Risks Taken
Chapter Four
A/N: This has taken literally forever to write. Sorry about that. The memories were giving me a hard time. I cut most of them and wrote new ones, hopefully they're better. Anyway, I won't bore you to death with a long author's note, and get on with the story!
--
The images were still flashing across his mind. Memories he'd kept locked up forever. They tore at him. He didn't want this. It shouldn't have been happening, but it was. He felt as if he was dying, and he very much could have been. He fell to the ground and clutched his chest as the scenes passed by.
--
Today was one of the most important days of Renning's life--or so he had been told by multiple figures. The strongest of which was his brother, King Ramon. The king wanted his younger brother to become king if anything ever happened to him and his wife, Queen Alicia--who was equally as happy to crown Renning prince.
But Renning didn't want any of this. He didn't want to be prince, and he definitely didn't want to be king. The battle field was where he belonged. It was where his heart was.
He reluctantly accepted the position, however, because his brother and sister-in-law did not have a sufficient heir to the throne. His outlook would soon change though. His life would change. Everything about him would be different. All thanks to one event.
--
"General!"
"Yes, Sir Jerrell?"
"Delbray is within a day away. I advise we stop here to formulate a plan in case there is trouble."
"Yes, good idea indeed. Men! We're stopping in the woods up ahead for tonight! Be on the lookout for danger!"
"YES, SIR!"
"Oh, and Jerrell, I'd like to meet with you when there's some spare time."
"Of course, Sir."
--
Renning was still at that dreaded crowning, which he found extremely boring. He'd much rather be training with his axe. But at least he knew some of the people there (he didn't openly associate with many of the nobles). The Count of Fayre, Bastian, was there, along with the Count and Countess of Delbray, Martin and Amanda. A few days earlier he'd been informed that Amanda was going to have a daughter. Both the Count and his wife were ecstatic; they'd always wanted children. Renning, of course, was happy for them, but a bit saddened that they weren't having a son. A girl wouldn't much like fighting. Even if their daughter could use a weapon, he knew Amanda wouldn't allow it. She wouldn't have her precious darling doing anything dangerous. It'd never happen.
--
"You know, Lucia…"
"Hm?"
"You talk in your sleep."
"I do?'
"Yes."
"Oh really?"
"Milady, would I lie to you?"
She turned around and looked him directly in the eyes.
"No…because you know that if you did, I'd kill you in a heartbeat."
--
A few months later, Amanda had had her baby. She was beautiful--the most adorable thing Renning had ever seen. She looked so much like her father, nothing like Amanda actually.
She was the only baby Renning had ever been around. Her strength amazed him. She could latch on to him and it was hard to get her to let go. It was too bad that strength would have to go to waste.
…Or so he thought. In retrospect, it was silly thing really…
--
"I'm glad you three are here. Glad indeed."
"Hmph. What is it you need?"
"Petrine, you shouldn't be so harsh to the King."
"You shouldn't be so trusting, Bryce. It'll make you a corpse in no time."
"Both of you…"
"Whatever."
"Anyway, as I was saying… I have very exciting news. That mastermind of ours has captured Crimea's prince!"
"Izuka is always good at that kind of thing."
"Heh. Good indeed."
"Your Highness, if I may ask…what need to we have of him?"
"He's a very powerful knight, as you know."
"Yes, even Petrine had difficulties staying alive after battling him."
"I did not! I just knew the king wanted him captured alive and didn't want to harm him!"
"Uh-huh."
"Petrine. Bryce. That's enough."
"Oh, so you've decided to talk, eh, 'Black Knight?'"
"…"
"That's what I thought."
"Okay, can you all stop acting like little children while I finish telling you my plan? You can kill each other later."
"…"
"I suppose."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Okay, so we are going to turn the prince into one of our greatest soldiers ever! Hahaha!! It's genius! Don't you agree?"
"Uhh…"
"What is it?"
"How exactly are we going to get him to fight for us? You know…we're the enemy."
"By using this…"
King Daein pulled out a foul smelling elixir. The room then filled with dark laughter.
--
"Uncle Renning!"
"Yes, Lucy?"
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to take Abrielle out to get some exercise."
"Can I come?"
"Sure, Sweetie."
"Yay!"
"Here, let me help you up."
"Okay, Uncle Renning."
Renning hoisted Lucia up onto his horse's saddle and grabbed the lead rope. Holding onto Lucia so she wouldn't fall, Renning lead them out of the stables.
"This is fun!"
"I thought you'd like it."
"LUCIA! RENNING!"
As Renning turned around, his gaze fell to Amanda who was running towards them with Martin right behind her.
"What exactly do you think you're doing?!"
"Mommy! Uncle Renning's giving me a ride on Abrielle!"
"Renning! How could you?! Here, come here, Honey. Are you hurt?"
"No, Mommy!"
"Darling, I'm sure Renning wasn't going to let anything happen to her."
Amanda picked Lucia up in her arms and turned around to glare at Martin and Renning.
"I do not want my daughter back on that filthy beast!"
"Mommy, Abrielle's not a filthy beast!"
"Lucia! Quiet!"
She turned back to Renning.
"If I catch you putting my daughter in danger again, I'll have to report it to the king. Do you understand?"
"Yes…of course. I didn't know you would be so upset by it…"
"Well, you were wrong! Now let's go, Martin."
Renning watched as the three walked away.
"What was her problem? She was just on a horse…" he mumbled to himself.
As he was about to turn away, he saw Lucia look back and smile at him. He did the same.
--
Clunk!
"Hey! You'll regret this!"
"Sure we will."
"I'm Fifth Platoon Captain Kieran of the Royal Knights! I will not stand for this!"
"Shut up and sit nicely in your cell while I take a nap."
"NO! I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS! I WILL GET YOU TO LET ME OUT OF HERE…EVEN IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO! I'LL GET OUT OF HERE NO MATTER WHAT! EVEN IF I HAVE TO SLEEP ON A BED OF NAILS THE REST OF MY LIFE! OR GET STUNG BY A THOUSAND BEES! I'M A ROYAL KNIGHT…IT WON'T MATTER TO ME!"
"I see you have a nice new prisoner, eh, Bob?"
"Shut it, Bill."
"Why don't you stick him in that cell with the guy over there…maybe the guy will kill him and you won't have to hear his big mouth anymore."
"That's a good idea! Hey, Mr. Platoon Captain…you're getting out of here!"
"Finally!"
"Brom, this is your new cellmate, Mr. Big Annoying Stupid Mouth."
"IT'S FIFTH PLATOON CAPTAIN KIERAN FOR YOUR INFORMATION!"
"Oh great, I got another one of those idiot cellmates."
Now I just need to find some earplugs…
--
"Renning…are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?"
"My mother said I couldn't learn to use a weapon."
"Well, that's probably because she didn't want you to be disappointed if you couldn't learn it well. But I bet she'll be surprised if she sees how good you are at it!"
"But I'm not good at it."
"Not yet you're not! But you will be in no time! I guarantee it!"
"Okay, Uncle Renning…"
--
"You know, Bastian, I'm a bit curious…what did I say in my sleep?"
"You were saying something about Renning…I'm not sure what…oh, I remember now…something about love. But that doesn't make sense…I mean, there's no way you could be in love with Renning. Right?"
"Yeah…right. That's crazy."
She laughed nervously and tried to act like that conversation had never happened by changing the subject.
"So how long before we get to Delbray?"
"Not much longer."
"Oh, that's good."
That was close…could you imagine if Bastian knew I loved Renning? That would be terrible!
--
"Lucia, I'd like to speak with you."
"Of course, Duke Renning."
"You know, there's no reason for such formality. I mean, it's just us…"
"Well, you know how my mother is."
"She's not that bad…"
"You're not serious, are you?"
"Well…"
"So anyway, what did you need?"
"Oh, you know the…unfortunate circumstances…that recently happened, I presume?"
"Queen Alicia's bodyguard?"
"…Yes…"
"Of course…"
"Well, the Queen is looking for a new bodyguard."
"Oh…?"
"I think you should apply for the position."
"What?! Are you crazy?! I mean… Duke Renning…I couldn't possibly. My mother…"
"Would be ecstatic."
"I'm not so sure."
"Well, think about it, and let me know."
"Alright."
--
"Why…me?"
"Hm?"
"Why do I always get stuck with these idiots?"
"Oh, you mean 'Fifth Platoon Captain Kieran?'"
"Yes? You called?"
"Nothing, Loudmouth."
"Hmph! How dare you! Just you wait until I get out of here! I'll tear you to shreds! Yes, yes I will! I'll get out of here! No matter what! I will serve my royal family!"
"Hey, you. Guess what."
"What?"
"The royal family is dead."
"WHAT?! NO! That can't be!"
"It's the truth. Even that little princess you were escorting. The king got them all. Every last one of them."
The two guards chuckled as Kieran fell to the floor.
"W-why…WHY?!"
"Heheheh!"
--
"Milord."
"Ah, Lucia. Have you thought about what I asked you?"
"Y-yes. I have."
"And?"
"I-I want to become the Queen's bodyguard."
"That's my girl! Don't worry, you'll outshine everyone."
"How can you be so sure?"
"How can I be sure? Come on now, not only do you have raw talent, but I was your teacher!"
The two lightly laughed and Lucia turned away, blushing.
"You know, Duke Renning…you're absolutely right."
--
"So, General Geoffrey, what exactly is it you wanted to speak with me about?"
"I was wondering if it would be possible for you to acquire some…information…for me."
"Well, what is it?"
"I know this is extremely dangerous, but would it be possible for you to travel back to the castle to see how it's holding up? They said they'd send word if we could return, but so far they haven't… And Lucia is there…"
"I completely understand. Your sister…she truly is special."
"Yes…I know. She's all I have left. I couldn't bear losing her…not after everything that's happened. I just couldn't."
"I know how you feel, and I'll do my best to ensure the lady's safety. Now I must be off."
The man of shadows rode off leaving Geoffrey standing in a cloud of dirt. Geoffrey was uncertain whether or not the faithful knight would return. But for now, all he could do was make his way to Delbray and hope that his sister and those with her would be safe. It's all he'd ever hoped for.
--
"Are you nervous?"
"Extremely."
"Well don't be. You'll do great. Trust me."
"I trust you, Renning. I really do."
"That's good. Now, I'll be waiting with the Queen and King. Try to calm yourself."
"Of course, Duke Renning."
--
"Ahh, there it is, Milady. Castle Delbray."
"Yes…"
"It does not look to me like there would be any trouble in entering the castle."
"Bastian…it's probably a trap."
"So you Crimeans are pretty smart, eh?"
Lucia and Bastian swiftly turned around. Standing directly behind them was a soldier bearing the Daein crest.
"Don't look so surprised to see me…you said yourself that it was most likely a trap, did you not?"
As if on command, seventy Daein soldiers appeared.
"Milady! Whatever shall we do?"
"Yes, Darling, whatever shall you do?"
Lucia pulled out her Silver Sword and handed Bastian his Tornado tome.
"Stay behind me and don't do anything stupid."
"I-I…of course, Milady."
--
"Lucia! What do you think you're doing?!"
"Mother… I…"
"Yes?"
"I'm going to become Queen Alicia's bodyguard."
"Don't be foolish! You can't even wield a weapon!"
"That's not true!"
"Actually, Amanda, Lucia's telling the truth…"
"Lord Renning…how could you? You did this, didn't you?!"
"I…well…yes…"
"You…disobeyed my requests?"
"Well…technically, yes…but…"
"I cannot believe this! King Ramon, Queen Alicia, did you know of this disrespectful act?!"
"No, I can't say we did. However, I can't say it's entirely all that bad."
"So you're saying that it was alright for the future King to ignore the rules a parent set for their child?"
"N-no. That's not it at all. What my brother did was unacceptable, and I'll directly see to it that he suffer the consequences. But, since Lucia has already learned to use a sword, I don't see why she couldn't serve our royal family, if that is what she wishes."
"Yes, Lucia. I would be delighted to have you as my bodyguard."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"I will not stand for this! I will not allow my child to be put in such danger!"
"But, Mother, you're allowing Geoffrey to become a Royal Knight! That's far more dangerous!"
"That's…different."
"Why is it so different?"
"Well, because! It just is!"
"Amanda, Lucia, this is becoming unreasonable."
"Martin, you don't know what you're talking about."
"I think Lucia is old enough to make her own decisions…"
"Hmm…alright. We'll compromise. Lucia, if you want to fight and become Queen Alicia's bodyguard, we'll let you. However, you will also lose your claim to the Delbray inheritance."
"Amanda! You couldn't possibly!"
"It's all fair, Martin. So what do you say, Lucia?"
"You really want to know what I think? I think you're made my decision way too easy. Queen Alicia," she said, turning to the Crimean Queen, "I'd be more than happy to serve you."
"Girl, you'll regret this, believe me."
"No, Countess Delbray, I believe you'll be the one to regret this."
"Lord Renning, the respect Martin and I once shared for you is no more…you've turned our daughter into a…a monster!"
"Amanda! You can't say that!"
"Come Martin, I think it's time for us to go."
And with that, Amanda stormed off, with Martin close behind. As Duke Renning turned around, his eyes met Lucia's.
"Will, you be alright, Lucia?"
"Hm? Oh, yes, of course. It doesn't matter much to me. I'd rather be hear with you and the rest of the royal family anyway."
This was probably the first time Renning realized the love he had for Lucia. Seeing her stand up to her mother like that was remarkable. He didn't think that even he could have pulled it off so well. She truly was amazing…
--
Elincia Ridell Crimea, Princess of the…fallen…kingdom of Crimea.
Just what did that title mean now?
Absolutely nothing.
Crimea was lost. Elincia's family and friends were lost. Everyone she'd ever known was lost to her. She was now surrounded by strangers. They didn't know her. They didn't know anything about her. They barely cared for her. She was merely a sum of money to them.
How she longed for the old days where she would run around and play in the gardens with Lucia and Geoffrey. The days before her parents were killed. The days before her uncle was missing. The days where she knew exactly what was going on. The days before her entire world was lost.
But there was no sense in dwelling in the events of the past days and what could have been. She had to keep her spirits high if she expected Ike and the Greil Mercenaries to help her. After all, they were her last hope in this dark, cruel world.
--
"Geoffrey, may I speak with you for a moment?"
"Of course, Lord Renning. What is it?"
"I was just curious, why did you decide to keep your position as a Royal Knight instead of keeping your family inheritance?"
"Various reasons really. For one, I'd like to serve His Majesty and the royal family. The others…aren't important right now."
"As I figured. Now, I must be leaving."
As Renning turned to leave, Geoffrey's voice called after him.
"I also stayed to protect my sister…from you."
Renning turned back around, unsure of what to expect.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, my lord…I'm sorry. I don't mean any disrespect, but some of the ideas you've been putting in my sister's head are just plain dangerous! I can't let you cause harm to her."
"Geoffrey, do you know how foolish this is? I would never harm Lucia. I'm trying to protect her. Can't you see that?"
"…"
"Now, I think you should get back to your training."
"Take this as a warning or threat, however you wish. If you don't stay away from my sister, I'll have to take matters into my own hands."
--
"Ahh, Prince Renning! You're finally up. You have a visitor…an extremely important one at that. I shall go fetch him. Do stay put…not like you could go anywhere anyway. Hehehe!"
Protect her? From me? Maybe you were right after all, Geoffrey. Lucia and I shared a love. It probably wasn't the right thing to do, in fact I'm sure my brother would have disapproved of it, but I loved her. …I love her… And that's all that matters to me.
"Lucia…I'm so sorry. I never should have let this happen, but I'll always love you."
A tear rolled down his face as he said these last words--words that could be considered the last he would speak, for he would never again be the same.
--
A/N: Well, there it is! That was longer than usual. It probably didn't make a whole lot of sense either…but hopefully the next chapter can clear some things up.
Also, if you're wondering why the guards are named 'Bob' and 'Bill,' well, a while back, Nami-san625 and I were discussing how weird it would be if Fire Emblem characters had fairly common names (like Bob and Bill). So that's how that happened…
I'm not sure when the next update on this story will be…I'm going to try to update the stories people want to read the most (according to the poll on my page), so if you like this story, be sure to vote! :D
Okay, I think that's all I have to say. *hears applause* :(
--
Okay, so if anyone's wondering why I left myself a review on this...well, I really didn't. My mom wanted to leave me a review and she really didn't know what she was doing. Anyway, it's probably my fault because I submitted the chapter on her computer and didn't sign out... then she went and tried to leave a review, so it looks like I left myself a review. I just thought I should clear that up...