I was really hoping I could've updated this sooner. It's just that my schedule has been quite full with life and summer vacation. Nonetheless, the story continues!
- Disclaimer: Fire Emblem characters do not belong to me.
- Notice: May contain spoilers. Original characters may be added. Storyline may deviate from original video game. Contains fantasy violence, mild language, alcohol reference, and suggested themes.
- huff - huff - huff -
Robin ran as fast as he could before his knees buckled and eventually collapsed on the sandy ground. He booked it as quick as he could to avoid Anna's question. 'Seriously, what is with her and those questions?' The tactician thought while he sat and looked on at the shore. For a peaceful day at the beach, things were taking a turn for the worst. His heart rate slowly calmed as he remained seated.
"Robin?" A voice called out from behind.
The tactician turned his head to spot Panne. The female taguel was dressed in an aquamarine haltered bikini top while her bottom was covered with a moderately lengthy skirt. "Oh, hello Panne." He gave her a smile. "So..."
The taguel moved closer to him and sat down by his side.
"Umm, why didn't you join the pageant?" He finished while she observed the shore.
"Oh, I was out in the forest enjoying the scenery. It reminded me a lot about...home."
"I see...did you leave beside a beach?" He asked curiously.
"No," she managed an amused smile. "But the air was crisp just as it is here." She closed her eyes and inhale the sea breeze. It was certainly nostalgic.
"So, were there several other shape-shifters that lived near your home?"
"There were quite a few, tribes of cat-wearers and bird-wearers."
"Wow," he looked up at the sky. " I would've loved to see it..." He marveled at the thought of seeing such a sight. "So, did you ever meet them?" Robin turned to face her.
"Long ago. How they fare now, I do not know. Perhaps they shared the same bloody fate as my own people..." She winced at the possibility.
"I...I didn't mean too..." He tried to comfort her to the best of his abilities.
"No, I am sorry. There is no call for you to share in my gloom. Especially at such a setting." Panne brushed the matter aside.
"No, I..I should make it up to you..." Robin stubbornly insisted. "With dinner, tonight."
She raised an eyebrow. What he could he possibly offer her?
"What do taguels eat anyways?" He asked.
"Well, we eat many things."
Robin stopped to think for a second. "Is carrot stew one of them by any chance?" He grinned awaiting her answer.
"Well, yes. How did you know?" She seemed surprised by his question.
"I just figured," he gave her a bright smile. "Since you're a bunny and all."
She grinned coyly. For a mere human being, he was oddly kind. They continued to watch the waves splash onto the shore when her ears caught something rustling from the bushes.
Robin remained unaware as he examined the sand beneath his feet.
She turned to focus on the silhouette and realized it was the dark mage, Tharja. Panne slowly stood up as the tactician looked up.
"Leaving already?"
"Yes," She turned back to find Tharja concealing herself in the woodlands. "I'd like to explore more of the area before the sun sets."
"Oh, ok."
"I'll see you tonight and I look forward to your carrot stew." She gave him a sincere smile before walking away.
"Hmm..." He closed his eyes and fell back onto the sand, concentrating on the ocean's sounds. It didn't take long for Tharja to proceed towards the tactician. As soon as he felt shade cover his face, his eyes shot open. There, hovering above him, stood the dark mage clad in her familiar skin tight bikini. "..." His mouth dropped as he instantly blushed and sat upright. He covered his face with his hand in embarrassment.
She quietly took the seat beside him. Tharja was equally embarrassed as well, but without a second thought she ran after him.
The two Shepherds sat in silence, they didn't know where to begin after Anna's surprising question.
"Robin..." Tharja started.
The blonde tactician looked at her, his face was still pink.
"Remember when you told me to be...normal..." She looked down as her raven hair swayed with the sea breeze.
"Yes..." He absorbed her words slowly.
"Well, I was thinking that maybe..just for once...I would do something normal." Her heart raced as she released that phrase.
Robin raised an eyebrow as she met his eyes.
Tharja tilted her head closer to his, her shoulder made contact as he swallowed hard. His blush resurfaced while his heart skipped a beat. If she concentrated hard enough, she could make out the rhythm of his heart. 'Just for once...' She thought mentally.
Before he knew what was happening she closed the gap between their faces, her lips pressed against his own. Excitement and electricity filled his body, this new found sensation coursed through his veins. Robin didn't hesitate to return her gentle kiss.
After a few seconds, Tharja pulled away and lowered her head. She was surprised how quickly he returned her kiss.
He tried to take in what had just happened. Did he like Tharja? Come to think of it, that was his first kiss.
Without another word she slowly stood up, dusting the grains of sand from her skin. Robin looked in confusion. Was she just going to walk away after what just happened? 'Did I do something wrong?' He couldn't help but feel that perhaps it was his fault.
The dark mage turned her back and walked away.
"Wait, Tharja!" Robin scrambled towards the girls as he stood several paces from her.
She kept walking away, her cheeks ablaze.
"Wait!" He held her hand as she stopped in her tracks. Her skin was warm to the touch. "Why?"
She seemed to know what he would've asked. "I was just...experimenting." Tharja pulled her hand away from him, her back still facing the boy.
"Oh..." His words sounded hollow, was that all it was? He felt a little disappointed.
"My apologies, Robin." She slightly turned her head, the corner of her eye looked sincere. The dark mage continued walking on as she left him alone by the sandy beach. 'Maybe, just maybe, being normal every once in a while wouldn't be bad...' She thought to herself before disappearing into the forest.
Robin rummaged his blonde hair, he didn't seem to read the girl quite well yet. Nonetheless, he couldn't brush off the possibility that it was more than an experiment.
Meanwhile, back at the beach with the Shepherds...
"Hey there Libra!" Henry called from afar, apparently he was feeling the heat and decided to strip away his dark mage attire. He donned a pair of crimson red shorts, the color of the very substance that excited him the most - blood. "Say, can we continue the conversation we were having?"
The war monk stopped to see the snow haired boy. "Are you sure you want that?" He grimaced slightly. "I would certainly be happy to comply, but I feel I'll simply end up repeating myself." He sighed. "I apologize in advance if I bore you."
"Bore me?" He chuckled heartily. "No way! I always enjoy talking with you, Libra!"
"You do?" The blonde monk raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, I guess it's hard for an altruist like yourself to respect an egoist like me, but..."
"Not at all." Libra cut him off as he walked towards Henry. "In fact, I would say the same core philosophy. We simply justify it differently."
"Oh yeah?" Henry's curiosity was piqued as he crossed his arms. "Go on-this should be good."
"You're no egoist. Don't forget that I've seen you fight." His eyes closed as he smiled. "I've seen you risk your life to save others-civilians and comrade alike. That's hardly a display of self-centered behavior."
"Pah!" He managed a wide grin. "You probably just saw some o my wanton slaughter save someone by chance!"
"No," Libra shook his head in disagreement. "I've observed you on the battlefield and moving in to help those in peril." He looked at Henry with a serious demeanor. "You can say that it's because you love fighting or because it's all just a game. But I know the truth, Henry. You're deliberately saving lives."
"..." That was enough to wipe the smile from the boy's face.
"And the gods know it too." Libra pressed on with a reassuring smile.
"They do, huh?" The smile returned as quickly as it left. "Well, I don't believe in gods, so it doesn't really matter what they think!"
"I see..." Libra furrowed his brow.
"But for some reason, I do kinda care what you think, Libra." Henry spoke with a sincere tone. "That's a little weird, huh?"
"Not in the least. It simply means that you've accepted me as a friend and ally. I am pleased and honored." Libra smiled. "I shall continue to watch over you-for the future battles."
Henry replied with his grin. "Nya ha ha,"he let out another laugh. "Thanks Libra." His hand gripped the war monk's shoulder as they walked along the beach together.
- thunk -
Stahl shot his spear into the water as it impaled a pair of fishes. He grinned and held it up to examine his catch. Some where along the lines after the pageant, Chrom and several boys decided to fish for some food before nightfall. They removed any armor and wore a pair of swimming trunks that Anna happily supplied them with. As most of the boys sported them, oddly enough, it didn't seem as mortifying as before.
"Good work, Stahl." The Ylissean prince nudged the brow haired cavalier. "It's nice to know we can always count on you."
"Just trying to do my part." He walked over to the shore and set them down into a bucket. Stahl had caught quite a few, enough to feed the Shepherds for tonight.
"Don't sell yourself short, Stahl." Chrom egged him on. "You've become one of our most reliable soldiers." He grinned as the boy worked diligently sorting out his pile. "I often call you our bastion in stormy seas, you know. The others agree."
"R-Really?" Stahl stopped to absorb his words. "I'm not used to such praise. You're making me blush!"
Chrom couldn't help but smile.
"Still, I'm glad you find me useful." He turned around to face his lord. "I do try to serve as best as I can..."
"You really need to stop being so modest. Your results speak for themselves."
Stahl stood ip and faced the Ylissean heir. "Wow, Chrom, to hear you say that is hugely encouraging. Inspiring even!" He grinned. "From this point on, I'll double my efforts! I won't rest until I'm the mightiest knight in the halidom."
"That's the spirit!" He cheered him on as they both walked back with their buckets of fish.
"Nowi, hold up!" Sully chased after the young manakete as she finally caught up to her.
The girl turned back. "Oh, hello, Sully." Her tone sounded sad as she addressed the cavalier.
"Listen," she regained her composure quickly since she was physically fit. "I want to apologize about earlier, I didn't mean to upset you."
"..." Nowi crossed her arms.
Sully scratched the edge of hair. "Fact is, there are lots of ways to enjoy the beach. You don't HAVE to go swimming." She looked away. "Hell, lots of people don't go in the water, but it doesn't stop em' having fun, right?" Her eyes met Nowi's.
"I guess so..." She thought about it. "Thanks, Sully." Nowi replied with a gentle smile. "But actually, I thought about it a bit, and I think I agree with what you said. Where's the point in coming out to the seaside if you don't go to the actual sea?" She paced before the red haired Ylissean. "That seems like a total waste, right? So I came up with a brilliant idea!"
Sully waited for her to continue.
"I'm going to learn how to swim...an YOU'RE gonna teach me!" She boomed enthusiastically.
"What? The hell I am!" She couldn't have disagreed any more. "If you don't wanna swim, you don't have to. It's not like the law or anything!" Sully finished nervously.
"Waaait a minute." Nowi took one swift stride towards the girl as she tiptoed. "Don't tell me-"
"Don't tell you what?" Her voice cracked. "Wh-Why are you looking at me like that?"
Nowi gave her signature pout.
"S-Stop staring at me dammit!" When the girl continued she backed away. "...Aw, crap. FINE." She surrendered her hands in the air. "All right, I confess - I can't swim either!"
"Ha ha, I knew it!" She laughed in amusement. Sully winced. "But why did you pretend that you could?"
"Well, I've been searching around for someone who could help me learn. I figured if I could get you in the water, I could paddle alongside, pick up a some tips."
Nowi clapped her hands together. "Then why don't we learn together?" Sully looked skeptical as the manakete winked. "Don't worry, it'll be totally safe! If it seems like we're about to drown, I'll just shape-shift into a dragon." She held out her stone which glowed brightly.
"Ha! Talk about overkill." Sully smiled. "Can't deny that I'd welcome the peace of mind, though..." She thought long and hard. "All right, you're on."
"Yippee!" Nowi jumped with joy. "We're gonna make a great swim team, you and me!" She quickly linked arms with Sully and headed off towards the shore.
"Wait, we're going to start now?" She was whisked away without a moment's notice. "A-At least let me warm up first!" She cried out before trudging her way to the sea.
...To be continued
So if you enjoyed this chapter, remember to fave, follow and/or review. Updates should be pretty quick.
- Replies:
Guest: mhmm.
Kaito9049: yes! Haha.
Guardian54: I agree, haha. Galeforce army!
Smashing Skunk43: yeah, really want to even out the playing field for Robin.
Guest: yup
xTSx: it really is. The possibilities are endless. Thanks man.
Glad I wasn't the only one thinking that, haha. I mean, Tharja's pretty nice to, despite her creepy yandere side as well.
You're not alone. To be honest, I never really thought about marrying simply for their stats. It was more about the character itself. I really like Cordelia's story, pretty tragic but still very nice.
Guest: ah..wow. I may have originally intended her and the other kids to be included but I may have to edit that out. I apologize for the misleading summary.
TheGreatTactician: hahaha, she is quite cunning.
Will do!
someguy: thanks!
Rainbow potato: been seeing a lot of tharja and robin, nice.
Little lime: yeah, either one may be a great choice. We'll just have to wait and see.
Larsmen: yeah!
Swift Strike: I agree.
Guest: yes!
Thanks for reading