These chapters are coming out like hot cakes aren't they? Good news, my semester of college is over and summer has finally begun. Now I'll be able to focus on the story.
My first shoutout for this chapter goes to The13thHero, known for his YuXYukiko fic Our Year Together. My 2nd shoutout goes to Blindknyttstories, known for the story The Grandmaster Returns, one of few harems in the Fire Emblem Fandom.
Without further ado, here's the 10th chapter.
"WHAT!" Chrom yelled as the news reached his ears.
The group was in total shock from the sudden relegation. It was only a couple of hours before they parted with Emmeryn and now they are informed that Ylisstol has been attacked.
"The Plegians captured your exalt and retreated back across their lines. Gangrel has declared she's to be publicly executed within the moon."
"E-executed?!"
Robin took a minute to accept what he had just heard. Emmeryn had been kidnapped by Plegia. If she dies, Ylisse could fall into a total crisis, and its people would call of Plegia's destruction.
"NOOO!" Lissa yelled as she fell into Robins arms, tears streaming down her face.
"How did this happen?!" Robin yelled out.
"It was said that she was taken by surprise." Basilio said. "The one's who took her were led by a silver haired woman riding a black pegasus."
"AVERSA!" Robin let go of Lissa and slammed his fist into the nearest desk. "DAMN WITCH!" Robin yelled as he began to tremble with rage as Lissa ran over to calm him down.
"Robin." Lissa whispered, concerned for her friend.
"I swear I will KILL HER!"
Robins mind and body was swept in anger. He had developed intense enmity towards Aversa who defeated him the first time they fought. To hear that she was responsible for Emmeryn capture reminds Robin of his failure to defeat her.
"The Mad King knew our scouts would relay this information back. It's clearly a provocation, a hot brand to the buttocks!" Basilio stated. "We should consider our options carefully before jumping to any…"
"We march to Plegia at once!" Chrom yelled.
"Well, that would be ONE option, yes... But perhaps we've seen enough royalty waltzing into traps for one war already, eh?"
"I don't care if it's a trap, Basilio!" Chrom yelled at the top of his lungs. "He's going to murder my sister!"
"Peace Chrom." Flavia said, trying to calm Chrom down. "Breathe a moment. No one's suggesting we don't act. We're simply saying we should act WISELY. We'll need guts AND wits in equal measure if we're to save your sister."
"Leave the strategizing to me." Robin yelled with his fist towards Chrom. "Don't worry Chrom, I give you my word Emmeryn's coming home."
Robins words gave Chrom peace of mind. Robin always came forward for him and he wasn't about to slack off now.
"Alright Robin. I leave it to you to formulate our strategy."
"Are you certain you're up to the task, Robin?" Flavia asked. "It won't be easy. You hold the exalt's life in one hand, and all of ours in the other."
"Hmph, I knows the risks. It's a responsibility I do not take lightly." Robin said as he clenched his fist. "But the Mad King and that witch will learn that any strategy of theirs, no matter how brilliant will dwindle to failure before my own!"
"No hesitation, no mincing words and confidence to boost." Basilio looked at Robin impressed. "You're either a genius or a fool! I suppose we'll find out once we march. Hold on to your assets, Ylisseans. We've an Exalt to save!"
The shepherds marched for Castle Plegia where Emmeryn's execution was suppose to take place but they stopped to rest for a while. Robin spent the entire march formulating a strategy in his head which he later wrote down. However, Robin decided to train with his sword more. His magic was deadly for sure but felt his swordsmanship needed work. He began bashing a training dummy with fearsome slashes and strikes when Chrom came up to him.
"You want to take it easy Robin?"
"I'll take it easy when we save Emmeryn and Aversa lies dead at my feet!" Robin replied angrily as he cut the training dummy's head clean off. Once he was done he place his sword back in its sheath an turned to Chrom. "This was all my fault Chrom."
"What? How can you say that?"
"It's because I failed to kill Aversa that day. My failure resulted in Emmeryn's capture."
"Robin you can't blame yourself. The one at fault is Gangrel not you."
"That man needs to pay for this madness and I swear to you Chrom he will."
"I know." Chrom places his hand on his shoulder. "And when that day comes, I want you by my side."
"Right." Robin clenched his fist and smiled. He was determined that he won't fail this time. He will kill Aversa and save Emmeryn. "So speaking on more pleasant matters, how are you and Sumia doing."
"Wha..What!"
"Yeah I'm that blind." Robin rolled his eyes. "I so did not see all the pies she made you and the uh afternoon visits you two have been having.
"Well aren't you a smart one." Chrom said sarcastically. "Can you keep a secret?"
"Of course." Robin agreed.
Chrom reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a box. in it was a diamond engagement ring with the crest of House Ylisse engraved on it.
"Once the war is over, I plan on proposing to her."
"Congratulations." Robin smiled.
"Thanks. So what about you?"
"Huh?"
"Any girls here you fancy?"
"No. I don't have time for romantic entanglements."
"Oh cmon Robin there must be someone you like." Chrom tried to think of any possible candidates that Robin could like. "How about Cordelia? I heard you two were getting quite physical with each other back in Regna Ferox."
"Huh?" Robin wondered what Chrom meant. "Oh that. She lost her comrades so iIwanted to comfort her thats all. She's beautiful for sure but I don't think i'm her type." Robin said knowing about her love for Chrom.
"Don't worry friend, one day you'll find someone. I'm sure of it."
"Whatever you say Chrom." Robin thought about it for a minute and there was girl that captured his interest. When he thought about Chrom's question all he could think about was… Marth. Sure she pretended to be a man earlier but she was a woman and Robin had never seen anyone more breathtaking and more beautiful in his life. Plus he is really attracted to that mysterious nature of hers which makes him yearn to know her better. The thought made Robin want to see her again and learn more about her. But now was not the time.
The shepherds resumed their march. Plegia was known for its desert terrain and hot temperatures. The shepherds kept marching until they decided to take another break. Robin was getting suspicious. If Gangrel or Aversa planned to set a trap for them it hasn't happen yet. All they see is the emptiness of Plegia's desert. Perhaps it was a little too empty. Robin went up to Chrom was surveying the area.
"I'd like to believe it's our cunning that got us this far without being spotted... But we've seen far too little of the Plegian Guard. Where are they?"
"I don't get it. I expected a trap or at least an ambush. Something's not right." Robin began to survey the area as well. Other than the shepherds there was no one else in sight. Robin then took notice of the bone remains of a dragon that was far from where he was standing. "Chrom is that what i think it is."
"Hmm" Chrom looked where Robin was pointing "I'll be damned. Dragon remains. Rumor has it Plegia uses dragon remains as their shrines for Grima worship."
As Robin continued to look at it he began to shudder. He had never seen dragon remains before and they were huge.
"Okay now i know something is wrong."
"Whats wrong?" Chrom asked.
"So we have a shrine to the Plegian god here and yet there's no Plegian in sight. Something's definitely not right."
"AUGH! GET AWAY!"
Chrom and Robins conversation was broken by loud scream. Chrom and Robin looked off in the distance and saw a little girl who looked around Lissa's age, pointy ears, and very little clothing. The rest of the shepherds ran towards her location and alongside him was a man who looked to be in his forties, with red hair. At a glance, this man seem to be a common brigand.
"Wait, I say! Why you no comprehending, wee one?"
"AUGH! GET AWAY! Everyone just leave me ALONE!"
"Please, be keeping down with the voice! You give away position! Very bad!"
By the time they got to their location Chrom pulled out Falchion and pointed it towards the man.
"You there! Fiend! Keep your hands off that maiden!" Chrom demanded
"Who is fiend? ...You mean Gregor? No, friend! You have idea wrong!" The man put his hand up in defense
"Yeah, right! …Creep!" Lissa yelled at him
"This day has been nothing but insults and punches to groin." The man looked down with sadness "And all for doing good deed! ...Listen, friend! Gregor only want to…"
Just as the man who refers to himself as Gregor explains himself a man in very sinister clothes along with a few plegians show up.
"Gotcha, you slippery scamp!" A man yelled as she pointed at the little girl "Prepare for a dose of Grima's wrath."
"Oy, this is most terrible! Do you see now? They make with the catching of us!" Gregor yelled out.
"Why are you all after the girl?" Chrom asked
"All? What is this "all"? Gregor is not one of "all"! Look close! Maybe you not see from so far? Gregor have innocent-baby face!"
Chrom and Lissa took a moment to think as to whether or not they have misjudged Gregor
Yeah… Not sure "innocent baby" is how I'd describe it…..However. Robin turned his attention to the other party and took a few steps forward in their directions.
"You! What do you guys want with the girl?!" Robin asked.
"Out of the way fool! That girl is to be a sacrifice for Lord Grima!"
Robin pulled out his tome and placed his other hand on his sword while the little girl they were after hid behind his coat.
"Well unfortunately for you, this girl is under my protection." Robin pulled out his sword and pointed it towards the man. "I suggest you all turn around and walk away. If you do, I promise I won't kill you all."
"Foolish boy, you know nothing of the true power of Lord Grima, Hand over the girl now!"
"GET AWAY FROM ME!"
As soon as the little girl yelled out those words she held out a stone of some sort and transformed into a dragon. She flew towards the direction of the Plegians and engulfed them into flames.
"What in blazes?!" Robins eyes widened at what he witnessed. "The girl is a dragon!"
"By the gods, she's a manakete!" Chrom yelled. "I never thought I'd see one."
After transforming back into her original form. She fell to her knee's as using that power must have tired her out. Unfortunately for her she did not kill the entire group that was after her as the leader of the group was still standing
"You dare defy Grima, god of annihilation! FLUX!"
The man charged a dark magic spell at the girl. Robin quickly rushed to her side to protect her
"ELTHUNDER!"
The spell was quickly repelled by Robins thunder spell. Before the man could cast another spell the sellsword known as Gregor quickly took him down. For a man of his age, he was fast.
"Master Grima…my life force…is yours." the man raised his hands to the shrine dedicated to his god before the light faded from his eyes.
Robin went over to his body to check his person. He found a book contains Grimleal scripture as well as plans for a sacrifice in Grima's name. This man had plans to use the little girl as a sacrifice to their god. It was sickening.
Robin made his way to the little girl who was still exhausted from transforming into a dragon.
"You okay?" Robin asked in concern.
"This is just the worst. Day. EVER!" *sob!* The little girl cried into Robins shoulder. Gregor ran up in concern for the girl.
"Ho now, wee one! Do not make with the crying of tears. The evil people are now dead people. This is good, no?"
"You... You're right. Th-thank you. And... I'm sorry I was so mean to you earlier. I just get nervous around people who are...outside my age group."
"Your age group? Ha!" Gregor laughed "Gregor much closer to your age than others here"
Robin eyed the man, wondering what Gregor meant by that. This girl looks no older than a teen so how was Gregor closer to her in age?
"Say, um...Gregor, was it? Gregor, do you mind looking after her? We need to press on." Chrom asked.
"Mmm?" Gregor thought to himself. "Gregor is mercenary, yes? Maybe you hire Gregor instead. True, Gregor just finish killing former employers, but still very reliable! So long as you not try to hurt little girl, Gregor will not hurt you. Also, Gregor need steady income. ...Many angry former employers."
"You're a sellsword?" Chrom asked.
"Yes! Very swell sword! Cost performance very high. You have Gregor's word." Gregor said proudly.
"Sure, why not? You're hired."
"But! But what about me?!" The girl yelled "I WON'T go back on the auction block!"
"Well seeing as how you can transform into a dragon I don't think you would need our help but if you want, you could always come with us. Someone with your power could be of great help." Robin said with a smile.
"Really thanks!" The girl bear hugged Robin.
"Okay please get off!" Robin pried the girl off of him. "So whats your name kid?"
"Its Nowi and I'm not a kid!" The girl yelled. "I'm a thousand years older than you!"
"Well Nowi its nice to…..Wait hold on, what!" Did Robin hear her right? Did she just claim to be centuries old?
"The dragonkin are said to be more long lived and resilient than men." Frederick explained. "Nowi would make a strong ally."
"Well Nowi, Gregor. Welcome to the shepherds." Robin held out his hand for a handshake. The sellsword gladly shook his hands while Nowi just dove into another bear hug before running off to camp.
"Hey Chrom I found this on that guy who was after Nowi." Robin gave Chrom the book he found. "It's Grimleal scripture."
"So that man was Grimleal?" Chrom asked.
"I believe his rantings on Grima made that abundantly clear."
Robin flipped through a few pages of the book, most of it was basic knowledge about how Grima's return would be a new beginning for the world as his grand return would reform the world. One sentence caught Robin off guard.
"The heart still sleeps, but the blood flows through it. And the blood is strong." Robin read out the sentence.
"Huh." Chrom asked confused.
"Oh nothing. just reading out this crap." Robin tossed the book on the ground.
"So Robin?" Chrom asked. "Are you prepared?"
"Of course Chrom. We will save Emmeryn."
"I know its just…" Chrom paused for a moment. "It's about Aversa. I want to make sure you won't let her get into your head."
"Chrom…" The mention of her name fills Robins head with anger and hatred. "I promise I will not let her get to me. If the opportunity arises, I will take her down but right now, saving Emmeryn is the number one priority."
"Good." Chrom put his hand on Robins shoulder. "I feel like you and I can accomplish anything together Robin." Chrom place his hand on Robins shoulder. "Which is why once this war is over I would like you to come work for us as our royal advisor."
Robin was not expecting such a job offer. Being advisor means working for the royal family and that in itself is an honor.
"Chrom thats truly an honor but…"
"No buts." Chrom cut him off. "I know I wouldn't be alive today if you hadn't been at my side. We're like two halves of a greater whole. It will be up to people like you and I to rebuild the damage that this war has caused and I fear I will fail without you."
"Chrom I'm just one man."
"And think of all you've accomplished. You won us Feroxi troops, you saved Maribelle, hell you saved both my sisters. You're more than just a man. You're a symbol."
Robin had never been more happy in his whole life. He knew Chrom valued their friendship but he never knew Chrom thought of Robin like that.
"Robin?" Chrom asked as he took notice of his friends silence.
"Th…Thank you Chrom" Robin began to tear up from the happiness but forced them back. "Th… Thank you for everything"
The two shared a brotherly hug. Chrom knew in his heart that Robin, like him wanted what was best for all of Ylisse. Thats why the tactician worked and trained so hard, to accomplish peace for the people.
"Come now, enough tears my friend." Chrom looked at Robin. "Lets go end this."
"Yes…Lets."
And here we have our favorite mercenary and childish manakete. I want to clarify on something I have said before. Yes I will not go into depth of every single pairing in this fic. Yes I will write some wedding for some of them but not all. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to acknowledge them or just see them as nothing more than a passing reference. I may have said that before and I apologize for making that mistake.
Til next time.