Oh, gods… Risen…" Robin mumbled, her terrified eyes focused northward. Chrom turned and saw a large swarm of the creatures they fought just moments ago.
"No one is injured, then? Thank the gods…" Frederick said.
"Thank the masked men that saved me!" Lissa told Frederick. "If it wasn't for them, we'd be… Hey, where did they go?"
"We can worry about him later, AFTER we put these… things… to the blade." Frederick responded.
"Robin. You seem familiar with these… creatures." Chrom said.
"I… I don't know why I know about these creatures. All I know is that I know of them and that they're called Risen." The tactician responded, her still-terrified eyes focused on the reanimated corpses.
"Well, it certainly is a fitting name." Corrin commented.
"Wait… I… I recall fighting some," Robin said, gripping her head, "…Gods! I can't do this!" She started hyperventilating, her terror-and-tear-filled eyes staring unfocused into the distance.
"Hey! Robin!" Corrin called firmly, gripping her trembling shoulders.
Her eyes barely focused on him. "C-Corrin… I… I…"
"I don't know what's going, Robin, but we cannot allow these menaces to roam free. So, I need you to focus. Alright?"
"Al-alright…" She said quietly, slowing nodding. Robin took a few deep breaths, her hazel eyes clearing.
"The Risen can be quite fast if they want. But they're not very smart. Their strategy, or rather lack of, is simply charge and kill." The tactician informed the others.
"Well, do you have a plan?" Chrom asked.
Her eyes set on a point behind the blue-haired royal. "Frederick, is that…"
"An abandoned fort, yes."
"Alright, we'll head to that fort. Lissa can stay inside the gate and heal us if necessary while Frederick defends the gate. Chrom and Corrin, you and I will focus on taking down the horde once we get there."
"Sounds good." Chrom told Robin. The five made their way to the fort, taking out some of the undead creatures along the way.
Robin stood between Chrom and Corrin as the horde of monsters began to attack. They each dispatched one of the eldritch creatures and turned their focus immediately to another.
"Captain Chrom! Wait! I'm coming!" A woman shouted as she rode out of the forest upon her white steed, Buttercup. Her red armor glinted in the moonlight as Buttercup galloped towards the field.
"A friend of yours, Chrom?" Corrin and Robin asked.
"Yes, that's Sully."
"Alright, you ash-faced freaks! Which one of ya wants to try my lance on for size first?" Sully shouted, grinning as she spun her lance. "I know just the spot for it, shoved right up your-"
"Hold, milady!" Someone else shouted.
A bow-toting man with long stormy-blue hair emerged from the forest. He wore a cravat, a white shirt with airy sleeves, and dark blue pants which tucked into the knee-high brown leather boots upon his feet. Atop the shirt was a sleeveless, single-piece of cobalt and silvery armor covered his left arm.
"Muh?" The cavalier said, looking back at the archer who ran up to her.
"Life may be long, but attraction is fleeting! Would you leave me in your sweet dust? Leave war to the warriors, dear bird!" The man told Sully. "A beauty such as you need wage only love."
"The hell are you?!" She shouted.
The man flipped his sky-blue hair back over his shoulder. "Ha! Is the lady intrigued? Of course you are- it's only natural. I am myth and legend! I am he who strides large across history's greatest stage! The man who puts the 'arch' in 'archer'! My name, dear lady, is Vi-"
"Sorry, Ruffles- no time for this. Onward!" She spurred her steed towards the battlefield.
"Virion! …Er, my name. It's Virion. W-wait! Where are you going? Pray, at least tell me your name!" The archer shouted as he chased after her.
The cavalier stopped and leveled her light-red eyes at Virion. "I'm Sully …And I'm a Shepherd."
"'Sully'! How divine! A starkly beautiful name, as befits its owner, truly," Virion mused, "Will you marry me, dearest Sully?"
"Will I what now?" She said. "Oh wait, I get it… This is a damn joke. And when I put my boot through your face, that's the punch line."
"I realize my manly figure and noble bearing can be overwhelming. 'Tis common!" Virion told Sully. "So please, don't feel pressured to answer r-"
"How's THIS for an answer?!" She interrupted, kicking Virion's face very forcefully, using her vantage from sitting atop her steed.
"OOF! G-goodness, but those shapely legs certainly can kick, can't they…" He said, rubbing his face. "P-Please, milady! Allow me to accompany you, at least! Mine is a cold, empty world without you. I shall be your most willing servant, and you, in turn, will give my life purpose…"
Sully sighed, dragging her hand down her face in frustration. "Fine… Anything to shut you up," she said, "…What? Stop staring at me like that."
"Sully! If you two are done, how about helping out?" Chrom called.
"Right! These freaks won't know what hit them!" Sully responded before charging at the swarm.
"Virion, was it?" Robin asked. Virion turned to the new voice.
"Indeed, beautiful miss! My most excellent bow is yours!" He responded.
Robin let out a soft groan and then commanded, "There's some archers' gaps atop the fort. Get there as quickly as possible and be quiet!" The flirtatious archer shut up and followed the order.
"You certainly have some interesting allies, Chrom." Corrin commented.
The prince smiled awkwardly. "I guess so."
-Robin's POV-
"I'm going to head out into the swarm and help Sully." Chrom nodded.
I ran towards the red-headed cavalier, performing a deadly dance with my sword along the way. "Mind if I ride with you?" I asked, blocking a sword with mine.
"Who are you?" Sully asked.
"Introductions later, clearing out already-dead things now." I responded.
"You got spunk. I like that," Sully said, "Here, I'll help you up. Buttercup won't allow it any other way."
Finding a break in the flow, I grabbed Sully's hand and swung up behind her, my back pressed against hers. I sheathed my sword and pulled out my Thunder tome, simply holding it in my hand. I gave Sully the information that we had on the creatures as we struck down the undead creatures.
We finally finished wiping out the undead as the moon reached its apex in the sky. I slipped off Buttercup and walk to the white horse's face, holding my hand in front of her nose. Buttercup pressed against my palm and I petted her face.
"Thank you, Buttercup," I looked up at the cavalier, "And thank you." Sully nodded. "We should go meet up with the others now."
"I'll give you a ride." I nodded and remounted behind her, this time facing forward. "By the way, I'm Robin."
"Sully, at your service." "I know."
"How?" "You and that Virion were rather loud." "Oh."
When we reached the rest of our little band, I dismounted from Buttercup once again and Sully guided her horse to a nearby stream. I joined Frederick, Chrom, Corrin and Lissa.
"Welcome back, Robin," Chrom said quietly as I came to his side, "Are you unharmed?" I nodded.
With the four was a pair of masked young men.
The one's slim figure and heart-shaped face made him look more like a girl. Then I realized this was a girl. Her hair, in which rests a golden band, was a shade darker than Chrom's.
The other was a raven-haired young man in a yellow myrmidon's outfit, the raven mask he wore matching his hair color.
"It seems all the creatures are vanquished," Frederick reported, "These young men took care of the others." The masked warriors remained silent.
"Um, I never got to thank you… for before," Lissa told the pair, "So… thank you. You were very brave."
"You two saved my sister's life. My name is Chrom. Might I ask yours?"
"You may call me Alm."
"Like the Saint-King?" Chrom questioned. Alm nodded and then Chrom turned his gaze to the other masked warrior.
"You may call me Marth." The masked woman responded.
They must have a reason for not telling us their real names.
"Marth? After the heroic king of old?" Chrom said. "You certainly fight like heroes. Where did you two learn your way with a sword?"
"We're not here to talk about us," Marth said sharply, a seriousness to her tone and a sense of urgency about her, "This world teeters at the brink of a horrible calamity."
"What you saw tonight was but a prelude. You have been warned." Alm added. The pair glanced at each of us, their gazes lingering on each one slightly differently. They then pivoted and strode towards the dark forest.
"Huh? What's teetering where now? Hey, wait!" Lissa exclaimed at Marth's and Alm's retreating figures. Chrom grabbed Lissa, preventing her from chasing.
"It would seem neither of them are not much for conversation." I commented.
"It appears their skills lie elsewhere. I wager we'll hear the names again…" Corrin added.
Frederick nodded in agreement and then said, "But for now I'm more concerned about the capital. We should make haste."
"Yes. But first, we should return to camp and rest for what remains of the night." I said. To my surprise, Frederick nodded. "
That sounds like an excellent plan." Chrom agreed.
"Alright then, I'll go get Sully and Virion." I said.
I walked to the stream where Sully was letting her horse drink and Virion was attempting to woo her.
"Hey, you two. We're going to head back to camp. There's some leftover bear meat if either of you are hungry."
Virion turned towards me, giving me a great view of the boot print on the left side of his face. He walked over to me and took my hand into his. "What is your name, beautiful angel?" He asks. Oh, great! He's a fop and a player.
I pulled my hand from his gentle grip. "I am Robin. Thank you for your assistance earlier."
"Robin! A perfect name for a beauteous angel," Virion said, "Life here must be so dull compared to the heavenly place where you lived. Will you marry me?"
I slapped his face, giving him a lovely hand print on the other side. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, asking such a sacred and significant question so flippantly!" I scolded the archer.
Though most of my anger was directed at the fact that he reminded me that I couldn't remember my home. "Come on, Sully. Let's head to the camp."
"Right behind you," Sully responded, a grin on her face, "I have a feelin' we'll get along pretty damn well."
I smiled at the cavalier and concurred, "You know, I think you might be right."
-Third Person POV-
The group had settled back at camp. The others were chatting jovially, but Corrin felt restless. Quietly, he slipped away from the camp, unnoticed by all but one. Robin followed the king, a ribbon held in her hand. She found the older man sitting by a small creek, staring at the stars.
Robin stepped on a twig which cracked loudly, startling them both. Corrin reached for Yato as he turned. But upon seeing that it was Robin, he halted his hand. "Robin, why did you follow me?"
"You know, it seems like you read my mind."
"Hah, no. I'm no mind reader. …You just remind me of myself when I was younger."
"Well, I was concerned about you when I noticed you wandering away."
"I… I've been alone for so long that I guess I forgot how to be with others…" "Corrin…"
He smiled wryly at the young woman, saying, "Look at me, making you even more worried."
Then Corrin noticed that Robin was holding something. "What's that in your hand?"
"Oh, a ribbon for your hair. I noticed you trying to keep it from your face during battle earlier."
"Ah, thank you. Would you mind putting it up for me? I've never messed with my hair much other than to straighten out tangles."
"Certainly, Corrin."
Robin knelt behind the former king and gathered his long hair in her hands. Holding the bundle up high in one hand, she looped the ribbon around his hair until she could simply tie it. With his hair pulled back, his long, pointed ears were revealed.
"There. What do you think?" Corrin looked at his reflection in the river. His eyes widened and then he angrily tore the ribbon from his hair, tossing it aside.
"Corrin!?" Robin exclaimed, bewildered. He looked back at the young woman and saw the hurt in her hazel eyes.
He turned aside, curling up slightly like a little child, "Robin… I'm sorry. Just… Please cut it…"
Nodding, she pulled a small dagger she had found hidden in her boot earlier and carefully trimmed the king's long hair, making it short but feathery.
"…Thank you, Robin. And I'm truly sorry about my reaction earlier. I feel terrible for hurting your feelings."
Robin shifted to sit next to Corrin. "No, I'm sure you had a reason for your reaction." She said, shaking her head. The tactician looked over at the royal, smiling gently.
"Th…Thank you," He responded, tears spilling down his face. Sensing there was something behind the tears, but not wanting to pry, she simply pulled the man to lay in her lap and gently stroked his hair, softly humming a tune. "That tune…" Corrin gasped. "How do you know that tune?"
"I… I don't know… It just popped into my mind. I can't remember why I know it…."
"I'm sorry…" "Don't be, Corrin. I'm sure I'll encounter lots of these moments."
"…Will you please hum the tune again?" Robin nodded and began humming again, a little louder this time. Soon, Corrin's baritone voice joined her mezzo-soprano, their voices melding beautifully.
"You are the ocean's gray waves… Destined to seek life beyond the shore, just out of reach. …Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time. The path is yours to climb…
A burdened heart sinks into the ground. A veil falls away without a sound. Not day nor night, wrong nor right. For truth and peace, you fight.
Sing with me a song of silence and blood. The rain falls but can't wash away the mud. Within my ancient heart dwells madness and pride, can no one hear my cry?
…You are the ocean's gray waves…"
Members Recruited
Corrin – Class: Vallite Royal. Equipment: Swords, Anima Tomes, Dragonstone, Staves. A burdened former king from lands considered mythical.
A king from distant lands, he is older than he appears. Though well-rounded in weapon proficiency, he prefers wielding the sacred blade, Yato. He is well liked by all. -Is the best listener. Born on June 25th.
Sully - Class: Cavalier. Equipment: Lances, Swords. A Shepherd with a foul mouth and no-nonsense attitude.
A no-nonsense, capable Shepherd with a mouth that would make brigands blush. Ylissean women admire her strength and call her "The Woman to End All Men". -The last one you want cooking. Born on December 5th.
Virion – Class: Archer. Equipment: Bows. A grandiloquent noble with a love of tall tales and romance.
A secretive noble from some land or another. While many would brand him a buffoon or braggart, his boasts are often founded. He is swift to propose to anything female. -The most prolonged primper. Born on December 10th.
