Back again! Greetings, fellow humans! I thank you wondrously for getting this story over to over 100 favorites, I am how you say, flattered!
So this chapter is probably one of my favorites right now. But there is something that needs to be said: Thank you to, FireEmblemFanMark, for that insightful review! When I got it I was super happy at the constructive criticism you gave me. I'll try to take it to heart and improve! You did mention that you're worried that Kail is going to become a Mary Sue (Wouldn't it be Gary Sue?) because he seems very powerful at the moment.
So I in response to that I just want to say: Yeah he does seem that way. But he's also the only mage we've seen in combat at the moment. I'm planning on having us see Robin in battle and wow he is much stronger. In fact we saw a hint of that earlier when Robin used Thoron, an B ranked spell. Kail only knows Elwind. He just has versatility and makes crazy plans because he likes anime. But rest assured, the level he is by the end of this chapter, is the level he's going to stay for a long while.
Okay just wanted to get that out of the way. With out further adieu, enjoy!
Three days.
Three damn days since I woke up in the med tent after I killed all the wyverns, I still have no idea how I did that, but that doesn't matter right now. Or rather it should but I'm not able to focus on it at all, because I haven't been able to talk to Sumia for the entirety of these three days. And not for a lack of trying, she's avoiding me. I honestly didn't think this would be that big of a deal.
I was in the wrong, that was true enough. I promised I would be careful, then turned around and dived right into danger and made her worry. I had already felt guilty before I knew she was mad at me, but I haven't even gotten a chance to explain. I even asked Cordelia to explain for me, and she agreed, but still, no luck. The redhead told me that Sumia basically cut her off and said that she wants to hear what I have to say from me… but she's still avoiding me.
I have no idea what to do and it's killing me. I was already stressed out with the whole 'it's your destiny to kill a sorcerer of phenomenal power' thing. Not to mention the looming guilt I have from not doing anything to save Emmeryn, my PTSD, and trying to make a new magic element. Put Sumia ignoring me on top of that and I'm just freaking out. I had already accepted that she's part of how I cope with my PTSD and probably going to be a part of my life for a while. But now that this is happening, I feel even more lost than I did beforehand.
This is bothering me too much. I'm not even eating the meal in front of me, seemingly content with pushing the potatoes around with my fork instead. And that's a shame because Stahl said that this inn's food was pretty good. Screw this, if Stahl is praising food it must be fantastic. I scoop a bit of the mashed potatoes onto my fork and quickly put it in my mouth before I lose conviction. It's good, but my brain doesn't seem to want to accept it and it just seems bland. I swallow the bite of food before dropping my fork onto my plate, I put my head in my hands and just let out a sigh.
"I could corner her for you."
I remove my left hand and look up to the ginger haired thief who I had just revealed my troubles with. I shook my head, I was thankful for his offer of help but…
"Nah, that'd just come off as aggressive, that's the last thing I want right now."
Gaius nodded his head, "Well I'm out of ideas then. Sorry to say but dealing with angry women isn't really in my skill set."
I raise an eyebrow, "Yet you're pining after Panne?"
"Some women are worth it."
I let out a unmirthful chuckle before it turned into a choking gasp, a hand had appeared from my right side giving me a start. The hand grabbed my plate that was still full of food and pulled it over to its owner.
"Maybe," Said Stahl, "You should just give her time. This is Sumia we're talking about, she'll forgive you eventually."
I let out another sigh, "You guys are really no help you know that?"
Gaius looked offended, while Stahl shoved an entire bread roll in his mouth without a word. Gaius scratched his chin for a moment before nodding.
"Alright, so we may not have the best advice. But maybe we could help you forget about it for a bit. I saw a tavern when we walked into town, by the market square. We could go there for some drinks."
I thought over Gaius' offer. Was temporarily forgetting about it really worth it in the long run? Even if it was, there's still one issue.
"Never drank alcohol before."
Gaius' face scrunched up in confusion, "What really?"
I shrugged, "Never wanted, or needed to."
"Well now's a good as time as any to start." Gaius stood up and looked to Stahl, "You coming Joe?"
Stahl frowned for a moment, "Are you sure drinking is a good idea?"
"Did someone say drinking!?"
We all turned to the source of the voice and saw Vaike coming from wherever Vaike came from. I began to be filled with worry, Vaike doesn't seem like the kinda guy that can keep a secret if his life depended on it.
"We did." Said Gaius, in utter betrayal.
"Hell yeah! We should make it a Shepherds outing!" Vaike all but yelled.
"Probably not a good idea." Stahl said slowly as he finished the last of his, or rather my food.
"Huh? How come?" Vaike asked with visible disappointment.
"Because we're going since Kail is having- mmph!" Gaius words were abruptly cut off when I stood up and slapped my hand over his mouth.
All three Shepherds looked at me as I struggled to come up with an excuse. I continued where he left off.
"-Having my first drink and it's embarrassing so I don't want everyone to make a big deal out of it."
…
"Oh okay, it'll just be us four then."
Sweet he bought it.
"Who invited you?" Gaius asked the second my hand left his face.
Vaike gave a cocky grin, "You didn't have to, The Vaike knows he's always invited."
Everyone silently stared at the muscular man, his grin never wavering. Me and Stahl sighed when we realized that even if we tried to say he couldn't come, he'd just come anyways.
"Whatever, lets just go." Said Gaius after a second.
"Hold on." Stahl interrupted.
He spoke once we all had looked at him, "Shouldn't we ask if Kail actually wants to go?"
All present looked at me, I instantaneously felt my old social awkwardness creep back as I stood victim to their stares.
"Whaddaya talking about? Of course he wants to go! Right Kail!" Vaike asked, clearly confident in my answer.
…
Screw it. I'll go. But I'm only having one drink. What's the worst that can happen?
"Sure." I shrugged.
"See? It's all good! Now lets go!" Vaike called before turning in his heel and walking to the door with as much swagger he could muster. It wasn't a lot.
Gaius soon followed and I made to go after them but was held back by Stahl.
"Kail, are you sure you want to do this?"
I gave a chuckle, "Yeah man, don't worry I'm just going to have one drink. But thanks for looking out for me."
Stahl gave a simple nod, "No problem."
The two of us walked over to the door and were met with a waiting Gaius and Vaike. Gaius just stood there uncaringly, but Vaike looked like we just insulted his mother.
"Bout time. What took so long?"
Is he serious? It was like one second hesitation, is he already drunk or something?
"Chef Ramsay here wanted to ask me a quick question, no biggie." I said as I pointed over to Stahl.
And just like that all traces of aggravation disappeared from his face, "Alright, onward then!"
The four of us stepped outside and were met with brisk cold air and snow. We were currently in a village just outside the Feroxi border, while not as cold as Ferox proper, the air still carried a chill. I felt right at home in my short sleeved tunic, but even I would not dare go out shirtless like Vaike. He looks like he's shivering so I know he's just acting tough.
"Psst."
I was broken from my musings from the silent call for attention. I look over and see Stahl leaning down slightly.
"What's up?" I ask in a whisper.
"Is this Chef Ramsay any good?"
…
"The best."
I've discovered I'm not that big into alcohol. I mean, the mead I ordered is okay, but not something I would want to drink if I had other options. We've been here for about an hour and a half, yet I'm only halfway through my first mug. Gaius, however, is on his fifth. And Vaike his tenth, Gaius is definitely drunk, And Vaike passed out about twenty minutes ago. Luckily, Stahl didn't go too far with three drinks, but he's at least tipsy.
But I have to give Gaius credit, I did forget about my problems most of the time I was here. I'm kinda scared to leave, I don't want to deal with everything anymore. Here, I was just hanging out with friends… it felt like I was back home. I had often dreamt about taking part in some epic adventure, saving innocent people, fighting Dark Lords, anything you could imagine. But now that I'm actually in an adventure like that, I realized that I'm not a hero. I'm just a guy way over his head.
…Damn it… This place made me forget about Sumia, but I found a new thing to get depressed over huh?
The universe really does hate me, doesn't it.
"I'm telling you, she's got an actual tail!"
I was snapped out of my thoughts by Gaius' intoxicated voice, only then did I realize Vaike had moved his head off the table and was now sleeping on my shoulder.
"Wah? I didn't notice a tail, are you sure?" Stahl slurred, as I lightly shifted Vaike back to the table.
"Positive! It was really small, but it still stuck out of her pants. It's a bunny tail and it's damn adorable."
I raised an eyebrow, "Gaius… are you a furry?"
The drunken thief looks away from Stahl and meets my gaze with a frown.
"No, Panne's the furry one. Didn't you hear me talking about her tail?"
I chuckle at his ignorance, "Yeah I did, sounds like you got it bad, man."
"I do and it suuuuuucks…" Gaius moaned before he hunched onto the table. "She's not interested at all..."
"How come?" Stahl asked, "You're a pretty cool guy."
And just like that Gaius' mood did a one-eighty. He quickly sat up and slammed his fists onto the table, making our drinks jump and spill their contents slightly. Vaike jolted awake at the impact, his sudden movement caused his chair to fall backwards. He landed in a heap on the wooden flooring, and promptly started snoring again.
"She didn't respond to any of my pick-up lines! How the hell did she resist my charms!?" Gaius growled out.
Ah, he's one of those gentlemen. The kind that believe getting a girl is as simple as a one-liner and cool smile. Some girls might go for that, but even a loser like me knows that that approach doesn't work for everyone. I looked up in thought for a moment, what would Panne like, or be flattered by? One thing comes to mind.
"Maybe instead of pick-up lines, you can talk to her like a normal person. I'm sure she would like to talk about her people… if you ask properly."
Gaius looks at me for a moment before a frown appears on his face, "Man, if you think that's how girls work it's no wonder you messed up with Stumbles."
"Who's Stumbles?" Stahl asked, but I didn't hear what was said after that.
I know he didn't mean to imply this, he probably didn't mean to mention Sumia in the first place. But now I can't help but imagine that mine and Sumia's situation is like Gaius'. And that led me to another line of thought that had my entire mind and body freeze: Did she have a thing for me, and I her? Even if that were the case, it wouldn't matter, right? She's supposed to be Lucina's mother… right? What am I talking about? Of course she doesn't like me that way! She… she…
She talked about me to that Pegasus Knight… Ophelia was it? …And she winked at Sumia when she left us alone…
…
Damn it now I have no idea what to think! This just got a thousand times more complicated! I let out a groan, stood up and made my way to the door. I ignored my wasted friends' calls, and walked outside. I leaned on the railing of the wooden deck and watched the snow fall as I thought on the unfortunate subject that found its way into my head.
I need to think, what do I do if Sumia actually has feelings for me? Well the first thing that comes to mind is to turn those feelings down. Tell her that I don't feel the same, the truth… right?
…
I throw my hands onto my head and mess up my hair in frustration. "Gahhhh! Why did this have to happen!?" I growl out.
Why did this have to get so much more stressful. I need to tell her the truth, I need to just get it out of the way. It might hurt but the truth often does…. the truth…
No, I need to tell myself the truth. I don't love her, and while I think she's beautiful, I don't have romantic feelings for her…. But I could. I can completely see myself falling for her, and that just makes this even worse. These thoughts were driving me to insanity, and one thought suddenly breached my hazy frustrated mind.
What if I accepted her feelings? What if we…. No, she has to be Lucina's… but… I never asked Lucina who her mother was. I keep thinking that things will follow canon, but that went out the window the second I showed up didn't it? So then…
I shook my head, these thoughts were silly. All of this hinges on if Sumia has feelings for me, something that isn't confirmed. It wont do any good to think about this right now. Not to mention, the girl was still mad at me. I need to find something to occupy my mind now, this was too much.
I look out into the town square and watched the snow fall. My hand raised out to feel the icy dust by its own volition. I didn't mind. The chill was a comforting one, for some reason I felt the need to play music, but I had left my ocarina at the inn. It wasn't like me to forget it, I guess the stress is really getting to me.
I can find a way around that though. I took a deep breath, savoring the feeling of the crisp air chilling my throat. I start humming, a song that could possibly cause problems here but I was too focused on forgetting my issues to realize. I hummed the song while singing the lyrics in my head.
You are the oceans gray waves.
It was soothing, it served as a reminder of home as well. My song continued as I looked out and watched the movement of several villagers going about their daily business. I wondered what it would be like, to not have any idea about the looming threats that no one can see.
The snow, the song, the calmness of the people. Slowly but surely I began to grow content, my thoughts became less sporadic. With this new found calm, I noticed a new merchant setting up their stall. I would have ignored this if it wasn't for one thing.
It's Anna, or rather an Anna.
I'd recognize that red ponytail anywhere. She had a great big smile on her face as she was unpacking what looked like the last of her things. I wondered if I should go say hello, but that would be strange as I've never met her of any of her sisters.
Anna seemed to drop something and bent down to retrieve it. This action, made me look at her rear end. Shamefully I kept staring after she stood back up. What's wrong with me? That's so wrong. My eyes look back up to her head and… shit she noticed me looking.
I quickly turn away and cough into my hand, attempting to look like I was minding my own business. I was failing. Reluctantly, I turned back to look at her and saw that she was still looking at me, this time with her hands on her hips. I cringed, but then I saw her face and realized that she was giving me a smirk. That had me worried, call me a perv or something, but don't act like you caught me with my hand in the cookie jar.
The merchant held up her hand and wiggled her fingers in a wave. I raised a brow in slight confusion before answering with a wave of my own. Her smirk turned into a full smile, before she turned back around and got back to her work. I let out a small chuckle and began to turn back to the tavern's entrance, but before I could walk back into the establishment. I saw something, well saw might be the wrong word, I felt something. My mana sense was just poking the back of my skull, like something was trying to get my attention.
I turned to the source, and see that it's coming from a small wooden box resting beside Anna's feet. I know that if I were to go over there, I'd either die of embarrassment, or be broke in the first minute and a half. But this feeling was just drawing me towards it. Making a decision, I began walking towards the stall. I tried not to look at either the box or the girl standing next to it. It wasn't long before I was standing in front of the counter, staring at a smirking Anna.
"Hey Handsome, if you're here to stare some more I'll have to charge you."
I scowled at her words, "Yeah, yeah laugh it up, you little con artist."
She lifted her hands and shrugged, "Hey, is it a crime to use my looks to get some gold?"
I lifted my hand to my chin in false thought, "Isn't that kinda prostitution?"
Her hands slowly lowered themselves back onto the counter and her face became very robotic like, "So are you here to buy something, or just harass me?"
I smiled when I realized that I had won this game, "Well maybe, something did catch my eye."
"Sorry, despite what you think; I'm not for sale." She said without missing a beat.
I frowned when I realized that I hadn't won, she was just setting her next one up. This was made clearer when she leaned across the counter and held her hand to her mouth like she was telling me a secret.
"Did you think you won?"
"Shut up."
"I'll take that as a yes!" she said with a smile before standing up straight and placing her hands on her hips. "So, for real, what caught your eye?"
I let out a sigh, now how to ask about something I sensed.
"Well, I couldn't help but feel drawn to that box by your feet."
Her smile turned into a smirk, "Oh? And why's that I wonder?"
"You tell me, could I have a quick look inside?"
She got a cheesy grin, before picking up the box and setting it on the counter.
"I've been waiting for this." She told me before she opened the box and showed me the contents.
It was… a book. Though if it's giving out a mana signal it's gotta be a tome or enchanted or something. Its cover was teal, with swirling silver designs. It was strangely beautiful.
"What is it exactly?" I ask, only then do I notice Anna looking at the tome with slight disappointment.
"Huh?" she asks in response to my question, "Oh! I uh, I don't know. Some old guy paid me to take the box and give it to the first man that asks about it. It was weird, he told me not to open it until someone asks too."
Another mysterious old man? Should I be worried?
"So does that mean you'll give it to me?" I asked.
Anna looked away from the box and into my eyes, her smirk grew as she slammed the box shut and rested her arms on top of it. She leaned forward, pushing her breasts up in a clearly intentional move. If she thinks she can get money out of me like that she's got another thing coming.
"I'll give it to you for a fee of a hundred gold."
I clicked my tongue on the roof of my mouth, "Didn't the guy who gave you this pay you to deliver it already?"
She leaned forward more, "He paid for shipping," She started before she pressed her breasts up even more and lowered her voice to a whisper, "You pay for handling."
I stared at her for a moment and spoke in a deadpan, "I know what you're trying to do, it's not gonna work. Twenty gold."
She leaned back with a frown, "tch, eighty."
"Forty."
Her smile came back, "Sixty, and you take me to dinner."
I rolled my eyes, "Sorry not interested. fifty-five."
"What?" she asks, "How do you mean you're 'not interested?' You were staring at my ass."
"Yes, I'm a man."
She snorted, "Fine then. Fifty-five."
She held her hand out, I grabbed it and gave it a shake to seal the deal. I then begin to dig into my coin purse and started counting out her payment.
"If you don't mind me asking." Anna spoke, "Why don't you want to take me out?"
"Hurt your self-esteem did I?" I shot back without missing a beat.
She let out another snort, "Ha. Ha." She said sarcastically.
Her smiled returned as I handed her the gold, she moved to put it on her scale to make sure it was real.
"But seriously," she began, placing the counter weights on the scale, "Why not? You got a girlfriend?"
My first instinct was to say no, but an image of Sumia flashed in my head and stunned me into silence. If that wasn't proof that I had some kind of feelings for her I don't know what is. I guess I'll have to deal with that eventually.
I let out a sigh as I realized that my relationship with the flyer had gotten extremely complicated very suddenly. Why do I suddenly have a crush on her? I shivered at that word… Crush. I have bad experiences with that word. But the question was a good one. One that I unfortunately don't have an answer to.
"Judging from that sigh and your thousand yard stare," Anna slides the box in my direction, "I'm guessing it falls into the 'It's complicated' category."
I look back into her reddish-brown eyes, "Yeah, I guess it can be described as such."
Anna nodded in understanding, she propped her elbow on the counter and rested her head in her hand. "You know if you have feelings for her, you should tell her."
I frowned, "I mean, it's more like I know I could develop feelings for her, rather than just liking her."
"Oh," Anna rolled her eyes, "It's that early in the process."
I let out a sad laugh, "Yeah, it is." I frowned and took a quick glance behind me to make sure I wasn't holding up a line.
"Besides," I began when I realized I was the only one here, "Even if it wasn't I still couldn't tell her."
"Why's that?"
I let out a snort, "You mean besides my crippling fear of rejection?"
"Sissy." She chuckled.
"Hey for your information men have feelings too."
"Sure, sure. I'm just yanking your chain." She giggled, with an eyeroll. "But seriously, why?"
I hesitated for a moment, I was unsure if I should just tell my troubles to her. Though to be fair, I'm going to be interacting with her and her sisters fairly often… eh, what's the worst that can happen.
"She's not talking to me. I made her a promise involving not taking a certain risk, ended up taking it anyway. I got out fine, but she's pissed and avoiding me. I've been trying to apologize, but it's hard to do that when she basically sprints away when I try to approach."
I let out a sigh after my speech, "I honestly don't know what to do." I looked at the ground in shame.
The only sound in the air was the chatter of villagers and merchants bartering at other shops. Anna's hand was resting on the counter and she began drumming her fingers on its surface.
"Let me see if I got this straight." She started. I looked back into her eyes and gave her my attention.
"You made a promise, which I'm assuming was along the lines of 'be careful' or 'don't do anything stupid.' And then you did just that, and now she won't talk to you because you broke the promise."
"That basically sums it up. And before you say it I know I screwed up, I want to apologize but she won't let me."
…
"And you weren't hurt by this stupid thing?"
"No, not really. I was just exhausted."
"Well," she started "That wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be."
I just raised an eyebrow.
"Look, I'm with you on this one. She's kinda blowing it out of proportion. Though I can't be sure, because there's obviously more details that you're leaving out."
I smiled sadly in response, "Thanks?"
"Don't thank me for that." she commanded. "Instead, thank me for this: You can't talk to her and she avoids you. So write her a letter instead."
I looked down In thought, that could be a good idea. After all, the reason she stopped Cordelia from delivering my message is because she wanted to hear it from me. If it was a letter, someone could give it to her, but it'll still be my words and not somebody parroting them. But…
"I… I might do that but…" I looked back up to Anna, "What would I even write?"
Anna smiled softly and reaches over the counter and places her hand on my shoulder.
"Everything."
That word resonated in my head. Everything? I know Anna meant it as 'tell her how sorry you are and that it won't happen again yada, yada, yada.' And I could do that, no, I would do that. But I could also, tell her… everything. Lucina knows I have some foreknowledge and supports me without even being here, knowing that I'm not alone in trying to make a change in this world is wonderful. But… If Sumia knew that I was a 'Einherjar' if she knew that I was throwing myself into danger because it's my supposed 'job.'
It could… help. It could relieve this stress, it could lessen the weight… Gods… I can't bare the weight any longer. I'm not strong enough… I'm not a hero, I may have Magical powers but I'm still me. I'm so frightfully human that it hurts. I'm not the protagonist of some anime or comic, I'm the guy who reads about the hero. The guy that watches their struggles for entertainment, I wasn't built to have those same struggles.
I need someone to lean on, someone here. Lucina helps, but she's miles away. Sumia's here. And… I can't be alone anymore, she can help. But do I really want to put this stress on others? One person may or may not be enough for me to keep going. But would it be enough for her?
My eyes widen with realization. It was so simple, it was staring me in the face the entire time.
"Rely on your friends, that is why you have them."
I chuckled humorlessly, it's funny how the words of one of the people causing my stress, will be the cure to my stress.
"Thank you, I'll go write that letter right now." I grabbed the box containing my purchase, and started to move back to the tavern to pull my friends back to the inn.
"Hold on there, Hot shot!"
I paused mid-step and looked back at the merchant. "What is it?"
A foxy grin shows up on her face, "Advice is forty-five gold."
…
"Well then I'm stealing your advice. Good day." I said before speed walking away.
"Hey! Get back here you cheapskate!" she yelled at my retreating back.
"That's my name don't wear it out!" I called back.
"I will hunt you down!" she yelled, I could hear her smile so I knew she wasn't serious.
"I already told you I'm not interested!"
"Screw you!"
"Only in your dreams, shortcake!'
She didn't yell anything else so I knew I won this round. Luckily I wasn't as embarrassed as I thought I'd be. And I definitely have more gold than I thought I would. But the bigger thing that's on my mind is the words of Emmeryn. I doubt she meant them to mean something like this, but it makes sense. Chrom and Robin are worrying about the war, and I'll let them do that. They don't need to have more stress then they already have.
But they don't make up all of the Shepherds, I have friends that aren't Princes or Tacticians. I have friends that tried to help me feel better by taking me to get drinks. I have morons already looking out for me. So why can't they look out for the world too? After all, the heroes in comics can and do work alone. But…
I open the tavern door and was assaulted with the smell of alcohol. My eyes laid witness to Gaius and Stahl standing on the bar, arms draped around each other's shoulders. The patrons of the bar laughed while my intoxicated friends danced to the music currently being played by a traveling bard.
When the hero faces something too big for them…
My face broke into a smile.
They call in the team.
"So you'll do it?"
"Of course I will!" The redhead replies, "It pains me to see you two like this. I'll do anything to help."
I give her a smile and hand her the letter, "Thanks, Cherry."
"No problem, I'll go deliver it now." Cordelia walked off to presumably find Sumia.
I felt a small twinge of fear but quickly shook it off. This was the right thing to do, I wrote of my extra-dimensional origins in that letter. She wouldn't know everything, only that I'm not from this world and I'm here to stop someone else from the same world. I basically told her only what I've been speculating my reason for being here to be. I claimed to be a Einherjar to make it easier to understand.
How she reacts will be the deciding factor, if she reacts the way I hope, I'll tell others of my choosing. That way I'll have a small group of select people to help me with this.
I nodded to myself and made my way back to my room, I'm feeling a little more focused after writing that. Because of this I decided to work with my magic a bit. I haven't practiced since the last battle after all. The last thing I remember reading is the base sigils for Light and Dark magic. But I want to know how they came up with said sigils. I definitely want to finish this before I start reading the book I got from Anna, which turned out to be a Wind tome
After entering my room and making sure the door was shut behind me, I grabbed my Magic History book and sat on my bed. I crossed my legs and rested the book on my lap as I opened it back to where I left off. I was met with the sight of the Light and Dark sigils again, I didn't expect the book to have such depictions, but I wasn't going to complain.
I started reading the text, thanking whatever deity that ruled this realm that they wrote English here. It took about twenty minutes for me to finish the chapter and learn what I wanted to learn. While Anima Magic base sigils were made from mimicking the shape of constellations, Light and Dark came from the sun and moon. The sigils were created by mimicking the claw shape of Naga and Grima. Apparently they were also known as The Dragons of the Sun and Moon. And that confused me as to how light and dark magic can exist in other Fire Emblem games, but I didn't question it long.
I frowned, if the sigils were all based off something, then how did my future self make plasma? I can't even begin to understand how he achieved that. Perhaps he developed the magic when he was better in the mystic arts? Okay, lets think this through: All magic, gains power through celestial bodies. So it's Cosmic in nature. The sun is a ball of plasma to put it simply, so perhaps the 'white fire' was just light magic? It's possible, but what about the ice?
My mind suddenly flashed back to Fimbulvetr, and I felt foolish for forgetting it. But Fimbulvetr was within the wind category of Anima magic…
Well I'm an idiot, it wasn't plasma, it was a type of light magic. It wasn't some unique ice ability, it was just another wind spell. So I guess I just need a light tome and a wind tome that can teach me how to make ice. That being said, lets go through the Sigils. Master the basics before moving on.
First, Fire. The Sigil of the constellation of Ignis. Flat vertical palm, thumb out, pinky, ring and middle fingers curled into the palm, the index finger raised. I channeled a small amount of mana into the Sigil and was rewarded with small flames flickering against my skin. Perfect.
Next, Lightning. The Sigil of the constellation of Fulgur. The same as Fire but with the middle finger joining the index. Some more Mana and I had lightning crackling along my hand.
Finishing Anima, we have Wind. The Sigil of the constellation of Ventus. The Same as Fire, but curling the thumb and extended fingers only slightly in a claw like position. I channeled some Mana yet again and had a small vortex of wind surrounding my hand. Perfect, that's Anima done.
I look back into my book and take in the Light Sigil. I look at the small text below it and realize that the Sun here actually has a name. With that said, I begin to make The Sigil of Lucerna. Vertical palm, all fingers splayed out except the middle and ring fingers, that are closed together. The effect my Mana gave my hand was surprising to say the least. It made my hand glow, but the glow was dim and came from within my hand. It was like shining a flashlight through your fingers, only the color was yellow. I could see my bones and veins in my hand, it was both nasty and beautiful at the same time.
I also noticed that my veins were pulsing a brighter light in rhythm with my heart rate. Perhaps this is how Mana travels through the body? Through the blood? That might actually make sense, the weakness you feel after exhausting your Mana might be the effect of blood rushing to different areas quickly… maybe… I don't know. I'm not a doctor. It's a question for another time.
I looked back into my book and observed the Dark Sigil, the moon also had a name it seems. The Sigil of Tenebris was literally the Vulcan Salute, the only difference being the thumb was pressed against the side of the hand. I chuckled at both the absurdity and simplicity of that before mimicking it and giving it Mana.
The effect was even more surprising than Light. It was like a black hole formed around my hand, it wasn't a black hole. Not even close. It was a void surrounding my hand, the edges of its effect were blurred, as if space was contorting around its power. And within that void covering my appendage, was a purple skeletal hand. My hand. It glowed a dim purple light within the void, but the glow couldn't escape the darkness and it effected nothing outside of it.
It was only after about thirty seconds of staring at it that I heard it. Light didn't give off a sound, but Darkness does. It was hard to describe, like a combination of a gentle hum, and a painful scream. A whisper of terror. A plea for death. The frightful sound seemed to be getting louder in my ears, but for the life of me I couldn't stop myself from watching, and listening. It was if the sound of its power was speaking to me. Like a pull on my soul.
It felt cold… I like the cold. It was Dark… I like the Dark.
"Come to me."
The pull became more of a constant aggressive tugging, I startled at the attack on my soul and the power faded from my hand. It was then that I realized the shadows of Dusk had arrived and were being casted into my room through my open window. The sun was beginning to set… I started reading at midday.
"What the hell was that…?" I whispered to myself as I started shaking.
I looked down slowly to the depiction of the Tenebris Sigil and swallowed the lump in my throat. Maybe Dark magic isn't for me… I preferred the warm glow of light.
…But, Darkness seemed more powerful… but that voice… that pull. It… it wasn't natural. It's funny that I can think that about Magic. Or perhaps, that just makes darkness even scarier. The fact that even among the unnatural, the power of darkness feels unnatural. I shivered, I liked the cold, I really did. But that wasn't the chill of freezing air. The was the frigidness of death. Not a fan of that thank you. But all that being said it did seem stronger…
What if I…
I look at the illustrations of the Light and Dark Sigils, and wonder if anyone ever tried what I am about to try. I look down at my hand and make the Tenebris Sigil again, but this time I extended the thumb. With slight hesitation, I poured some Mana into it. I got nothing but a dull pain.
I stopped the mana flow and shook my hand in an attempt to alleviate the pain. I looked back down at the Sigils and got a new idea. I made the Lucerna Sigil, pressed the thumb against the side of my hand and then bent the first and second knuckles of the middle and ring fingers. This Sigil I'm making kind of looked like how Spider-Man shoots his webs, only with the wrist curling upwards.
I looked back between my hand and the book, to make sure this even made sense. The pointer, thumb and pinky are where they would be for the Tenebris Sigil. But the middle and ring fingers are together, like they would be for the Lucerna Sigil, and they are separated from the others… it's kind of a stretch since I don't know much about the non-base Sigils, this could be the Sigil for some other obscure spell.
I shrugged, "What's the worst that could happen?"
I started channeling Mana and was met with nothing. I was disappointed at first before I realized… there was no pain. My brow furrowed in confusion, before I realized that I very well may not be giving it enough Mana. After all this is an attempt to combine two different Schools of magic, with that thought in mind, I started pouring more mana into it. I didn't get an effect like the others, just a feeling. It was like the pins and needles feeling you get when blood rushes back into a sleeping foot.
But that means that something is there. Some kind of power. The strength of Darkness and warmth of Light. What would that be called? Dark-Light? …Nah, too on the nose. Shadowglow? …No…
I put a little bit more Mana into it and the feeling was different, like Mana wanted to burst out of my hand, a push rather than the darkness's pull. Perhaps I can call this currently theoretical power Dark Force? …Too dark. I glance away from my hand and see the long shadows of the setting sun being casted into the window of my room. Dusk perhaps? …No. Too simple, but I'm on the right track. Another word for it maybe?
I look up and dig through my vocabulary for a good word, "…Twilight?"
As if in answer to the name, the building pressure from the constant pushing was released. Sprouting from my hand in an instant were three long tendrils of red energy that glowed a yellow light. I reeled back at the sudden appearance of the glowing tentacles that must have been at least twenty feet long. My panic effected their behavior, and had them writhing all over the place and they started knocking my things over.
"Shit!" I yelled as I stopped supplying Mana. The Tendrils evaporated into a shower of orange sparks.
…
My hand is numb.
But I didn't care, I literally just made some kind of new magic. Let's see if I can recreate it. Using my other hand, I made the Sigil and supplied Mana. I started with a very small amount. I'm not used to the amount it took to make it the first time, so I'll build my way up. But it seems like that's unnecessary, the small amount of Mana was sufficient for the magic now. That was made evident by the appearance of the same tendrils as before, yet much smaller… they were maybe six inches now.
I was confused by the lack of Mana cost, but then I realized that pushing pressure of power had ceased. Perhaps there was some kind of barrier? I wracked my thoughts and came up with a conclusion… The name. I had gave it a name that I liked, that also explained what it was. And that gave it form. It made sense, after all, we know what Light and Darkness is. We know what Fire, Wind and Lightning is. Magic is powered by Mana, shaped by the Sigils, but it was given form by will. And before its name, I didn't know what I was trying to will into reality.
I looked at the three six inch boneless squirming tendrils, wondering what I could do with such power. I began to focus, willing the three tactile energy limbs to take the shape of one. I succeeded. The length of the other two adding on to the third. The two and a half foot tentacle waved in the air as if bored. I looked over to the floor and saw one of my books had fallen to the ground as a result of my initial discovery. I gave the tendril a quick glance before I swung my arm at the fallen tome.
The energy limb followed my thoughts and lashed out at it and wrapped around it, a quick tug and it pulled it into my right hand like a whip. A smile spread across my face, I actually did it. I made a new type of Magic. I quickly ended the Mana supply and ran over to the desk, opening a drawer, I grabbed a quill and inkwell. I need to write this down, this can't be forgotten. I shake my head as I open a blank tome I had bought a few days ago, forget Plasma or Ice, I need to master this new power. I need to make it my own.
This is maybe the thing that gives me an edge against Ubel. I'd need to practice it at every opportunity, and I need to learn more about both Light and Dark magics. I have no idea where I would get a light tome, but if this world's shops are like the game, Dark tomes should be prevalent in this world. In fact, a certain flirty redhead could have a decent selection.
After writing a description of my new Twilight Magic, as well as the pressure before my first use, I threw on my hooded coat and made my way out of the inn. I ignored everyone I passed, even if they called my name. This was too important to me, I can just make it up to them later. After exiting the inn and stepping outside, I was thankful that I decided to bring my coat. The evening chill set in, I probably would have gotten frostbitten if I didn't have the hooded garment.
The snow was slightly deeper than it was this afternoon, but not so much that it'd slow my brisk pace. But it did stop snowing, so there might be ice patches, need to be careful of those. I loved the white glow of the snow as the setting sun shined on it, it was beautiful. That beauty aside something felt off, something wasn't right.
My progress was halted by the sight of several townspeople running my direction, there was some other merchants as well. They looked afraid.
"What happened!?" I called out to them as they passed.
One older man looked back to me, his eyes widened in what looked like surprise.
"Yur a Shepherd ain't ya?" he asked.
I gave him a nod and he quickly grabbed my hand, "Please Sir! There are bandits in the square, that merchant girl is fighting them! She don't stand a chance!"
It was Anna. Who else could it be?
"Go to The Sleeping Manakete, the other Shepherds are there. Tell them what you told me, and that I'm going to assist the merchant."
The man nodded and took off, and I in turn moved to the square. I can't dive in head first without knowing what's happening, I need to know how many there are. I need a lay of the land. My eyes lock on the buildings to my right. Perfect.
I turn and run towards them, waiting for the right time, I jump and use my wind to get enough height to land on the roof. It's time for medieval winter parkour. I leapt from rooftop to rooftop. Using wind to correct my landings and regain balance when necessary, it didn't take long before I was crouched atop one of the buildings outside the square and saw what was happening.
It looked like those two brothers, what were their names again? Vicky and Vinny? Was one of them Italian? Whatever. It was them and it looks like there was three other lackies. They were standing in front of Anna, and they all had their weapons drawn. I couldn't tell what they were saying, but judging from the brothers' body language, Anna was being witty.
Might as well make my entrance now. I decided to be extra and jumped off the roof, giving myself the extra distance with wind augmentation. I landed exactly where I wanted to land, between Anna and the bandits. I let out a small amount of Wind Mana as I landed, a small tornado around my form. The snow spun around me making me feel like a badass. I resisted the urge to smile as I glared at the bandits shocked faces.
"…Well that was cool."
"Shut it, Charlie!" the brother on the right yelled at the goon that commented on my entrance.
I continued to use a very small amount of Wind Mana to make the snow swirl around me, my own attempt at intimidation.
"Hello again, Handsome. Here to sweep me off my feet?"
I let out a sigh, "Look, we don't even know each other's names, so can you stop with the flirting."
"Sure I can. If you give me my forty-five gold."
"You know, maybe I should just leave you to deal with this situation yourself."
"Well that wouldn't be very gentlemanly now, would it?"
"Constantly trying to get me to give you all my money isn't very Lady-like either."
"I'll have you know I'm very Lady-like."
"…You know I was gonna say something in retaliation. But I just realized you'd get along great with a princess I know, so I can't really deny your claim."
"Guess I win again."
"Cyka blyat."
"Hmm? What does that mean?"
"It means suck it."
"Play your cards right and maybe I will."
"Damn it, you will be the death of me."
"Excuse me!?"
Both me and Anna turn to the brother on the left who interrupted our banter.
"We still 'ere, ya know!"
I frowned, "Yes, I can see that. By the way, didn't your mother teach you not to interrupt other people's conversations?"
"Yeah, it's really rude, you know." Anna said as she walked up beside me.
All of the bandits faces were redder than Anna's hair. I leaned over to her and talked quietly behind my hand, "I think we made them angry."
Anna let out a small giggle, "I think so too."
"Kail!"
The voice drew everyone's attention, when we looked the direction it came from, I saw the backup I sent for arriving. Chrom, Robin, and Frederick, sans his horse, have arrived.
A smile grew on my face, "Heyyy! Welcome to the party!"
"You call this a party?" Chrom asked as he tossed me my sword that I had left in my room.
"I called it that more out of decency." I responded. "There's not even any drinks!"
"I'll give you a drink." Anna said quickly.
I frowned for a moment as I thought over her words, "…Was that supposed to be an innuendo?"
"I prefer it; inn-my-endo."
"You're disgusting."
"Indeed." Frederick spoke up with a frown.
"Um, I'm sorry, Kail, but who's your friend?" Robin asked.
"'Friend' is a generous term here."
"I'm his new squeeze!"
"Only in your dreams, Shortcake."
"Why do you call me that? I'm the same height as you."
"Uh, yeah. I'm short too. And your head looks like a strawberry. So you know, Strawberry Short-"
"Are ya done!?"
The shepherds plus Anna look to the fuming Berserker. He was literally grinding his teeth in frustration.
"We sat ere' fer what feels like hours listenin' ta your bloody babbling! We fightin' or not!?"
Everyone was silent for a moment before I spoke up, "Well, I don't know. Does the Annual Bandit Ball have fighting instead of dancing?"
The other brother decided it was his turn to scream, "Bandits don't 'ave Balls!"
…
…
"…I honestly don't have a response to that."
Anna busted out laughing, Chrom and Robin chuckled and Frederick rolled his eyes."
All the bandits started shaking in rage, their grip on their weapons tightening.
"Kill them! Kill them all!" The brothers yelled at the same time, as the group of ruffians charged.
"Oh shit!" I yelled as the two brothers drew a smaller axe from each of their belts and flung them at me and Anna.
I wind dashed to the side, grabbing Anna along the way, "Guess we pissed off the big two."
"Guess so! You take the purple one I take the red one?"
"Sounds good!" I responded as I readied my sword.
The two charging giants seemed confident in their victory, that'll be their downfall. My brow furrowed, downfall, huh? Ideas have been had. I blast some wind at the purple goliaths feet, he trips and lands face first in the snow.
"The bigger they are, the harder they fall!" I yell as I jump up and make an attempt to stab him in his exposed back.
"Get some better material ya bloody Magic Man!" Before I was able to make contact, I saw the red one in mid jump tackle. I pushed myself back with some airbending and dodged it. The red giant landed on the other side of his brother, and began charging at me.
"The hell Shortcake!?" I yell out in frustration.
"Sorry, he got away from me!" she yelled back as she attacked the now recovering purple giant.
"Give up now!" the red berserker yelled, "I was born a Victor, and victory will be mine!"
"Who says?" I asked.
"Your mum told me last night!" he yelled as he tried to take my head off with a horizontal swing.
I Wind-jumped over his swing, after a flipping spin I landed on his shoulders and gave the back of his head a smack, "My mom's dead, are you saying you slept with a corpse? Not cool bro."
He let out a loud growl and tried to grab me with his free hand. I retaliated with instinct and swung my sword to meet it, there was barely any resistance as my blade cut cleanly through his wrist.
"AGHHH! ME HAND!" he yelled as he dropped his axe and started clutching his bleeding stump.
I dropped off his shoulders and landed behind him, I quickly sliced both of his Achilles tendons. He let out a grunt, as he fell to his knees. In a show of remarkable determination and pain tolerance, he let go of his severed hand and grabbed his axe. A rotation of his torso gave him the needed leverage to swing at my abdomen.
Using my airbending, I jumped over the swing, just like his last. I did a cartwheel in the air and used the momentum gained to slice open his chest.
"VICTOR, NO!" the other giant yelled, as he yelled and literally picked up and threw Anna in the same direction as Chrom and the others who were still in battle.
The behemoth sped over to his brother, I launched myself back a ways to get out of his way. He dropped to his knees and grabbed the now named Victor's hand.
"Vincent?" the bleeding man asked.
"I'm 'ere ya bloody fool. Now stand the 'ell up!"
"I... I see an open field, Vincent... Such beautiful flowers..."
"No, don't go dying on me!"
He got no response as the man finally passed away. His blood loss seemed to be too much for him, maybe I hit his heart when I slashed his chest. The usual emptiness I dealt with when I killed, was now replaced with sorrow when I saw the man shed a few tears for his brother.
His sadness soon morphed into rage as he slowly looked towards me, "You..."
He growled the word like a curse, he picked up both his and his brothers axe as he stood up.
"I'LL TEAR YOU TO BLOODY PIECES!"
He charged me with bloodthirsty eyes that had me take a step back in fright. Only now do I realize how big these guys are, he had to be at least two feet taller than me. And his shoulders were twice the width of mine, this was actually like David and Goliath. The only problem is: His eyes, they're so filled with hate and bloodlust that they remind me of similar eyes.
The silted pupils flash in my head, alongside fire, teeth and scales. My breathing quickened and I felt as if my heart was about to explode. I tried to Wind-launch myself backwards, but I tripped over some unseen object and fell to the ground, dropping my sword in the process.
The enraged man jumped into the air and aimed his axes at my head. I cross my arms over my face and await the pain of death, yet it never came. Instead the sound of someone knocking on a empty box of sheet metal rang in the air. And then again. And again, and again, and again. It was only when I felt a drain on my Mana that I decided to look over my arms.
I saw the berserker swinging both axes like hammers at my head, but about a foot before they would make contact; they hit an unseen wall of Mana. I must have instinctually made a telekinetic shield. Only this time, it was so dense that with every strike it endured a ripple of light would move through it. A shockwave that would reveal its shape.
"KAIL!"
Chrom's voice cut me out of my surprise, unfortunately the distraction seemed to weaken my shield. His axe broke it the shield, it let out a small blast of energy as it shattered like glass and destroyed the axe in the process. After a slight stumble, he raised his remaining axe.
"KAIL! NO!" Chrom yelled in desperation.
But another much calmer and enthusiastic voice rang out right after, "Need a hand?!"
Something hit the side of Vincent's head making him stumble slightly, he looked at where the object landed and his eyes widened. I turned and looked at the object as well. And promptly cursed Anna for making that joke first.
It was Victors severed hand.
"YOU BITCH!" Vincent yelled as he turned to look at her.
Now was my chance, he gave me an opening. But I couldn't use Wind or Lightning, too big of a risk of cutting or frying myself. I didn't know a strong enough fire spell to do more then aggravate him. My eyes widened when I remembered the thing that brought me here in the first place.
I lifted my hand and made the new Sigil of Twilight, I tried to imagine the tendril being more firm and spike-like. I channeled a large chunk of my Mana into the Sigil, and I yet again felt the desire to say something. An incantation of some kind. Before any other thought could be made, words fell out of my mouth.
"Umbra Hastam!"
The fist-wide tendril shot out of my hand and skewered the Berserker through the stomach, it was just as I imagined. A sunset orange, crystalline stalagmite rising from my hand and into his abdomen. Vincent dropped his axe and clutched the amber pillar he was impaled on, his eyes wide and blood leaking from his mouth. He looked up from his pierced stomach and locked eyes with me, his shock slowly faded until he was left with a smile.
"…Vic…tor."
Not even a second after the word left his mouth did he go limp. I pushed both him and the crystal spear to the side and dispelled the Twilight Magic. I looked at the hand that had cast the spell and wondered if making spells with this new school would always be this easy. But I quickly shook that notion out of my head. I could do the same with fire, I could make my hand alight, I could move it up my arm and such. But I can't do anything but that without more Sigils. After all, making a flame is different from turning the earth into magma.
I stood up and tried to ignore the bleeding corpse next to me. I don't think I got injured in that battle, that's an improvement.
"Kail…?"
Chrom's voice broke me out of my musing, I turned to look at the group and saw everyone's widened eyes. Well, everyone but Frederick, he was narrowing his eyes in what was probably suspicion.
"…What was that?" Chrom asked in shock.
Oh, right. Now I have to explain that I made a new school of Combat Magic. That won't be fun or anything. Meh, but now's not the time, I have other things I need to do.
"…Just something I've been working on, I actually wasn't sure it would work."
Chrom nodded, accepting my words at face value. Robin and Frederick however, had their gaze linger on me. They obviously realized something was up and that I avoided it. While Anna was giving me a smile that had me worried I was going to get sexually assaulted in the night. I seriously don't know what I did to make her so thirsty, but I'm actually scared right now.
"Are both you alright?" Chrom asked as he looked between me and the terrifying redhead.
I just gave a thumbs up as an answer but Anna…
"Just fine good-looking." She said with a smile as Frederick glared at her, "Say you lot wouldn't happen to need a Supply Girl would you?"
Chrom looked confused, "Um… we get supplies from Ylisstol…"
Anna waved her hand, "Not what I meant, I mean do you need anyone to keep track of your stock of weapons and whatnot?"
Oh god please say no.
"We have people that do that."
Thank you Chrom.
"What about someone that keep track of funds on the road?"
Oh no.
"I've been doing that actually." Robin said.
Close one.
"But I have enough work with strategy, it'd be a help to have one less job."
Damn it, no!
"Well if you'd like I could take that job off your hands. The only payment I ask is an extra day or two rest at towns so I can set up shop."
Shit, that's a good deal! Damn it!
"I advise against this, Milord. We know nothing of this woman, she may be trying to rob us of our gold."
Thank you, Frederick the wary!
"She fought the bandits with us, and saved Kail's life. I trust her."
Damn it, Chrom!
"I accept your offer, miss…?"
"Anna."
Chrom and Anna shook hands, sealing the ludicrous deal. Welp, there goes my peace of mind. To be fair I expected this, Anna is a shepherd after all. But I am seriously scared of her now. Like the hell, happened? When I first met her she was more of a tease then a vixen trying to aggressively seduce me.
Anna looked to me and gave me the same unnerving smile as before. I felt like a piece of fresh meat in front of a starving lion.
"Well then, Kail. I guess we're gonna be seeing more of each other."
I hunched over and hung my head in defeat, "Yayyyy…" I muttered weakly as I raised my fist slightly.
"Oh stop it. All this means is you get to look at my ass some more."
I deflated and almost fell to my knees.
"I beg your pardon," Robin interrupted gently, a growing smile on his face, "But the hell are you talking about?"
"Well, let me tell you how me and Mr. Diamond-Eyes met."
I actually fell to my knees.
"You okay over there Handsome?"
The way Anna said that word just made me realize the effect her presence will have on my life…
I'm gonna have to sleep with my sword to feel safe again.
Three tomes now. I have three.
The one that Maribelle gave me, the more advanced wind tome Anna gave me, and my newest addition. A basic Flux tome that I purchased from Anna. I had to wait until Frederick -And by extension Chrom- left to ask Anna, me buying a Dark Tome will only make him even more suspicious.
I look at the stack of three books and wonder if I shouldn't write down some of my more frequently used spells in my own tome, like Robin does. It might make managing and finding certain spells easier. Just as I realized with horror that I would probably have to buy a blank tome from Anna, I heard a knock on my door. My brow furrowed in slight confusion, it was pretty late, almost everyone was in bed. I grabbed my dagger, just in case, made my way over to the door and cracked it open.
I froze in surprise when I saw Sumia standing there looking awkward. She was also holding a bundle of cloth, and what seemed to be my letter was resting on top of it.
"H-hi."
Her voice was like a squeaking mouse, she seemed to noticed this as she looked down in what looked like embarrassment.
"…Hey." I muttered back.
She looked back up at me and opened her mouth to say something but seemed to freeze up, and shifted on her feet awkwardly. She kept trying to speak but her voice seemed to fail her. I realized that she might be wanting to talk about the letter, so I decided to help her out.
"…Do… do you want to come in?"
She froze and blushed slightly at her inability to speak, before nodding lightly. I step back and open the door, I quickly place the dagger in my hand on the small table behind the door. Sumia seemed hesitant as she walked into my room, taking small and somewhat slow steps until she reached the center of the room. She just stood there, staring at the ground in front of her. She seemed to be whispering something to herself but I couldn't make it out.
I closed the door and waited a moment, but Sumia didn't say anything to me, she just continued her whispering. I made to speak but as soon as the beginning of the first syllable came out of my mouth, her head snapped up with a sharp breath and startled me into silence. She gave herself a little nod before walking over to the table that my tomes were resting on, she put down the bundle of cloth next to the stack of books.
"I… I hope I didn't wake you?" she asked as she turned to look at me.
I was silent for a moment, processing the fact that this is happening.
"NO!" I yelled before realizing I didn't need to raise my voice, "Uh, I mean… no, you… you didn't wake me. I haven't even taken my sleeping potion."
Way to spill your spaghetti Kail… idiot.
"S-still I could have waited until tomorrow, I can go if you want to sleep."
I shook my head, "No, trust me Sumia, I'd rather talk to you."
Sumia blushed and looked away with a small smile. Her smile faded into a frown before she grabbed her left arm and took a deep breath.
"Okay, here goes." She muttered before she turned back to me, "I'm sorry."
My brow furrowed, "What?"
Sumia pursed her lips before responding, "I'm sorry I made such a big deal out of this. I could have just talked with you about it and worked it out, but I didn't because I was too scared. I was childish about it and I'm sorry…"
I let out a chuckle, "Sumia..."
She raised an eyebrow at my reaction.
I shook my head, "Sumia, you have nothing to apologize for."
Her brow furrowed, "But I-"
I lifted my hand to silence her before speaking again, "If anyone here was childish it was me."
"Buh-wha?"
I chuckled at her stupor, "I… I was being selfish. I have been for a while. I've only been thinking about the bigger picture, about the responsibility I have. I was so focused on completing my mission I failed to look at the smaller things."
I reached out and placed my hand on her shoulder, "I kept thinking that because everyone was ignorant to the things I am not, I was justified when I… what's the word…"
"F-forgot them?" Sumia offered.
"Yeah... I guess that works…" I frowned, "I thought that I was more important than anyone, and because of that it wouldn't matter what I did."
I shook my head, "What happened with the wyvern was a consequence of that. I was overworking myself, and everyone that told me to take a break was an 'ignorant fool' and I paid the price. I thought that I had learned from that but I hadn't.
"I hadn't learned, because I didn't take into account how you would feel if I risked my life facing those things again. You tried to save me from the wyvern in the last battle, but I still opted to take it out. And then take out the rest. I still acted like I was the protagonist of some fairy tale."
I shook my head and smiled, "Your reaction taught me. It made me realize that I'm not the Hero of Time, I'm not the Dragonborn, I'm Kail. And Kail needs to rely on his friends more… I'm not a hero. I don't think I ever will be. But I can be a friend, someone who helps the world alongside his precious people... I think I just had a hard time realizing that; I'm important to other people too. That, even if they don't know the bigger picture… I'm still not alone."
"Kail… of course your not alone." Sumia said after a moment of silence.
It was only then that I saw the look of pure sympathy on her face. It made me want to spill everything, just like Chrom's stupid mug. The only difference is… Chrom made you feel like you can confide in him, that you can tell him your troubles and issues and he'll stand by you anyway. But Sumia… her expression just radiated the words 'Let me help.' So she was effective where Chrom wasn't… she made me break.
"T-that's the thing Sue… be… before the Shepherds… I was alone. I always was, I never had anyone, not really." I quickly wiped the welling tears from my eyes, "When I got the idea to write that letter, I wasn't going to tell you anything. It was just going to be an apology for how stupid I was… But… I couldn't take it anymore. I can't be alone anymore… I can't. This burden… it's too much. It's way too much…"
I dropped to the bed on my left and sat there crying into my hands. I felt embarrassed that she had to see me like this, but at the same time… I felt free. The weight I didn't know existed was suddenly gone.
The bed shifted beneath me as Sumia sat next to me. I felt her arm wrap around my shoulders as she pulled me into a sideward hug.
"S-sue?"
"Shush." Sumia said quietly, "You told me Kail. You wrote about your stress, your burden, and now you told me about your pain. The pain from before all this started… so… you're not alone anymore. I won't let you be alone. You… you're important to me, Kail. So I am more then willing to be the shoulder you can cry on."
Sumia started petting my hair gently, "Oh, and one more thing."
She squeezed me a little tighter.
"I think you're way better than some old 'Hero of Time…' Because you're special. You're my friend."
Her whispered words seemed to echo in my head. I had never met anyone like her, I have never met anyone so kind, caring and compassionate in my life. She was just as beautiful on the inside, as she was on the outside. And I couldn't stop myself from returning her hug and crying into her shoulder. I was worried how she would react for nothing. This girl is kindness personified, And I don't regret confiding in her at all. Because I know she'll always be there for me.
But as time went on, and the emotions calmed. I felt embarrassed about this whole thing, so I went back to my old coping mechanism. Bad jokes.
"Isn't it supposed to be the girl crying in the guy's arms?"
Sumia let out a small laugh, "Who said I'm not?"
We separated and I saw that her own eyes were slightly misty, I couldn't help but comment on it.
"Right, well still, you're teary-eyed and I was bawling so I think I lost a few man points."
Sumia giggled and shook her head, "No, you were man enough to admit you need help. So I think you gained a few."
"Nope, sorry. Guys aren't supposed to show emotion."
"That seems unhealthy."
"It is. My emotional dam literally just broke."
"It doesn't seem like it from how you're talking now."
"I have a good construction team."
She let out a giggle that made my chest feel light. Damn, I guess I did catch feelings.
"Oh!" Sumia said as she stood up suddenly, "I know what will lighten the mood!"
"I thought I was doing that pretty okay on my own but go on I guess."
Sumia picked up the bundle of cloth she had when she arrived and sat back down next to me. She hesitated for a moment, before she settled for just handing me the bundle.
"I-I, uh, I made this for you…"
I looked at the suddenly shy girl for a moment before I accepted the wrapped object. I slowly and carefully unwrapped the red cloth and-
…Oh you have got to be kidding me.
In my hands had to be the most delicious looking chocolate pie I have ever seen. My first thought was yum, my second was that she should be doing this for Chrom and not me. But I quickly banished that thought from my head, this is a new world for me. It's not a playthrough of the game, there's no script. Anything can happen.
"I-I asked Stahl what kind of pie you might like and he said you like pumpkin and chocolate cream. But you know pumpkin is out of season, so I-"
"Thank you."
My words halted her pie rant as she stopped nervously playing with her hair and looked at me.
"Thank you for everything."
Sumia gave me a genuine smile, "You're welcome Kail."
"So… how do I cut this?" I ask gesturing to the pie.
"Oh! There should be stuff under it."
I lifted the pie and sure enough there was a plate and utensils. I chuckled and made my way over to the table. As I was cutting the dessert, my thoughts ran back to Chrom. How usually he would be the one with pie. I started feeling unsure as to what I should do.
"Hey… Sue?"
What am I doing?
"Yes, Kail?"
You better stop!
"Weird question, but…
Hoe, don't do it!
"What do you think about Chrom?"
Oh my gods you did it.
When I turned back to look at Sumia I saw complete surprise on her face.
"Chrom? Uh, well…" She looked up in thought, " I think he's a great leader, and a good person. I'm proud to fight with him."
I nodded and looked to my feet, wondering why the hell I would ask that. I might as well hold a sign that says; 'Hey I have feelings for you and I don't know how to act on them.'
"Why do you ask?"
"Um…" I muttered dumbly, "Well I mean, C-Cordelia has a thing for him so I was just wondering what she saw in him."
Sumia looked confused for a moment, "Kail… do you… like Cordelia?"
Abort! Abort! Abort!
"What? No!" My eyes widened in realization, "I mean, I don't dislike her but I don't like her like the way she does Chrom…"
"…You don't?"
"No. Look Cordelia isn't the only girl that likes Chrom, I was just wondering what they see in him."
Okay good save… right?
Sumia stood up and placed her hands on her hips, "Kail, don't go changing yourself for some girl."
My brow furrowed, "Wait, wha-"
"If she doesn't like you for you then she's not worth your time!"
"Why are you mad?" I asked quietly.
Sumia looked surprised, "Mad? I'm not mad."
"You raised your voice."
"I did?"
"Yeah."
"Oh… Sorry."
…
I shook my head, "Whatever. There is no girl so don't worry about it, I was just curious."
"O-oh…" She muttered quietly as I turned back to the pie and placed a piece on the plate.
"W-well speaking of C-Cordelia. She's been talking to Chrom lately…"
I looked up from the pie in surprise, "Really?"
"Yeah. She said you gave her some advice and decided to take it to heart."
So she's going to ask him out? Or is she going to just give him so many hints that no one couldn't see it… or is she going actually give him a lap dance? Great, now I have that image in my head. I shook the thought out of my head.
"Good for her. Maybe her clues will finally breach Chrom's thick skull."
"Yeah… maybe they will…"
I looked up from the bite of pie on my fork, "You okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine…"
She was smiling but I could tell something is off about it, "You do know you can talk to me about anything, right?"
"Of course I do. But really, I'm fine."
I took a bite of pie before speaking.
"No you're not. But if you don't want to talk about it that's fine. Just know that I will listen if you do."
Sumia grabbed her left arm again and nodded as she looked to the floor.
"This is really good by the way." I said as I took my second bite of pie.
Sumia smiled, "Thanks. I'm glad you like it."
We were both silent for a few minutes, I didn't mind. I had pie. But it seems Sumia did mind.
"So… Um… Am I the only one that knows?"
"About what?"
"The… you know…"
I raised an eyebrow at her cryptic phrasing.
She let out a little sigh, "The Einherjar thing…"
My eyes widened in realization.
"Oh. That… you're the only one that knows about what I'm here to do. But Emmeryn knows I'm an Einherjar, she pieced it together like she was The Fricken' Batman."
"The what?"
"Not important. You're the only one that knows about Ubel. Though probably not for long."
"Why's that?"
I placed my plate down and scratched my neck.
"I'm planning on telling Gaius, Stahl, and Maribelle."
"You are?"
"Yeah," I frowned for a moment, "…I have a pretty good idea of how strong this Ubel guy is, and… I won't be able to beat him alone. I need a team… with those three we cover the bases pretty well. Thief, mage, knight, healer, and air support if you're in too."
Sumia nodded slowly, "Well… I'm not that great of a fighter. But if you're asking me for help, then I'll help."
I smiled at the girl that can bake an amazing pie, "Awesome."
Sumia has joined the party.
My Beta reader told me that last interaction was cliché as hell, haha. But I kinda wanted it to be to show that they aren't that experienced with this stuff. They're both just 18 or 19 in this story. So yeah is it cliché? Totally. Anyway, until next chapter!
-Gaijin
