Hello to Chapter four of my story! I guess I'll say it on this chapter in case some of you are just reading it from the newest Chapter rather than from the beginning!
CHAPTER THREE WAS REWRITTEN.
There, it has been said. Also, congrats to KMonkey for figuring out the origin of the quote but since I moved it to this chapter, I'll just give a disclaimer that Bioware owns that quote, meh.
I'm not really so sure about this chapter. I kept the time-skip from the old chapter three and used it in here but I don't know if I want to change that up…I might be too lazy though, eh, whatever.
I'll always say it, review! It makes me feel better about myself and get the next chapter out sooner. Review even if you don't like it and tell me how I can fix it :)
With a growl, Nia slammed the journal shut, resting her eyes on the candlewick in front of her. The flicker of the flames smothered the war raging inside her head. Thousands of scrapped papers lined the floor of her tent with game pieces from her match from Virion earlier still at ease in their last move on the chessboard next to her.
The candle puffed out, exceeding its limit. Nia found herself in a constant motion of getting a new candle and watching it burn its wick deeper into the candlewax. She forced herself to open the journal once more, scratching out a tactic that she had recently added. She placed both hands on the sides of her head, grabbing her hair in stress overload. How many tactics had she rewritten? The better question was how many hours had it been since she last slept.
She ignored that thought, focusing on the journal in front of her.
"Hey, Nia?" Chrom pushed the tent flap out of the way, staring at the female attacking her hair in anger. She made no indication of acknowledging him at the moment, mumbling words to herself with eyes dashing back and forth between all pages. He cleared his throat, halting the words for less than a second before she continued on.
With a sigh, he lurched further into the tent, allowing the flap to close behind him. He could see it just by looking at her that she was overburdened at the moment. Even Lissa detached herself from Nia to leave her alone for a while.
Chrom pulled one of the chairs near the chess table over to the table Nia placed herself at. Even as he sat down, she made no notion of conversing with him though vaguely noticed him. The third time she flipped a page, Chrom couldn't take it anymore.
"You know, Sumia and Frederick decided to get married."
"Hmm…" It was the only answer she was going to give.
"Virion and Sully too, though it seems Virion is still shocked at her proposing instead. Next thing you know, it'll be Lissa and Vaike. Gods, I can't imagine how many times he'll challenge me after that…"
"Hmm…" Yet again the same answer. Chrom clicked his tongue at her, finally getting annoyed.
"Nia!" His shout startled her, causing her to shoot upwards and finally look at him. Her eyes hit the realization that he was actually next to her.
"How long have you been sitting there?" She shifted her gaze back to her journal, blush creeping on her face. She didn't think she was THAT out of it. She let her mind fall back the tactics in front of her though she let her ears remain open for his voice.
"Nervous about tomorrow?" His tone of voice was unnatural and her head shot up, looking at Chrom with worry. His face was completely placid as he watched the edges of the tent sway with the wind. With a bob of her head, she agreed silently. The sound of the childlike manakete rose above the hushed voices outside. Without another word, Nia left Chrom, inching her head out of the tent to investigate.
Above in the air, was Cordelia and Sumia atop their pegasi and behind them doing circles was Nowi. The two pegasi warriors were fleeing the dragon that had a giant smile placed on her face.
"One big family right?" Nia watched the three in the sky, feeling the contagion of the happiness emitted from Nowi.
"Right, Bubbles." She felt the thief's chin on her hair and resisted the urge to slam her head into his.
"How many times do I need to say, 'don't call me Bubbles'?" She let the sarcasm warp around her words, causing Gaius to shake from laughter.
"Apparently one more time, Bubbles."
"Typical." She disengaged herself from him, walking towards the others surrounded near the fire pit in the center of the camp. A moment later, the three in the sky joined those at the fire, wiping sweat off their faces from dodging each other in the sky.
Nia found herself sitting on the far edge of the pit in the meadow part of the camp. The light wind swayed the daisies surrounded her, tickling her hands with their petals. She watched Panne offer drinks to everyone, pausing next to Lon'qu and then continuing on to the rest of the group. It was strange, seeing everyone getting along like they had years behind their meeting.
She eyed the fire with melancholy, this could be the last time they all sat here together and she didn't want to end in this next fight. If she failed, their "family" would never be the same. She rested her chin on her hands, watching the others with a soft smile.
Her eyes closed and for once, she didn't want morning to come. The silence after was frightening and Nia's eyes snapped open. She was lying near the fire pit, already just a smoldering pile of ash. She searched around, finding her allies in similar positions. Gaius had his back against Cordelia's horse with Cordelia's head on his shoulder, both deeply asleep. Lissa had curled up against Vaike's back, soundless words escaping her mouth.
"Ahh you're awake…" She listened in on Sumia's whisper to her left. Sumia had begun arranging blankets on the sleeping members, careful around the more restless ones. She had just placed one around Ricken and Maribelle, both holding hands as they slept.
"Would you mind helping me as I finish up with these blankets? I need to get a lance from the Arms tent, could you grab a steel one for me?" Her voice was delicate as she stepped over Stahl, who looked absolutely comfortable, and Miriel, who seemed to be unhappy with her current sleeping position.
Nia gave a short nod, prying herself off the soft grass while scratching her shoulder-blade as it griped against her movements. After being lost for a couple of minutes, she found the tent between two trees.
"Fog?" Her mind immediately thought of fire and she rushed in and her fear was replaced with embarrassment. But between the two, the naked Chrom was probably more embarrassed than she. Without a thought she grabbed the nearest object, lobbing it at him and yelling words at him. He quickly pulled on the nearest clothes, watching her rush out of the tent, face bright red. She sat against the tree, holding her face while trying to calm down. Even when Chrom left fully dressed she couldn't face him properly. Her eyes darted to the ground while his traced the moon in the sky.
"Umm…" They both began and cut off at the same time, trying to get the other to speak first.
"I'm very sorry…I didn't mean to react that way…" She twiddled her fingers, not wanting to see Chrom's face at the moment.
"Let's just call it even for me seeing you, all right?" He smiled at her and as both eyes met, they separated yet again. With a cough from Chrom, he waved good-bye, walking towards his tent which was placed farther than Nia's and she had to thank Frederick and Vaike for setting it up there. Maybe now, sleep was finally going to come to her.
The heavy sands surrounding the castle slowed their allies beyond the point of usefulness. Cordelia and Sumia could only carry two and it was decided that both Chrom and Nia were to be those two. The red-head offered her pegasus with a smile, tugging her lance out of the way. The others trailed behind greatly, even the mages were weighted down for once. The gleam of gold caught Nia's eyes as a woman smashed down on a Plegian with an inhuman amount of force.
"Cordelia! Down there, there's someone fighting!" Her finger pointed towards the person as Cordelia nodded in answer. The horse slowly descent, followed by Sumia's horse.
The blonde gasped, holding up the axe, testing whether the Shepherds were friends or enemies.
"Lucius?" It was a name that Nia knew well but didn't know how. The man, along with Chrom, stared at her in utter confusion.
"My apologies, I am not this 'Lucius'. I am Libra, a clergyman of the Church of Ylisse. Milord, may the Gods bless us in rescuing Emmeryn." Libra nodded towards Chrom who returned the act. Nia blocked out the remaining conversation between the two, trying to remember who "Lucius" was.
"Nia we got to move."
"Right." She pushed the thought from her head, leaving only of saving Emmeryn in its place. Moments later, a dark mage, Tharja had joined their ranks.
"Release Emmeryn, you...-" The man named Gangrel only chuckled while mimicking Chrom in a condescending tone. Chrom took one step forward, signaling the pegasi knights to fight. While Gangrel's eyes widened, Aversa's only narrowed as a sadistic smile spread across her face.
"Oh my, but...it appears we don't play fair either." Her hand swished upwards, raising archers from the depths of the ground. The screams of the pegasi knights as each one was murdered rang throughout the courtyard. Gangrel's laugh only caused more anguish. Cordelia's screams from behind pierced the heavens.
"So here's what we will do, boy. We'll take that Fire Emblem and you won't see your lovely sister go SPLAT on the ground, nyahaha!" Chrom only snarled in response. The Fire Emblem or his sister. His eyes clenched shut, taking in all the effects of both situations with finally deciding that the country needed his sister.
From Emmeryn's first word, Nia already knew the end result. Lissa's scream and Chrom's sudden dart forward only amplified the feeling. The Exalt would not live to see Chrom win the war. She would not see any more tears of joy from her siblings. Nia had failed. Not only failed Chrom and Lissa, but failed the entire country counting on Emmeryn's survival.
A quote came to mind as the woman leaned off the platform.
In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice.
Nia could only fall to her knees just as Emmeryn fell to her death.
Nia couldn't process anything. She didn't even realize how they had gotten past the fighting in the Midmire. She barely remembered Basilio taking them from the courtyard and escorting them by boat.
By the time they reached Regna Ferox again, Nia couldn't take it anymore. It felt as if the world was collapsing on her little by little. It was suffocating to even be near Chrom and his friends. She had not been able to save his sister like she had promised.
Chrom's silence only made things worse as both Khans went back and forth in debate as both the tactician and prince remained quiet. She needed to say something but her mouth only opened to release air rather than words.
Flavia noticed it before Basilio did, ushering the two of them off so Regna Ferox problems could be discussed. Tears almost fell from Nia's eyes as she smiled in thanks at the woman who blinked in return. Nia followed after the prince, watching his stumbles as his eyes held none of his usual passion. He turned, corner after corner until arriving at his designated room.
She heard the bed creak in his room and she poked her head in the doorway to stare at him. His hands were placed around his face like she normally did when she thought too much. She couldn't stand seeing him like this. She approached him and fell to a crouch at his feet, examining his face. He, in return, stared right back at her.
"I…am sorry…" Her head tipped forward and against her will, brought her face to look at him. She wouldn't look away tonight, no matter how embarrassed and guilty she felt. She tugged his hands away from his face, clasping them together in both of her palms, gently looking at him.
She let her arms wrap around his neck and pulled his face to her shoulder. He did not respond as she combed her fingers through his hair.
"You said you'd always be there for me, so let me return the favor." She felt her whispers touch his ears and she felt his arms wind around her body and a familiar stain of water drenched her shoulder. She would stay like this as long as he allowed her and she could only hope that Maribelle was helping Lissa out in the same way.
They stayed like that for what seemed like hours until Chrom's breath moved in a melodic rhythm, eyes shut and puffy, and sleep holding him down. She tried to move away yet the man held his iron-tight hug even in sleep. Nia sighed, letting her knees take place of her shaking calves, and rested her head against his chest.
The first thing that hit Chrom's mind was the warm body in his arms. His arms flew back, dropping the figure to the ground with a thud. The person rubbed their head, letting a few complaints loose as his eyes adjusted to the darkness.
"Oh…sorry…Nia…" His eyes held more strength than yesterday and for that, she forgave him instantly.
She waved good-bye, leaving Chrom alone in his room. She made notes in her head, after Gangrel's death, she was leaving.
The battle wasn't as difficult as Nia had thought. With Emmeryn's speech, thousands of Plegian soldiers refused to fight Chrom and his Shepherds. The woman who helped them get to safety, Olivia, even joined them despite her timid nature.
Anna and Gaius rushed off, eyes set on the chests barricaded against the wall, though it was stupid on their part, the Shepherds split into two sides following after the two thieves. Nia traced Chrom's steps, trailing him all the way until he reached Gangrel's cackles. The man eyed them like bugs, pulling a face as they approached. Any of the guards that approached were either sliced down or shot down with magic.
The king's face still did not falter as more guards came to his rescue. It wasn't until he was the last one standing and the rest of the Shepherds encircled him did he finally stop laughing. Tightening his lips, Chrom walked forward to the man, Falchion still in hand. The man was cowardly; begging for his life yet Chrom wouldn't hear any of it. With the raise of Falchion, it came pummeling down, crushing the man as it impacted.
A final cackle from him told the others that it was over. Chrom pulled back, wiping the newly acquired blood off of the blade, sheathing it slowly. His eyes were hard as he watched the man on the ground writhe in pain until only a single finger twitched as the muscle contracted.
The others converged on Chrom, toppling him in a heap of bodies. Nia stayed back, watching the interaction take place. With a small tear in her eye, she bowed slightly, and took off towards the nearby forest. Wherever she was going, it certainly wasn't here.
She didn't allow herself to look back because if she did, she wouldn't have been able to leave. With a small whistle escaping her mouth, she waded through the forest, finally at peace.
"Oi oi, where is the tactician, Gregor wanted to drink Nia under da table!" The heavily-accented man searched around, causing murmurs to spread throughout the Shepherds. Most craned their necks, searching for the pink-haired lady, annoyed when only Olivia caught their eyes.
"It abhors me to state that I cannot accredit Nia of her pungent actions as she is astray without vestige." Miriel pressed her glasses on her face again, when her eyes detected no trace of Nia. Even Frederick seemed worried about her disappearance.
"Don't worry milord, she shall be found."
"Yeah, yeah, Chrom! She's probably just helping the wounded!" Lissa interjected and both Sumia and Maribelle nodded in agreement. Her cheers faltered when she saw Chrom's expression. She had never seen her brother look so disturbed before. Ignoring all else, he charged off towards the nearby forest.
"I won't lose another person…" He scolded himself for being negligent and ignored the protests behind him, mostly coming from Frederick. He shoved his way past branches and giant leaves, smiling as a small footprint lay imbedded in the mud patch near one tree. Bringing his gaze back up, he wasn't going to give up just yet.
Nia panted as plants smacked every inch of her body. Going through the forest was definitely not the way to escape. Her foot hit a patch of slick grass weird and she felt her body slide down the adjacent hill. She quickly pulled her body upwards, by now she would be noticed rather not noticed.
Once she was gone, she'd be able to survive.
Then go away.
Her inner subconscious slapped her at her actions. Even then she didn't stop and it wasn't until that she hit flat land that she took a deep breath. Chrom would be able to rule his country without having to worry about her, he'd just move on and she would just find somewhere else to go.
She took a few steps till the prairie surrounded her entirely. She let her muscles sink to the ground and gazed up at the blue sky. A small pang erupted in her head and she clasped it, panicking at the sudden pounding ricocheting in her brain. Then, nothing. She had seen this scene before.
Surrounded in darkness and inhabited solely by her. Yes, this is where she called home. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes allowing no worries to affect her anymore.
A:N/ Tum tum you made it to the end! Congrats! If I had confetti, I'd throw it! (Not really)
Back to reality rather the story...
The suicide of Emmeryn literally made me think, "Holy cow, did they really...?"most Nintendo games are all happy and sunshine while FE is just death, death, a few suicides, and more death.
I really felt that Chrom got over the death of his sister a bit too fast and it didn't really show anything about Lissa either so I was kind of mad but then against having an angsty main character fighting isn't that much fun so I guess they made an intermediate…
The next chapter will feature the "other" Nia. Beware :)!
So as I always say, Review some more and to those that did, thank you very much!