Words That Resonate
With his other younger siblings, Kamui waited for Chrom and his brother's squad to return with the herb that would cure Reflet's epidemic fever. Apparently, Chrom believed that this was a quest personal only to the Shepherds and left with few backup. Even though Kamui was unable to convince the man to bring him along, he had been able to convince both Xander and Chrom to go together. Hopefully, this would be enough to help Chrom get by incase they come across Plegian solders. He walks over to one of the abandoned houses where he saw Nowi talking with Leo and George. Kamui was taken aback by this. Uncertain of what to say before he saw that George had already noticed him. With a deep breath, he walked over to the three as he called out to them, "Pardon me, Nowi?"
"Oh, it's Kamui! Hi!" Nowi chirped, "Hey! Do you know where Refelt is going to get better?"
Kamui pulled a small smile, "Chrom and our brother has gone to find the herb. They'll be back soon."
"Oh."
"Also, there's something I want to ask you about." Kamui continued.
"Yeah?"
"It's about the dragon stone." He began, "I was wondering if other dragon stones would work for me?"
Leo raised a brow, "Brother, don't tell me…"
Kamui nodded, "By the time I was found by Chrom and the others, I noticed that my dragonstone was not with me. I probably dropped it somewhere back in Ylisse."
Nowi tilted her head in confusion, "It should be alright. Here! You can have my spare one!"
Handing him another dragonstone from her bag, Kamui looked to her in surprise. Nowi smiled, "It's fine sine I can just get a new one. Then, I'll have more spares! Right now, you need this more than me, right?"
Leo raised a brow, "Why would there be so many spares, though? I thought you're designated with just one."
"Huh? Not for us, these stones are like the keys that unlock our dragon form." Nowi said with a bright smile, "That reminds me."
Nowi looks closer to Kamui much to his surprise.
"You don't go and destroy stuff that much, huh?"
Kamui raised a brow, "What?"
"You know," Nowi said with a smile, "sometimes, I have this urge to always destroy stuff and, then, poof! I became a dragon and burn down part of the forest!"
"The forest?" Leo raised a brow, "Can you specify a little bit?"
"Sometimes, when we're growing, we get to a point where we want to destroy things, but it is different with everyone." Nowi said with a smile, "I only did it sometimes while others are stuck doing it for years. If that happens, then they shouldn't use their dragon stones for a while or not at all. Like the degeneration."
"Degeneration?" Kamui raised a brow.
"A point when dragons who retain their dragon forms loses their mind and become mere beasts that needs to be slain." George answered, "It was recorded in Ylisse's library… But, wasn't that a long time ago?"
"I think so." Nowi replied with uncertainty, "Well, sometimes, we still want to destroy stuff, but that stops after a while or just one time."
"Now that you said it." Kamui frowned, "I remember losing myself once when I first came into contact with my ability to transform. It was that time I lost my mother to assassins."
"Oh! Then, you're probably good!" Nowi smiled, "An instant where you let go of your control is enough probably because you're only part dragon and can transform. A traumatic moment is also enough for you to transform and lose to rage. After that, you should be able to control it more easily. But, just try not to transform to often. It has a bad side effect f you always do so."
"Got it." Kamui smiled.
"Huh," Leo grinned, "You look like a child, but you know a lot about dragons."
"Well, after I was taken away from my parents, I met an old dragon and he taught me a lot of things!" Nowi grinned slyly, "I think his name was Ban or something…"
Kamui raised a brow, "How many more manaketes are there left?"
"I don't know." Nowi shook her head, "I haven't see one after the humans kidnapped me again. You're the first one I've seen in a long, long time!"
"I see." Kamui frowned, "Sorry for bringing up bad memories."
"It's fine." Nowi smiled, "Not all of them were bad. Will Reflet get better soon?"
"After Chrom finds the herb, he should." Kamui replied, "Speaking of which, I need to get going. I'm worried about leaving Robin and Walter on their own."
"K'! See ya!" Nowi waved as Kamui turned around.
After hours, Kamui returned once again to find Leo and their siblings in the room where Reflet lay asleep. Kamui had just returned from a brief scout of the area with the Khans and looked to his brothers shaking his head. Slowly, they all breathed a small sigh. For the moment, the Khans took to preparing for departure while letting Chrom continue with the task of finding the herbs. Lissa continued to watch over Reflet as he continue to sleep.
"What did the Khans say?" Walter asked with a frown.
"They'll wait for Chrom and Xander to return. So, they'll be out with the scouts." Kamui replied, "After that, we need to leave with or without the herb. That's why he needs to return with it."
Hinoka nodded with a sigh, "It's already generous of them to wait for Chrom to return. Let's just hope he finds the herbs in time.
"Brother…" Robin muttered nervously.
"His condition continues to worsen.", Virion said with a frown.
Hinoka nods in agreement with a frown.
Lissa looked at the entrance with an anxious look to the entrance, "Is Chrom and the others still not back?"
Takumi shook his head, "No, not yet. If he did, we'd all know about it."
"But rests assured.", Virion said with a smile, "We will surely protect you all. I as well. I swear it on my pride as an aristocrat..."
Lissa nodded slowly, "Yeah. Thanks, Virion."
Suddenly, Reflet's eyes slowly opened as he looked around.
"Reflet?!", Hinoka said in surprise.
"What is Chrom... doing?", the tactician said weakly with a hoarse voice.
"Reflet!" Robin's eyes widened.
"Ah! Reflet!", Lissa said in surprise, "You've come to! How are you feeling?"
"More importantly... where's Chrom and Frederick?", Reflet said with a worried face, "Xander isn't here either? ...Did... something happen?"
Leo's mind went frantically as he thought of an excuse, "They're-"
"Chrom and the others went out to get the herb that'll cure you three. So relax.", the princess answered without hesitation, "You'll definitely get better!"
"Yeah!", Ophelia said with a confident smile as Virion and Leo sighed at what the two just did.
"What are they doing?", Reflet said with a frown.
"Huh?", the two said in surprise by the unexpected outcome.
Reflet continued, "If they have that much time... they should be preparing... to return swiftly to Ylisse... Everyone... is waiting... for them to return..."
The two looked surprised at their tactician's words, "Ah... Reflet..."
"I don't want... to put everyone... in any more danger... on my account...", He continued, "You should... take everyone… and leave... it'll be... too dangerous...for them to be here..."
Lissa looked at the two with a troubling expression, "B-but!"
Before Lissa could finish, Reflet slumped back into his bed. Camilla takes a closer look, "Oh, my. He seems to have fallen asleep once again..."
The Ylissean princess looked to be on the verge of tears watching the tactician, "Reflet..."
Leo looked at the princess with an anxious look on his face as the Ylissean archer said, "Lissa, the truth can sometimes be cruel. Just now, we should not have told Reflet about Chrom, even if it meant lying to him. We should have let him sleep without worrying. Sometimes it is kinder to lie."
"Ah... s-sorry. I see... you're right.", the princess said with slumped shoulders.
"Ah, pay it no mind. Well, nothing can be done now. I apologize.", Virion said with a worried look, "I went too far. However, please keep that in mind and act appropriately from now on."
The princess nodded, "Ah... yeah!"
Hinoka nods after seeing the situation cleared up and looked over to the tactician, "At least, he doesn't know about the situation yet."
Suddenly, Virion whips his head around to the cracked window, "Hm?"
Takumi looked over to his Ylissean friend with a raised brow, "What's wrong, Viri-"
Almost immediately, the Hoshidan archer went quiet as well with eyes narrowed.
"Virion? Takumi?", Lissa said with an agitated glance.
"Shh! Quiet down.", Takumi said to them, "Brother... where are the Khans? Oh, right."
"They said they'd go patrol the area and would be back in a bit." the dark knight said, "What is it?"
Virion turned to the Ylissean princess, "Stand up slowly and look out the window."
"Takumi?", Hinoka said anxiously.
The Hoshidan prince turned to his older sister, "A number of people are approaching. These footsteps..."
Virion nodded, "Most likely belong to a troop."
Lissa gasped in shock, "You're right. They're coming closer."
"Damn it!", Hinoka said with a frown, "Do they know we're all hiding here?"
Takumi shook his head, "I don't know, but probably. And that accent... it sounds like...Plegian soldiers?"
Virion took a peek out the window, "Ugh... what numbers!"
Lissa peered outside once more and saw an elderly woman leading them, "Oh... that person..."
Leo looked outside, "That's definitely not a soldier... She looks to be one of the... Lissa...do you know her?"
They turned to the girl nervously as the princess said with a stunned expression, "She's the old woman... from the village Stahl and I went to."
"What?!", Takumi said in shock, "I thought they didn't find out!"
Virion cleared his throat, "I see. Anyway, it seems my bad premonition was correct. Most likely the villagers there revealed our whereabouts to the Plegian soldiers."
Lissa looks to be on the verge of tears once again as she said in fear, "No... it can't be... why?!"
"Lissa!", Leo said, "Pull yourself together! For now, we got to think of a way out. It's most likely that we'll have to engage in battle once they reach here."
"Call the Shepherds together." Walter said firmly, "We have no time to waste before they completely surround us. If the Khans are still out, it will take a while longer before they can return."
"Right." Kamui nodded.
"I'll lend a hand." Hinoka said quickly.
"Me too." Camilla said pulling out her battle ax.
"Lissa..."
"Reflet!", the princess's voice shouted in surprise.
"Lie back down this instant!" Maribelle snapped, "You're going to reopen that wound on your shoulder!"
"Lissa? Robin?", Reflet asked once more whilst his back on the bed again.
"Um... well...", the princess hesitated.
Robin was silent and, not even, Kamui could say a word.
"No.", said Leo, "It's not the soldiers."
"Those footsteps belong to the villagers coming to visit.", Virion said calmly, "It's fine."
"We'll go speak with them.", Camilla said.
"Yeah.", said Hinoka as calmly as she could, "So stay here and rest."
"Kamui and I shall go speak with them." Robin said carefully.
To their surprise, Reflet shook his head and said calmly in a hoarse voice, "Virion... you're quite skilled at lying... but I remember... the situation well... If the villagers were to come here, it's... for one reason... But… thank you, guys. I know. You've all done enough..."
"Reflet...", the Ylissean archer said quietly.
The man was quiet as Takumi said with suspicion in his voice, "Reflet? What are you..."
"Lissa...", Reflet said, "Takumi... Leo...leave me... and... take the Shepherds... and my sister."
"Huh?", Lissa's voice shook in bewilderment.
Hinoka's voice came through with clear shock, "W-wha-!"
She was cut off in silence as Virion calmly spoke, "What are you saying?"
"I'm not leaving without you again, Brother!" Robin exclaimed.
However, Reflet's voice spoke back firmly, "The enemy is approaching. You can't bring me along. I'll only be a burden."
Lissa gasped in shock, "No!"
"Are you sure about this?", Leo asked him.
There was silence as Virion's voice came in a whisper, "Are those your orders as tacticians?"
Reflet chuckles weakly, "It's nothing that grand."
Reflet continued, "I just... don't want to... cause you all any more sorrow."
"S-sorrow?", the Ylissean princess's voiced echoed in confusion.
Reflet continued weakly in a heavy tone, "Lady Emmeryn has died. If I die as well... You are all too kind. You will be overcome with sorrow..."
"Reflet...", Lissa's voice echoed with concern.
Reflet's voice came in, "I don't want to burden... Chrom and the others... with more sadness. So... please pretend that I... a person with no memories... of my past... never existed, to begin with. Please... forget about me..."
"Don't say that, Reflet!", Lissa shouted with clear sadness in her voice.
"Lissa...", Reflet said, "this is where we part ways."
"If we do that," Hinoka said, "you know Chrom will come back for you."
"That's right.", said the Nohrian princess, "I've only been with your militia for only a short time, like Cordelia. But, even I know how your prince is like. It's unlikely that he'll leave anyone behind."
Reflet said, "Please tell Chrom... I escaped alone... and concealed my whereabouts. 'He fled from battle. He gave in to fear and departed the battlefield.' Like that. Then…then... everyone will immediately forget about me. I think... I think that's for the best..."
"No!", Lissa screamed, "I don't want to!"
"Do you know what you're trying to say here?" Walter said with a grimace after so long, "A refugee who deserted the militia. And, in an enemy's territory! You could be hunted by both sides, even if Chrom chooses to accept that."
"I know." Reflet replied.
Virion's voice came in through the sound of the princess's sobbing, "Reflet... you..."
"I'm a hindrance..." Reflet said," So-"
"That's just illogical!", Takumi shouted, "We've been here long enough to know that the two of you aren't like that at all."
"I agree.", Leo's voice came in, "There's no way Chrom would even believe in those words as well and you know that just as well, Reflet. You've been in the militia longer than we did."
"I-I'm staying right here!", Lissa shouted in determination, "We'll protect you until the end, Reflet!"
Maribelle's voice came in, "And, if Lissa is staying here, so am I. Our job as healers is to treat every patient we have. I will neither leaving you nor my role!"
After a while, Reflet sighed and said, "Lissa... you guys...haha...T-that is a problem..."
Leo's voice came in, "Then, I take it you finally decided?"
There was silence as Reflet said, "However... I really am sorry. I... failed when... the Shepherds really... needed us... the most, but... I don't want to... be forgotten. You guys... I... really am hopeless... but even so… this isn't what I really wanted!"
Lissa called out to the tactician while sobbing.
"Reflet... what a resolve you have shown! The title of an aristocrat too is not just for show. No matter what may befall me, no matter how wretched I may become, I will protect you from the Plegian soldiers outside!", said Virion as Takumi's groan could be heard in the back.
"Well, I glad you finally made that choice.", Camilla's voice came in, "I don't think Cordelia would be happy to hear what you were about to pick either and if you make her upset again..."
"Allow me to join her when that happens." Robin added with a scowl, "Seriously… Brother, if you would blame yourself to this extent, then I am also one to blame for the Exalt's death. You weren't the only one planning to save her. I also wished to save the Exalt and the plan we made failed as well. But, to even tell me to leave… I've spent years trying to find you and I won't let you leave me behind like that again! This is what they call running away from problems, brother, and I know you're not a coward to face your failures. If you say that you caused so much sorrow, then we're both in the same boat here, but we can face our mistakes together and prevent more! This is what I learned from being in the Shepherds! So, pull yourself together or I'll zap you back together!"
Kamui shudder as he soon learned the temper of their second tactician, but her words sounded very convincing and true, at least. They could hear a sigh as Takumi said, "Anyway, I still don't like how you weren't able to save the Exalt, but you would've gotten me much angrier if you just decided to give up like that."
"Takumi!", Hinoka said, "Anyway, you've helped us find our comrades and even helped save the children when they were in danger. This time we'll return the favor."
"Yes.", said the Nohrian prince, "Also, you forget that you're not the only one, who can think of tactics. This time we'll think of a way out of this. Also, don't forget that we still have the khans helping us. They'll be back as well."
"You're right…" Reflet forced a small chuckle.
Maribelle carefully wiped the sweat away as she scolded, "Never tell us to do such a cruel thing like that again!"
"Leave the matter to us, Reflet." Kamui said with a wide grin, "It's our time to do what we can. Robin, Walter, we're going to need your help."
"Got it." Robin got up and the four walked out of the room.
Outside, Kamui turned to his brothers, "Takumi, Leo, I'm going to count on the two of you to gather the Shepherds. Robin, Walter, we'll need to formulate a plan. There's a good chance that this would end up in a battle."
"Got it." Takumi replied, "Just leave it to us."
The two left for the nearby houses as Kamui turned to their tacticians.
Walter frowned, "I'm not too familiar with the layout of the area, but I'll do what I can."
"This is no desert." Robin nodded, "But, this is still Plegian land and I've experience with these lands. I'll help to the best of my abilities. Though in this case, the best option is to create a diversion for the others to escape or we fight and wait for the Khans to arrive."
Kamui nodded, "Then, we'll hold out for the Khans or Chrom and the others to reach back here. I know we can hold out until then and they will be back. All that's left is the other army's intentions."
"It could be a battle." Walter replied, "They're all Plegian soldiers and a large number of them."
"Or they're people who only wants the end to the war." Kamui replied, "Just as Mustafa's army. We couldn't persuade their general because his family was on the line, but that doesn't mean we have to see everyone that way. We can still talk to them. I believe everyone just wants peace."
Robin looked between Kamui and Walter as the assistant tactician did the same. Finally, they nodded.
"All right." Robin replied, "Just be careful."
Kamui smiled, "Thank you."
After gathering their forces to the best of their ability, Kamui, alone, marched out to the expecting Plegian forces led by a tall armored man with a village woman next to him. Seeing him, the man stood tall, "Are you part of the Shepherds?"
"I am." Kamui answered firmly, "I take it you're here for us?"
"We are." The man replied, "To shelter you and one of your patients from loyalists."
"Pardon?" Kamui's eyes widen in surprise.
"You can't fool these eyes. I've met with a couple of your soldiers and thought about telling the soldiers who would take you in, but…" The woman spoke up firmly with a grin, "Those flowers at my pa's and ma's grave…"
"Flowers? Graves?" Kamui's eyes widen in bewilderment, "Oh, you mean, the ones we offered!"
"Yes, those." The woman smiled and nodded, "Ha, I suppose not all of ya are bad to the bone…"
The captain walked up to him and offered his hand, "I am the captain of this army. The Exalt's words rang through our hearts true. We're willing to protect you from the mad king's eyes and ears, even if it costs us our lives. Are you Prince Chrom of Ylisse? The Exalt's younger brother?"
"No." Kamui shook his head, "Our captain has gone in search of the herbs for our tactician. My name is Kamui. I work under him with a squad of my own."
"A man would go that far for his own soldier?" the man chuckled, "You are fortunate to have a man as him for your captain."
However, the man frowned and spoke, "But, we must make haste. It won't be long before the other armies find you."
"You're all welcome into our village." The woman said with a confidant smile, "Our elder has allowed you into our residents. You can wait out there for that friend of yours to return."
Kamui could barely believe his luck as a bright smile came over his face, "You have our gratitudes."
Without wasting a moment, Kamui led the army to the village signaling to the tacticians and his siblings with a bright smile and a nod. Throughout the process, the plegian soldiers were kind and offered them aid. The Shepherds were wary at first, especially since Chrom wasn't around, but Kamui and the tacticians were able to convince everyone with Virion's and Lissa's help. Kamui, then, went into Reflet's room and helped Lissa carry Reflet holding the other arms over his neck.
"Kamui…?" Reflet slowly opened his eyes, "What's… going on?"
"Everything's fine." Lissa smiled so wide Kamui thought it was hurting her cheeks.
Kamui nodded, "That's right. These soldiers are actually helping us. So, just rest easy."
"They're… helping us?" Reflet's red eyes widen a little.
"That's right." Kamui replied, "Exalt Emmeryn's words reached them and the woman Lissa talked to is helping us."
"I see…" Reflet muttered quietly as they walked out the door.
As they were about to leave, Kamui turned to Virion and George, "Virion, can I leave things to you and our tacticians from here? I need to stay in case the Khans and Chrom returns here."
"Of course." The archer grinned.
"I'm staying." George said firmly, "It would be difficult to defend yourself against enemies should they find you."
"That would be much appreciated." Kamui replied with a grin.
Watching Virion and Robin lead the others with the aiding army, George spoke up, "You're too naïve."
"I know sometimes I can be a little too trusting." Kamui responded, "But, I believe that we can trust them. As naïve as my thoughts can be, I still want to choose to believe in others. If I find that the other person as lying, I will give my all to protect my friends and family and the Shepherds play those roles here."
George didn't look convinced, but he didn't argue back at least. It was only after waiting shortly that they were able to find the Khans and explained to them the situation. Though Basilio didn't look convinced, Flavia was pleased to hear the news and said they could only thank their luck for such a fortunate event. Kamui, then, gave them the direction Lissa and Stahl took to the village while they waited for Chrom. Hours passed as the sun finally peeked out from the trees away from the stormy clouds. Finally, the sounds of hooves and horses from afar caught their attention.
"They're back." George spoke up.
Kamui smiled and nodded, "Good. We just need to get Reflet the herb before we're too late."
As Chrom and Xander rushed up with their squad behind them, Frederick was the first to speak.
"We've finally returned. How are they?" he asked them.
Chrom looked about with a grimace, "Damn! Are we too late?"
"Huh?" Kamui's eyes widen in surprise, "Reflet and the others are safe in the village. How did you-"
"We received a strange message that enemy soldiers came." Xander explained, "Then, we heard everything you and our siblings said."
"Then, you haven' heard that those soldiers were influenced by Exalt Emmeryn's words and aided us?" Kamui asked.
"Forget that." George responded firmly, "Come with us. Reflet needs the herbs."
"Right!" Chrom nodded and pulled out his pouch, "We have them right here."
"Good." Kamui responded and quickly led the group down to the village, "Time is not going to wait for us."
After making it down to the village, they found the Inn the woman was running and saw her aiding the soldiers with some of the Plegan forces. Upon seeing them, the plegian captan Kamui had met with quickly led them to where Reflet was. Chrom handed the medicine to Lissa who turned the flower into liquid medicine. The disgusting green liquid was then given to Reflet who forced himself to drink it. Kamui could tell that the medicine was good as they say good medicine always tastes bad. After seeing that the medicine was finally starting to take effect. Kamui and Chrom thanked the captain and the Inn keeper. It was a relief to see Chrom finally himself as he greeted Plegian soldiers. He doesn't know what happened during the mission, but he was more than happy to see his old friend back to himself again. Stepping outside for a breather with Chrom's group, Frederick sighs in relief, "It seems the worst is over."
"Aye." Chrom nodded with a smile
"Good… Reflet…" Lissa said n the middle of her sobs. Kamui reassuringly patted her shoulder with a smile, "You did a good job there, Lissa."
She nodded as Stahl asked, "But why did you three come to this village?"
Gaius nodded with a hum, "I thought for sure the people here were working with the enemy, but…
Virion nodded, "We thought so as well. Actually, the inhabitants of this villaffe told us. Initially, they begrudged us and thought of betraying us so that we would be captured and killed."
Fredricked huffed with a frown.
"Then, they saw the flowers we placed on the graves." Kamui spoke up, "They reconsidered it."
"The ones we offered?" Chrom's eyes widen in surprise.
Kamui nodded, "And they told our whereabouts, not to the Plegian soldiers who hated us and Ylisse, but to those who empathized with your sister's words. A great number of them rushed to our side."
"Then, they came…" Stahl gasped in surprise and looked over to Chrom, "To help you!"
"…I see…" Chrom forced a small smile, "So that was it…"
"Chrom." Robin spoke up, "We can still fight back after we return to Ylisse. So many doesn't want this war. We can still fight back and put an end to all this."
"You're right." Chrom nodded, "I'll admit it that for a second there, I almost let the man king's tactician get me, but I won't lose my way again. This war needs to end. For everyone's sake, the faster, the better."
They were all in agreement on this before Kamui watched Chrom return into the Inn. He saw his brother smile as he raised a brow, "Brother? If I may, what's on your mind?"
"He's grown just as you have." Xander responded with a chuckle, "It reminds me of the day you led both forces to save our kingdoms and the people. For this point on, he will also continue to make strides just as his sister would've wanted."
"Is that so…" Kamui forced a small chuckle, "I didn't think I've grown that much, but I can see that Chrom certainly has. I guess it really must've been the same for me too. The truth opened my eyes to our surroundings, but it did take the courage for me to try and bring you and our siblings together."
"But it succeeded." Xander responded, "Just like then, I can see an end to the fight here as well."
"The end to the fight…" Kamui thought aloud, "Even after our wars are over, another begins after ours and the children's time…"
"Kamui…" Xander said with a frown as f trying to think of what to tell his younger brother.
"Brother, I've thought about this for a long time." Kamui spoke up, "Even if we put an end to the war from our time, it doesn't mean that we will succeed in stopping all wars. Another will begin long after we and the kids are gone. However, I believe that by then, there will be people, such as Chrom and the Shepherds who yearns for the same peace and end to wars. When that time comes, I want to leave the future in their care just as the dragon deities left the sacred weapons to the humans. Of course, that will be a long time from now when we return to our time, but, for now, let's help Chrom achieve their peace."
Xander huffed a wide smile, "To think the day would come when I hear you say those words. I agree with you, though. We shall focus on our present and leave the future to those in the future."
Thanks to the village's aid, they left in slightly better mood than when they first arrived the next couple of days. Kamui sat in the wagon led by Stahl while Chrom and Lissa sat with those in Olivia's wagon. Reflet was feeling a lot better now and was healthy enough to continue traveling with them again. George sat with him and neither said a word as they rode all the way back to Ylisse.
After returning to the castle, Camilla gave Stahl a hand by leading her family to a barrack. Kamui watched as they leave before turning to Selkie who stood there watching the wolfskin family walk away. Kamui certainly doesn't want to leave the girl on her own, but he wasn't certain that she'd be comfortable being around him constantly either.
"Selkie."
They looked up and saw Panne walk over to them, "Follow me. You're sharing a barrack with me."
"What?" Kamui's eyes widen in surprise.
"Really?!" Selkie's eyes glistened like a child as she smiled, "Yay! Thanks, Panne! I owe ya one!"
As the girl frolicked ahead to the barracks after the family, Kamui smiled, "Thank you, Panne."
"It's not for you." The taguel responded quietly, "But, I will not leave a cub to fend for herself."
As they walked away, Kamui still grinned, "I know. But, I also didn't want her to feel left out, that's why I can only thank you in her parent's place."
After leaving the matter to Panne, Kamui followed Chrom and his siblings to the castle itself. The servants were few and the castle looked to have lost its glamor compared to the last he came here. Still, it was home to the royal family, nonetheless.
"At last…" Chrom forced a small smile, "we've returned. To our home… to Ylisse castle!"
"But…" Tears began to fall from the side of Lissa's eyes, "Emm isn't… here anymore…"
"Oh, Lissa…" Camilla walked over to the young princess giving her a light pat on her shoulder in comfort. It was probably the only thing any can do for her now. After all, no one can revive the dead.
"Yes. It is…" Frederick grimaced, "very upsetting…"
"Lissa… Frederick…" Chrom muttered.
Kamui could see that even the prince doesn't know what to say. Neither does he. He may have felt the pain of losing his mother, but Chrom and Lissa had just lost their sister. No words out of his mouth could comfort them either. They had known that this would be a possible outcome, but it was impossible not to lessen the pain anymore than knowing that it could happen. And, to make matters worse, it did.
Lissa forced a smile through her tears, "Heh. Sorry, I'm crying again. Just, we got back home, and I remembered Emm…"
"Anyone who lost someone important would feel like that…" Hinoka smiled softly, "So, it's alright to cry…"
Lissa nodded quietly.
"Chrom… Lissa…"
"Ah! Robin! Reflet?!" Lissa jumped in surprise.
Kamui turned and saw the two tactician walk in with Robin by her brother's side. Both with visibly bitter looks over their faces.
"Reflet." Chrom frowned with concern, "Are you all right? Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"I'm fine. I'm… sorry for causing you so much worry." Reflet responded.
Shaking his head, the prince smiled, "No, it's enough that you are well."
"But Chrom… let me say it again. I'm very sorry…" Reflet apologizes as he and his sister bowed their heads, "...for the outcome of this battle."
"Reflet? Robin?" Lissa looked to them in confusion.
Chrom frown deepened as he walked over to them firmly before stopping infront of them, "Stop. Lift your heads."
Though the two lifted their heads, Robin continued in her brother's stead, "Because our strategy was flawed… your beloved sister died, and on top of that, we caused you so much trouble."
"No, it's not your fault. You and your brother did well, Robin. You know, coming back here and realizing all over again that Emm is gone, I'm seething with rage at my own powerlessness." Chrom hissed, "Damn! How weak can I get!?"
"Chrom…" Robin whispered quietly.
"It's because I'm so weak… because I was foolish… I couldn't change anything. I-I lost Emm, the person I loved most in the world! And…," Chrom walks forward to the twins, "I almost lost you too."
"Chrom…" Kamui frowned.
"Lord Chrom." Frederick could only say without a continuation.
The air was heavy with grief and none of them could think of anything to say in comfort.
The twin tacticians looked to each other and nodded before Reflet walked up to the prince with a hand stretched out to him, "Take my hand, Chrom."
"Reflet…" Chrom looks to his tactician in confusion.
"Reflet and I had talked things over during the travel home…" Robin spoke up, "We agreed that both of us cannot forgive ourselves for our own powerlessness just as you have."
"No." Chrom frowned, "But you both did nothing wrong."
"Chrom." Reflet responded firmly with a smile, "We are both inexperienced and neither one half or third of what your sister was. So, from now on… my sister and I will be your other half. Just as you saved us, it is now our turn to support you and aid you."
"Reflet…" Chrom's eyes widen as Reflet said this.
"No matter how many times you fall, Reflet and I will extend our hand and help you to stand." Robin said with a brighter smile, "And so, use your other hand to grasp that which Lady Emmeryn was unable to reach."
"What Emm couldn't reach…" Chrom muttered as it dawned upon him.
"What they speak is true." Xander nodded, "You are not your sister. What Exalt Emmeryn once was. However, you are yourself with your own ideas to follow, but you and your sister's goals are no where apart from the start to now. Peace for the people and an end to the wars. The both of you only took different paths and methods. Neither one easier than the other."
"You don't have to be just like Lady Emmeryn. Please give hope to all people in your own way. That is something only you can do, Chrom." Reflet concurred with a nod.
"Do you think… I am able? That I have that strength?" Chrom muttered in uncertainty.
"If you're not strong enough, everyone else will do the rest." Reflet said firmly, "If you doubt your capability, you just have to work to become better. At the very least, all of your comrades here believe in you."
Suddenly, the doors swung open as the Shepherds walked in to everyone's amazement.
"That's right." Virion responded with a smirk.
"Yeah." Stahl said with the usual plain grin of his.
"Well, let's just go with that." Gaius said with a shrug.
"Everyone?!" Kamui's eyes widen as his aw dropped.
Flabbergasted by the appearance of the entire militia in the halls, Takumi couldn't say a word as Reflet and Robin clearly couldn't stop smiling. That's when Kamui knew just how sly their own tacticians can be and couldn't stop a wide smile of his own from growing on his cheek despite withholding laughter. He could even see the dumbfounded expression clearly visible of George's and Walter's face upon the sight of the entire militia though they too took part in this.
"I-I-I…" Walter could only stammer as George couldn't bare to look.
"Hey, who said you're going to do anything without teach, eh?" Vaike bellowed with a laughter.
"You all…" Chrom could only mutter in astonishment.
"Aye." Frederick gave a curt bow, "I too believe in you."
"Yeah. Me too!" Lissa spoke up wiping the last bit of her tear away.
"Chrom." Kamui said with a nod, "Everyone here clearly believes in you, but no matter how strong a man can get, they can never surpass the limit of mortals. But, you aren't alone from the beginning. Your tacticians are right. The legacy your sister has left you is heavy. However, everyone believes in you. If you can't do something on your own, you only need to look to those around you. You are not alone because everyone here stands with you and we know how hard you work to achieve your goals."
"Even those who rule are still learning from their predecessors and those around them." Xander spoke firmly, "If there's anything we've learned, it's that we're still learning no matter how much we've achieved."
"I admit. Books can only get you so far." Leo said with a nod, "But, I learned more from those around us than could from books alone."
"And don't expect me to say anything about training." Takumi said with a sigh, "You've already got that covered."
"And did you figure something out in the last battle?" Gaius called out from the crowd.
"Aye. That's right." Chrom nodded firmly taking a bold step forward, "The chains of enmity lead to nothing but sorrow. And sorrow will not lead us to the future."
"Chrom…" Robin smiled.
"That enemy general – Mustafa, was it?" Chrom reminded everyone with a frown, "I remembered our battle with him. Back then, I told him not to speak Emm's name."
"That's right." Hinoka nodded.
"But the Plegian soldiers were also moved by Emm's words. Thanks to that, Reflet was saved."
"Yes! That's right!" Robin exclaimed in relief.
"During war, people march under more than one banner of justice. That is why battles continue to unfold." Chrom said as Kamui could see his cogs in his mind move, "The different 'justices' refuse to yield and so come into conflict. But in the end, war is empty and meaningless. Even if it is just, even if your beliefs are unyielding, war is still painful. And so we must put a swift end to this war, for the sakes of both countries."
"Ah…" Frederick's eyes widen in surprise before a smile came over the man's face, "Lord Chrom…"
Knowing he wasn't alone in what he witnessed, Kamui could barely breath a sigh of relief as he could see the dawn that came over his dear friend.
"Reflet. Robin." Chrom looked to everyone as he continued, "Everyone. I want to avenge Emm. I will defeat Gangrel and protect the people of Ylisse. But that's not all. I want to bring back peace and protect all those within my reach. That is how I feel now."
"Chrom…" Reflet smiled wider with a nod.
"Will you follow me?" Chrom asked everyone, "And, will you believe in me?"
"I believe." Virion steps forward, "In the bonds you share with all our friends here.
Lissa was still snifling as she giggled softly, "I'm going too! I'm tired of just crying!"
Stahl gave a curt bow, "For Lady Emmeryn, and for Chrom!"
"Yeah." Gaius scratched the back of his head without a care, "That's what I've decided too."
"I will accompany you anywhere." Frederick swore with a dignified bow reminding Kamui much of his butler.
Kamui chuckled, "For as long as I'm here, Chrom, I'm willing to give a hand for an old friend anytime."
Xander nodded, "I too am willing to lend you my blade and our aid for the duration of our time here. Let us help you just as you've helped us."
"Though you still got a lot to learn about strategy and government, I suppose I could give you and Lissa my aid, especially if it meant getting Lissa to stop sprouting apple trees in the middle of the battlefield."
Camilla giggled, "Come now, Leo. You know Lady Lissa is still only grasping on her magic and she's doing much better than that one incident. However, if my dear siblings are going to help you, Prince Chrom, then allow me to give you my aid as well. I will silence anyone who comes against your path."
"Lady Camilla, again, that was a little dark, even if it was true." Hinoka forced a smile, "But if our families are with you then I don't have any complaints. I will help you as well for helping Kamui and us."
"Why am I the last?" Takumi grumbled, "I'll help as long as you need it while I'm still here. Just so you know, you now have three best snipers on your side, and an archer. We'll snipe down those plegian wyvern knights if you need it."
Chrom chuckled as he nodded, "We hear you, Takumi… Thank you, everyone. I- will fight!
The castle shook as the entire militia cheered so loudly it wouldn't surprise Kamui if the castle would need to reconstruct their walls before Chrom and his shepherds accidentally broke another one… or few.
"And we will surely be victorioius!" Chrom announced firmly, "I want to hold a strategy meeting immediately to discuss the attack on Plegia. All of you come with me!"
As Chrom left the halls, Kamui and his siblings could only watch as the other Shepherds followed after him. A smile laid upon each one of their faces, including Navarre's and Lon'qu's. Frederick chuckled as Robin looked up to him in surprise, "Frederick?"
"The young mature so quickly." Frederick could only comment with a smile on his stern face, "We have lost much this time, but Lord Chrom has certainly grown just as much."
Reflet smiled as he noted lightly, "You look happy."
"Aye." Frederick nodded, "Of course. I have watched over him since he was an infant."
Robin laughed, "You sound a little like his father."
Kamui couldn't help but chuckle as he could hear snickering in the back where the retainers awaited behind them as Frederick jumped in bewilderment, "That's unthinkable! I am nothing more than Lord Chrom's loyal retainer."
He cleared his throat before speaking, "Well then, everyone. You should join Chrom as well."
"Yes." Hinoka nodded, "You should come along too, Frederick. Prince Chrom will need his retainer by his side."
"Yes, of course!" The knight smiled proudly.
As they walked along, Kamui couldn't help but ask the tacticians, "Reflet, Robin. You were the ones who called everyone here, didn't you?"
Reflet chuckled and Robin giggled as they both smirked like mischievous siblings pulling pranks.
"Now, that…" Reflet began.
"We have no idea what you're talking about." Robin finished.
"But," Reflet responded firmly, "It does not change the fact that we all felt the same and came here with those thoughts."
Xander chuckled, "To think you two could pull this off when together… Gangrel and Aversa will be in for a big surprise in our next battle."
"Just wait till they see what we have in store during our next meeting." Takumi smirked.
What started as a terrible ending before Kamui has begun to slowly take shape to the prelude of a new beginning. Now, is the time they will strike back… with everything they got.
YueTian: All right! I'm so glad I was able to get this far into the chapter. I also finished my artwork and the gallery at the Sweeney Arts Gallery in Riverside isn't until May 25 starting from 2 pm. If anyone nearby is willing to visit on the Saturday, please do! This is my first official gallery and I'm so excited! I'm featuring a work on sculpture hybrid which is a mixture of wood work that's eight foot tall two feet long and two feet wide with digital artworks and papermache. It's on a Saturday and will still be open for a month after. However, artists, such as myself will only be there on the first day of its opening. The gallery is literally named "*Ominous Music Plays*". Please come by if possible. The name of my piece of the Four Causes of Sins. Sorry for blabbering so much. I'm just too excited! Anyway, I hope you all liked this chapter. There wasn't much on Walter or the others just because Kamui is the main focus here following Chrom's and the tacticians' story. I'm thinking of continuing the next chapter for Fate of the Worlds and Bloody Angels. I'm also thinking of starting my own story going off on Fe Fate of the Sky, but it's coming along slowly and I don't have enough confidence and I need and editor or I won't know what I'm doing at all. If someone is willing to help me edit, please give me a notice through private messenger! I promise you it won't be more than twenty or fifteen pages long! Anyway, hopefully, my next update will be FE Fates of the World. It's been months after all and I really want to make progress on it again.
5/19/2019 3:31 PM
