WARNING: No lemons this chapter. Sorry! :P
Distress Signal
Hours passed since the Shepherds arrived on Mount Prism. The trip was eerily peaceful. The entire time the army spent here, not a single enemy attempted to make any sort of attack to stifle their progress. Everyone was wary and on the tip of their toes, ready for anything to happen. The atmosphere was especially tense as the army was without their tactician for the time being. It was already mid-day and they had not seen eye or ear of the man since his departure with Tiki. Chrom only grew increasingly worried after receiving an abundance of news. Firstly, Sumia had returned from a scouting mission and confirmed there was a startling number of Risen prowling the roads that lead out of the mountain. A situation that was of little immediate concern as they still had their ships to ferry them back to the eastern desert once again. Secondly, during her scouting, she was approached by one of the royal armies' Pegasus Knights that had a letter which needed Chrom's urgent attention. Just the sound of it was enough to chill his blood. Perhaps the only good news to come out of her rounds was that Robin was safe and sound at the foot of Mount Prism under Tiki's protection. The Prince sighed a breath of relief knowing that his friend was in good hands. If anyone was fit to protect him from any sort of tragedy, it was Tiki.
The Shepherds were all set to move onto their next destination whenever their commander said the word. For the time being, everyone just wandered about the old village until an order was given. Until then, Chrom had his usual meeting with the Khans and Say'ri in order for them to all sit down and discuss what was in the message he received.
The four gathered together in the center of the village and waited for Chrom to relay the urgent message. The Khans and princess only looked on as Chrom's eyes drifted from side to side on the page. Every second he spent reading it only made his expression worsen.
"...This is bad." He said abruptly.
"What a surprise." Basilio grunted. "So, are you just going to keep us in suspense, or will you tell us what happened?"
"Someone... important has been hurt. This message is a request to send one of our healers for help."
"Lord Chrom, with respect, surely the person in question is not so important that we must dwindle our own numbers, are they?" Say'ri stepped forward.
"I'm afraid they are, Say'ri." Chrom turned, placing the letter back into its envelope and walking away from the group. "If you'll excuse me, I have to find and inform Robin."
As Chrom left the three to their own devices, Say'ri crossed her arms, put off by the idea of needing to sacrifice their own units for one singular person...
-x-
At the foot of Mount Prism, Robin and Tiki remained together the entire time. Tiki busied herself with making sure the surrounding area was free of enemies while Robin spent his time drawing a crude map of the continent in the dirt with a broken tree branch and marking off the best path forward. It was really all he could do to pass the time now. He and Tiki already had sex about twice in the few hours they've been together and he really needed a break.
The tactician yawned deeply and rolled his head about his shoulders to keep himself from simply falling asleep right then and there. He really wished Tiki would return soon so he could have someone to talk to, but like an answer from Naga herself, someone had indeed come for him. The unmistakable sound of large wings flapping above him signaled him to inbound company.
Above him, he saw Sumia and her Pegasus again, this time with Chrom in tow. Robin stood up to his feet and waved his arms to the descending pair. The winged animal touched down and the riders dismounted to meet with the tactician.
"Robin, we have an emergency." Chrom alerted, grabbing the letter and handing it over. He scanned the area from left to right. Robin appeared to be alone. "Where's Tiki?"
"She's making sure the area is safe. She'll be back soon, I'm sure." Robin took the envelope from his friend's hand. "What's this?"
"I think it's best if you found out yourself..." Chrom hadn't looked at his friend directly when he answered him.
Peeling open the letter's paper binding, Robin unfolded the letter within and read each word diligently.
Your Majesty.
This message comes from the Regna Ferox border guard. In the passing days, you supplied us with an exceptional soldier and in return, ordered to maintain contact in regards to their condition on the battlefield. We regret to inform you that due to a recent Risen attack, the one who you entrusted to us has been injured. Our medical units of the Regna Ferox border guard are not well versed in terms of medical practices, however what few specialists we do have inform us that the condition of the one who you have entrusted to us is critical. We do not have the supplies to treat them properly. We humbly request assistance from your exceptional clerics, or else we cannot guarantee your soldier will survive their injuries.
We await for a response as soon as possible.
Reimi, Regna Ferox army general.
Robin's grip on the letter faltered as he finished reading it. His heart skipped a beat and his skin lost it's color. In the quickest instant, he felt as if part of himself withered off and died. He knew very well who was the soldier in question.
"C-C-Chrom..." Robin stuttered in the most frightened tone the Prince had ever heard.
Chrom nodded. "I know. I came here the second I read that letter."
"I've g-got to get over there..." The tactician shambled in his steps, nearly falling to his knees. Chrom held his friend by the shoulder and tried to keep him standing.
Above them, a large shadow was cast overhead. Tiki in her dragon form descended from the skies. Once she landed and changed into her human form, the Manakete addressed Chrom directly. "Chrom, I have troubling news."
"It can't possibly be any worse than what we've just heard." The Prince sighed.
Tiki tilted her head, a bit puzzled by his reaction but continued on. "I had decided to scout the surrounding area not long after Sumia was here and discovered something unexpected." Tiki pointed to the south where they docked their ships. "A massive hoard of Risen appeared out of nowhere and made quick work of our transport. I was able to dispatch them, however what remains of our small fleet is nothing but flotsam and broken wood."
"Dammit!" Chrom's fists clenched at the news. "They've destroyed our only safe route out of Mount Prism... The only way forward is through the passage that leads into Breakneck Pass, but according to our latest scouting report, it's infested with Risen."
"Then that means we've been trapped!" Sumia chimed in.
"Exactly. Grima's forces couldn't get anywhere near the mountain summit to stop us from obtaining Falchion's true might. Instead, he's trapped us here so we can't use it." The Prince rubbed his chin on any sort of way out of their current predicament. By all accounts, they had nowhere to go. With a vast sea at their back and an army of bloodthirsty monsters at their front, they had no room to move. All the while, a comrade was in desperate need of help and it didn't look like they could lend them any.
"Chrom... I have to go back to Ferox." Robin finally spoke.
"I know. We can't just allow one of our own to perish like that. But how do you suggest we go about it? There is no way to get across the entire continent and battle our way through the numbers ahead of us."
"I'll go. Alone."
There was a long pause between the group. No one wanted to say anything for or against the matter. On the one hand, if Robin left them, they could not possibly proceed without his guidance. However, if he stayed, there would be no way to send forward assistance in time. There would be no way aid would be there without the tactician right behind them.
"What will we do without you?" Chrom asked.
"Grima's forces can't touch you as long as you stay on the summit, right? The best you can do for now is to stay there and wait for me to return."
"But how will you make it to Ferox? You don't intend to walk through the only path out of here alone, do you? That's worse than suicide!"
"I will escort him." Tiki interjected, stepping forward. "With the power of my dragonstone, I can fly much faster and farther than any Pegasus or Wyvern."
"That's perfect. We can get there in no time." Robin quickly responded.
"Even if I were to approve," Chrom stepped between Tiki and Robin. "there's no telling how long you'll be gone. What will we do in the meantime."
"Like I said; The Risen will not be able to get near Mount Prism. All of you will be safe. And I promise that I will be back as soon as I can."
The tactician and Prince both glared at each other sternly. Chrom didn't want to be without his tactician for fear of not being good enough himself to lead the cause, and Robin did not want to stay because he was deathly afraid of the person in Ferox being lost.
"Chrom, please." Robin begged. His determined gaze was breaking and all Chrom could see was a man who was on the verge of falling to his knees.
"...Fine." The Prince relented. He was fully aware of Robin's motivations and keeping him here would have been selfish of him. "I'll return in an hour with supplies and an escort for you and our finest healer."
Robin felt himself breath after holding it in so long to seem tough. He was all too happy to know that his request would be fulfilled. "Thank you, Chrom. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome. But do try to come back as soon as you can, alright? We cant sit on that mountain forever."
With that, Chrom and Sumia re-mounted the Pegasus and took to the skies with the mountain's summit in their sights.
Sumia looked over her shoulder to Chrom. "Captain... Are you really just going to let Robin go by himself?"
"I don't want to keep him here. If the person who was hurt is who we both think it is, it's best that he went along."
"If you say so. I just hope he'll be alright."
With the fastest Sumia's Pegasus could carry them, the two quickly made it back to the summit. The very first thing on Chrom's agenda was to inform his comrades of the situation. All of the Shepherds gathered together to hear their leader. Most of them were puzzled as to why Robin was the only one allowed to go, although the only person to make a big fuss about it was Vaike. The general consensus had no issue with Robin having to take leave for what they hoped would only be a few days. They could use the time to relax and prepare for the upcoming battle that was sure to test their limits. After being addressed about the matter, everyone dispersed and decided to set up camp for the foreseeable future.
For the time being, Chrom gathered supplies from the convoy for Robin's trip. Nothing but the essentials. Food, water, a set of new weaponry and a map to navigate his path. He wasn't sure how much to pack given the length of the trip compared to Tiki's speed, but he made sure to have just enough for them to make it to Ferox. Surely they could resupply on the trip back.
"I beg your pardon, milord." A voice called from behind. Chrom turned to see Maribelle standing behind him carrying a Mend staff in her hands. "I volunteer to be the medical aid and request to accompany Robin on his trip."
"Hm..." Chrom hummed as he thought over her request. "I'm sorry, but I have to decline your request."
"What...?" Maribelle had to suppress her urge to raise her voice. How could he think about not allowing her to go and help? She was one of the best healers in the army!
"I already know who is going to Ferox. But I thank you for stepping up to the call." Chrom turned back to gathering supplies, silently telling the noblewoman this conversation was over. Maribelle could say nothing, so she simply walked away with worry deep in the pit of her stomach for who he would send.
Once Chrom had finished packing everything, he made his way through camp to find the one person who he knew could get the job done. She was the best they had. No matter how terribly injured someone was, even on the brink of death, she could save them. He was hesitant to send her of all people along, but she was the best and only choice he could make.
He stood outside of that person's tent. Without hesitation in his movement, he opened the tent flap to check on it's occupant.
"Sis, how is everything?" He asked.
The blonde looked up from a book she was reading to respond. "Everything is... fine." Emmeryn stammered.
"Good, good. Do you remember what I said earlier today? About Robin?"
"He is... going away." she responded.
"Yes. He will need someone with exceptional healing abilities to help a friend of his in Ferox."
"Me?"
"Yes, exactly. You are the best healer the Shepherds have to offer. I know we don't call upon your services a lot, but now of all times, he needs you."
Both of them were silent for a moment. Emmeryn's eyes remained on her younger brother in what he thought was in contemplation.
"When do we... leave?"
"If you're ready, in just a few minutes.
"Okay. I will go."
"Thanks, Emm. It really means a lot to him. And me."
"A lot?"
"Yes it does. When you get to Ferox, you'll know what I mean."
"Alright. Let's go." Emmeryn closed her book and neatly laid it beside her. In the corner of her room was a staff that only she had the ability to use. A staff topped with a vibrant ruby orb and a gold ring extending from either side of it: The Fortify Staff. A very powerful healing staff that can only be used by the absolute masters of white magic. Emmeryn grabbed hold of the exceptional staff with diligence expected of someone so gentle and followed her brother out of her tent.
Only a few more preparations needed to be handled before everything was ready. Although Tiki was strong by herself, someone else needed to be there to watch over them. Just like before, Chrom had called his soldiers to offer their assistance. As expected, nearly everyone was more than willing to lend their strength to their friend, but exactly who was the one that they could afford to survive without was a crucial choice. One particular soldier stepped forward among the crowd to assert their position.
"Lord Chrom, I volunteer to accompany our companions on this task." Say'ri called above everyone else.
"Say'ri? Perhaps you should reconsider. I need you here to help lead our troops."
The Chon'sin princess shook her head and maintained her posture. "Aye, perhaps if our troops needed to be lead, milord. As you say, we are stranded here without our tactician. What's more, I am duty bound to protect Naga's Voice. I simply cannot step aside and allow her to venture so far from my sight."
"I... suppose." Chrom thought over the decision even after Say'ri's declaration to being Tiki's retainer. He trusted her skills, surely, but she was also quite the accomplished swordswoman and wished she could stay and bolster their numbers. Then again, someone of exceptional discipline such as her could indeed be perfect for his friend's safety. "Alright, Say'ri. You're free to go. on the one condition you travel with someone who I will personally appoint."
Say'ri bowed respectfully, thankful that the Prince allowed her to continue her duties. Although she was fully committed to Tiki's protection, part of her reasons for wanting to join Robin were a bit more selfish. She wanted to see just who it was that deserved such attention as to send over some of their best hands to their aid. If it was a decision that both their commander and tactician unanimously agreed on, perhaps there was a good reason for such action.
'Okay, just a bit more preparation.' Chrom thought as he mulled over who should travel next.
-x-
Below, at the foot of the mountain, Robin was with Tiki once again, charting the best possible path forward. After taking into account the distance traveled and Tiki's exceptional speed, it would be at least a three day trip; a day and a half to make it to Ferox and return back to Mount Prism if they only rested once between trips.
"It is possible to make our trip even shorter if we would not need to stop between here and Ferox. I am perfectly capable of the task." Tiki said.
"No." Robin shrugged off Tiki's claims. "I don't want you to push yourself too hard. You'll be moving much faster than necessary anyway."
"Don't you want to make it to the aid of our comrades as soon as possible?"
"Not at the expense of another comrade's health."
Tiki laughed a bit at the tactician's insistence. Always looking out for everyone. "Very well."
After some planning and mapping out their route ahead, Robin resigned himself to sitting tight until Chrom returned. He said it would be one hour after he had left, and judging by how long it was taking, his estimated time was almost up.
Only a few more minutes passed when Chrom finally arrived with a small entourage along with him. Not one, but two Pegasi descended from the sky, each carrying a full set of passengers. On one, Sumia, Chrom and Emmeryn were leading their companions. The other carried Cordelia, Say'ri, and Henry.
"Looks like we're right on time." Chrom declared as he hopped off Sumia's mount and helping his sister do the same.
"Wow. I wouldn't have expected so many people to help." Robin looked at all of his friends who seemed more than eager to help out.
"Chrom has told us about what's happened. It would be crazy to not expect help." Cordelia chimed in proudly. The crimson Pegasus Knight may not have been the first to volunteer, but when she was called upon, she answered without hesitation.
Say'ri also stood at attention. "And I will pledge my blade to your safety as well. Both you and milady Tiki."
"I'm just here because Chrom told me to! Nya ha ha!" Henry cackled without a hint of altruism.
Robin only shrugged at the Dark Mage's brutal honesty. "I'll accept any motivation as long as we get there safe and sound."
"Emmeryn will be there to lend medical assistance. Keep her safe, alright?" Chrom walked his sister over to Robin. He also handed him a satchel full of the supplies he packed for him as well as a spare blade and tome.
"I promise everyone will be back safe and sound before you know it." Robin slung the satchel over his shoulder and gratefully shook Chrom's hand.
Sumia had been silent most of the time. She wasn't going to be part of Robin's party, only serving to help Chrom and Emmeryn down the mountain. Even so, she wanted to have one word in before seeing the tactician go. Stepping off her Pegasus, she walked up to Robin and threw her arm around him in a rough hug. "Be safe, Robin. Everyone will be waiting for you."
Robin returned Sumia's hug and tenderly patted her back. "I will. Make sure everyone here is safe until I get back. I can count on you, right?"
"You bet!" Sumia cheerfully affirmed her ability before letting go. She was more than capable of protecting her friends, she knew it as much as he believed she could.
With everything said and done, Robin prepared to be on his way. Tiki transformed into her dragon form, ready to take flight. The tactician held Emmeryn by the hand and helped her onto Tiki's back. He would take his spot just behind her and keep his arms held about her for safety. Say'ri would in tern do the same with him while Henry mounted Cordelia's Pegasus along with her. Tiki's larger frame made it much easier to accommodate three people without stressing her body, unlike a Pegasus that can hold no more than two people without some difficulty.
"Is everyone ready?" Robin asked his companions.
Everyone responded with a simultanious "Ready!"
After one final wave to Chrom and Sumia, the small squadron of Shepherds were off. Once Tiki and Cordelia had gotten a fair distance off the ground, they took off with the utmost of speed. Less than a minute passed when the two winged figures were out of the Prince's sight. If this is how fast they traveled, he had full confidence that they would easily make it.
-x-
Many hours later, far away from Mount Prism, Robin and his team were soaring high above the skies of Ylisstol. Tiki was moving as if the devil were at her heels, and thanks to a hex Henry placed on Cordelia's Pegasus, it was able to keep up with the dragon's speed without a problem.
They were fast approaching their first and only stop. Miles away from the city was a forest that would have given them cover for hopefully a few hours. At Robin's direction, Tiki swooped down to the earth, underneath the prickly canopy of the trees, with Cordelia following close by. The area was very familiar. As the tactician recalled, it was the first night he ever spent in Chrom's company. It was also the first time he ever laid eyes on the Risen. Back then, this place used to be a verdant, evergreen forest with fresh air circulating throughout. Now, it was in much worse shape since his last visit there. The land was scarred and torn from whatever seismic activity caused the ground to erupt with magma, changing the surroundings forever. While there was still plenty of forest, there was now a large formation centered around the trees. It looked remarkably similar to a wave curling upon the ocean's surface, only made completely out of rock rather than water. Under the cover of this new formation was where the group would stay for the next few hours.
The large, concave overhang of stone made for acceptable shelter from the elements. It was well shaded without being too cold, and should it ever rain during their stay, they would be perfectly fine.
"This sucks." Henry pouted, kicking a rock out of the way of his path. "Why couldn't we stay at the castle? Where they have beds? And food?"
"Because Emmeryn is with us." Robin answered flatly as he rummaged through his satchel for a map he hoped Chrom had the foresight to pack.
"Robin." Cordelia growled with a furrowed brow. She understood what he meant by his answer, but she was not sure she could say the same about the previous Exalt.
"Oh! Um..." Robin caught his mistake and tried to salvage his mistake.
"It's okay. I understand." Emmeryn spoke.
"Your Grace, please let me explain." the tactician insisted. He was so embarrassed at what he said, he was mentally fumbling his words.
"It's because... I should be dead. The people... would panic." The previous Exalt answered. Her expression remained completely calm and understanding of the entire thing. Her surprisingly keen senses surprised everyone around her. Clearly, they underestimated just the kind of person she was, even after her horrid injuries.
"Oh, I see. You wanna keep your survival hush-hush." Henry added. The Dark Mage nodded at the simple explanation. Although he was a person who could always go for a bit of civil disorder, Henry could pass on widespread chaos just this once.
"Precisely. As far as everyone knows, Emmeryn isn't alive anymore." Robin pulled a folded map from his bag.
"Will this cause a predicament should we make it to Ferox?" Cordelia asked as she dismounted her Pegasus.
Robin raised an eyebrow at Cordelia's question. He had not thought all that far ahead, surprisingly. The border guards have been proven to be ruthless if they so much as suspected something was amiss to any party that tried to cross the border. He hoped that his credibility would convince the patrols alone to grant them access. "I... have a plan?"
Somehow that didn't seem to reassure anyone there.
"Anyway... We should probably set up a fire while we're here. We'll be leaving at the first light of dawn, so we should get as much sleep as we can." Robin rolled up his map and placed it back into his satchel. "I'll go and find some wood."
"Allow me to accompany you, sir." Say'ri insisted as Robin walked off. The tactician accepted her assistance. Better for him to travel with a partner in uncertain times like these. The rest of the team made sure to be alert of their surroundings and protect their Exalt.
Robin and Say'ri left their companions to themselves as they walked off into the dark forest under the veil of the night sky. While not dense at all, even the small amount of surrounding trees could hide any enemy with enough skill. Being an evergreen forest, the trees were certainly high enough for a sneak attack from an archer. Even more troublesome was the difficult lack of branches to make an acceptable fire. What few they could find were covered with the prickly leaves from the trees they belonged to. Even after cutting them away with a blade, the two could barely manage an armfull.
"Robin, permit me to ask a question." The Chon'sin princess spoke.
"Yes?" Robin looked back while he tried to peel some bark from one of the trees.
"Please forgive me if what I say offends, but why must we take time away from our own campaign to help one soul?"
Robin's eyes sharpened at the question. "I understand how you must feel, Say'ri. I do. But the person who needs our help is someone very important to me personally."
"I see. Mayhap you would tell me this person for curiosity's sake?"
"It's my daughter."
A deafening silence filled the air between the two. Say'ri was embarrassed to say anything further after having such a negative opinion of the whole endevor. She was very aware of the pain of losing kin, and without bothering to ascertain the proper knowledge, assumed the person in question was a petty bystander. She couldn't even offer an apology with the thought of thinking such an honorable and noble cause was anything but.
Robin had long stopped his attempt at gathering more firewood. His chest was simply too heavy from emotion to allow him to continue. "Morgan was hurt while helping to protect the border of Ferox. I couldn't live with myself if I just let her die."
"I... must apologize. I had not taken into consideration the motivation for something such as this."
"It's fine. I can see how from the outsider looking in, my decisions can be baffling at times."
"Perhaps, but I should have more faith in you as our tactician. For that I apologize."
"Really, it's fine. I probably should have been more clear about it from the start."
A sudden rustling alerted the two to their surroundings. There were no bushes around them, so they looked to the trees. Above them, at least half a dozen Risen peered down below at the two with bows taut and at the ready.
"Say'ri. Run." Robin ordered calmly. "Tell everyone that we're leaving now, I'll catch up."
Without a word of protest, the Swordmaster inched away slowly at first, but quickly broke out into a full on sprint. Half of the archers fired arrows at the woman, thankfully missing her due to her sudden movements. Robin stood in place. He knew the creatures wouldn't harm him since he did technically harbor their master. Or at least he hoped. Killing him probably wouldn't be an issue, but roughing him up may be an option of theirs.
The corpses fell from the tree, landing perfectly on their feet with their bows still trained on him. Slowly, Robin retreated backwards, doing his best not to make sudden moements. They were in the perfect position to turn him into a pin cushion, provoking them could only end in disaster.
Every step he took back, the Risen took one forward. He looked off to the side, waiting for some sort of assistance. He and Say'ri had not traveled very far from their resting site. If she kept running the way she had, surely she would have alerted everyone else to the danger. Fortunately, just as he mind began to wonder, he caught the form of a dragon flying directly towards them.
With a mighty breath, Tiki managed to quickly incinerate the undead archers. When the dragon landed onto her feet, Robin quickly mounted her back. "Change of plans; We're heading straight to Ferox. Let's get everyone else before more of them show up..."
A/N: Wow. 30,000 views and over 100 followers... How the hell did that happen!? XD
Anyway, sorry for this short and smut-less update. I'm trying to work something in narrative wise. Bear with me here, please!
Buuut, yeah. Other than that... 30,000 views. You guys and girls are awesome! Thanks so much for continuing to support this fic!