Chapter 36: Diversion Tactics
Robin stirred to the sounds of voices. He also heard someone calling his named.
"Robin." the voice said. "Robin?"
Robin then noticed that someone was shaking him. He slowly opened his eyes and looked up. Lucina was looking down on him, sighing in relief as he woke up.
"What happened?" Robin asked.
"Ignis." said Tiki, walking over to him.
"Anyone hurt?" Robin asked.
"Not seriously." said Tiki. "I managed to subdue you."
"Good." Robin said. "How long have I been out?"
"About ten minutes." said Lucina. "We managed to take the fort, but…"
Robin then took notice of the other voices. They belonged to Chrom, Sumia, Say'ri, Flavia, Basilio, Rocksus, Virion, and Hyun-Ki.
"We need to leave." said Basilio.
"But we just took the fort." said Say'ri. "We can stand against their forces here."
"No, we can't." said Virion. "They outnumber and outmatch us. We need to get out of here."
"How though?" Sumia said. "We're surrounded."
"By Resistance?" Robin asked.
"Robin!" said Chrom. "Thanks gods you're awake. We've got trouble."
"So I've heard." said Robin. "What's the situation?"
"The Resistance has us surrounded." said Flavia. "And Walhart and Yen'fay are on their way. They've decimated our forces."
Robin's head began racing. They needed to escape. They might be able to convince the Resistance to let them leave. However, even if they did they would trapped. The only way to stop this was to take down one force. But they needed time.
"Words cannot express my shame." said Say'ri. "I finally get the Resistance to unite. But only against us."
"It's not your fault." said Hyun-Ki.
"Chrom." said Robin. "We have to leave here. Right now."
"We're surrounded." said Say'ri.
"Not exactly." said Robin. "We'll talk with the leaders of their forces. They may put up token resistance if their masters aren't watching. That'll give us a chance to escape."
"But we can't keep running." said Frederick.
"We won't." said Robin. "We strike at either Yen'fay or Walhart before they can join forces."
"Fighting either one would be a death sentence." said Virion. "And one would be upon us while we fought the other."
"Yes." said Robin. "Unless we divide our forces."
"Are you insane?" Flavia asked. "Our army lies in tatters, yet you would divide it in half?"
"I didn't say half." said Robin. He then heaved a sad sigh as he continued. "Chrom will lead our strongest forces against Yen'fay. Meanwhile, a smaller force would attack Walhart."
"A smaller force?" Basilio asked. "We couldn't defeat him with DOUBLE our entire number."
"I didn't say we defeat him." said Robin. "We only need to distract him."
"Distract?" Say'ri asked. "Wait...you don't mean…"
"It pains me to say it." said Robin. "I HATE to use these kinds of tactics. But I don't see any other way. And we don't have time to think of another option."
"Hmm." said Basilio. "Spend some lives to buy the other team time…"
"Are you sure about this Robin?" Chrom asked.
"Yes." said Robin.
"This team would face our most dangerous mission yet." said Chrom. "Their leader would have to have unparalleled skill, reckless bravery-"
"Alright Chrom!" Basilio interrupted. "Please, you're embarrassing me. I'll do it already, just stop with all the compliments."
"This is no time for japes, Basilio." said Robin. "The stakes could not be higher."
"I am being serious." said Basilio. "I'll lead the squad. Besides, I prefer my steaks well done."
Basilio let out a hearty laugh as everyone looked on. Robin couldn't help but smile a bit at the Khans confidence.
"That's just his way." Flavia smiled. "But the oaf clearly has faith in your thinking. And I as well. I hope we all do. Somehow, you always find a way to best the odds."
"I'll be fine." said Basilio. "I'll go gather some troops and we'll head out later. Everyone else should go speak to the Resistance forces."
"Right." said Robin as Basilio walked away. "And Basilio. Godspeed."
Basilio gave another hearty laugh and left. Robin looked over to Lucina, who had a look of pure despair on her face.
"What's wrong?" Robin asked.
"You help my father with our escape." said Lucina. "I need to stop Basilio."
Chrom walked with Say'ri, Frederick, and Robin as they went to meet the Resistance outside.
"You doing ok?" Chrom asked Robin.
"Yeah." said Robin.
Chrom was worried. Robin didn't seem as worn out as when Ignis was last used, but there seemed to be a strange strain in his voice. Robin's thoughts must have been swimming. As for what was in Robin's head right now, Chrom couldn't say.
The group walked out of the fortress. The Resistance army surrounded Steiger, easily outnumbering their army. Several members of the army were also captured, being held prisoner by the Resistance forces. Chrom looked at Say'ri, who was visibly trying not to lose her temper.
"You." said a soldier. "You are prince Chrom?"
"Yes." said Chrom.
"Wait here." said the soldier.
He then left. A few minutes later, five people appeared before them, three men and two women.
One man was bald and had a sharp nose. He had brown eyes and wore silver armor. Another man had long greasy hair that was neatly combed over. He wore black mercenary armor and had a steel sword strapped to his side. The last man had neat brown hair and wore dark orange sorcerer's robes. The first woman had her brown hair tied into a bun and had a bow strapped to her back. She wore blight blue and white clothes. The last woman, who looked to be the oldest, had short white hair. She wore pitch black dark knight armor.
"We are the leaders of the Resistance force." said the bald man in a heavy accent Chrom didn't recognize. "I am Karkaroff."
"Hello again, lady Say'ri." said the woman archer.
"Lena." Say'ri said bitterly.
"We've come to negotiate." said Robin. "We are obviously at your mercy."
"Indeed you are." said the greasy haired man. "However, we are willing to offer you mercy."
"You should have offered us aid." said Say'ri.
"What is your offer?" the older woman asked, ignoring Say'ri.
"Let us leave." said Chrom. "Before Walhart and Yen'fay's forces converge on us."
"Our orders are to capture your army here." said the greasy haired man. "We cannot let you through so easily."
"You have prisoners of ours, don't you?" Robin asked.
"We do." said the older woman.
"Then say that's all you were able to capture." said Robin. "You tried to capture the rest of us, but we managed to just slip by you."
"Sounds risky." said the sorcerer.
"What, you are afraid to take risks now?" Say'ri asked.
"Robin, we're gonna have low numbers as is." said Chrom. "Are you certain this is the right idea?"
"It may be our only chance." said Robin.
"Very well." said Karkaroff. "You may take your wounded in your infirmary as well. We have no use for them."
"Very generous of you." said Chrom. "Thank you."
The leaders then moved aside to let them pass. Everyone except Say'ri walked past them.
"Say'ri, let's go." said Chrom. "We've got preparations to make."
"No." said Say'ri, pointing at the Resistance force. "Not before they explain themselves."
The leaders did not breathe a word. They simply stood there, waiting for Say'ri to either pass or return to the fortress.
"Speak." said Say'ri. "Speak for yourselves. Lena, Karkaroff, Cecylia, Osiah, Macnair."
The five remained silent. Chrom could see the anger in Say'ri's eyes rising.
"Say'ri." said Chrom. "Let's go."
Say'ri looked like she wanted to argue further, but she ultimately listened to Chrom. She continued to stare menacingly at the dynasts, who simply watched her leave.
"Those cowards." said Say'ri. "Complete, utter-"
"There's nothing we can do." said Robin. "What's done is done. For now Say'ri, we need to let it go."
"Let it go?" Say'ri said. "Let it go?"
"Yes, let it go." said Robin. "No point in clouding our heads with this, disgusting as it may be. We need to focus on getting out of here. If we don't, we're done for."
Say'ri scowled, but didn't argue further.
"It'll be alright Say'ri." said Chrom. "If we can regroup and stop your brother, then we have a chance."
"That is easier said than done." said Say'ri. "Yen'fay is dangerous. If we're not careful, his forces will destroy us with or without Walhart."
"I know." said Robin. "I'm working on a plan for that. Don't worry."
"Music to my ears." said Chrom.
"Yeah, well." said Robin. "Let's hope it doesn't get what we have left killed."
Chrom nodded, looking over the battlefield. Resistance forces observed them as they walked, but did not strike. Chrom had a feeling that this would be one of the only times he could walk through enemy territory and not be killed.
They walked into their camp, where the infirmary was. Outside of the infirmary, Maribelle and Libra were already there. Several Resistance soldier held swords to them as they had their hands up in surrender.
"Chrom." said Maribelle.
"Let them go." Chrom said the Resistance soldiers. "Your leaders said we may take our wounded."
The soldiers nodded and let down their weapons. Libra and Maribelle sighed in relief and went inside the tent. The soldiers then walked away as Zedas approached Chrom.
"What's the word?" Zedas asked. "We were watching the camp when these soldiers surrounded us. What happened?"
"They were Resistance forces." said Robin. "We managed to capture the fortress, but Walhart and Yen'fay are on their way. We need to leave. A small force is going to intercept Walhart while our main force will go after Yen'fay."
"Oh dear." said Zedas. "We'd better get started then."
Chrom nodded as Zedas left to talk to anyone else in the camp.
Lucina looked frantically around, hoping to catch up to Basilio. Lucina didn't have a lot of knowledge about the Valmese War, but she knew this moment quite well. She had to stop him.
She eventually found Basilio talking with a group of Feroxi soldiers. She approached him as he finished giving them orders.
"Send word to Baggard and Slip." said Basilio. "We're gonna need all hands on deck."
The soldiers nodded and left, giving Lucina the opportunity.
"Basilio, I need to speak with you." said Lucina.
"It may have to wait till I come back." said Basilio. "I've got a lot of prep to do."
"This can't wait." said Lucina. "Basilio-"
"Sorry lass." said Basilio. "I don't mean to be rude, but I gotta ship out soon."
Basilio began to walk away, but Lucina cut in front of him, arms outstretched.
"Stop!" said Lucina fiercely.
"What in the-" said Basilio.
"You can't go." said Lucina.
Basilio crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't recall you being able to give orders there Lucina." said Basilio.
"You don't understand." said Lucina. "I cannot allow you to go, Khan Basilio. You will die in this battle. I know it for the truth!"
"Oh?" said Basilio, not sounding the least bit worried. In fact, Lucina could've sworn that she saw a little twinkle in his eye.
"It's the truth." said Lucina. "I may not know much about the Valmese War, but I do know this. If you go on this mission, you won't come back."
There was silence between the two as Lucina continued to block Basilio's path. The khan simply stared her down, an unreadable expression. Flavia then approached them.
"What's going on?" Flavia asked.
"Oh, nothing." said Basilio. "The lass just has a weird way of saying goodbye."
"I'm not saying goodbye." said Lucina. "I'm trying to stop him from going. He'll die if he does."
"What?" Flavia asked.
"I know it to be true." said Lucina. "It's how he dies in my future. And, unless I prevent him from going, there is no reason that it won't happen in this time."
"All right then." Basilio asked. "Who is it?"
"What?" Lucina asked.
"Who is it?" Basilio asked. "Who kills me? Is it Walhart himself? Please say yes. It'd make a poor song to die at the end of some farmer's pitchfork."
"Yes, it was Walhart." said Lucina. "Or so the stories go."
"All I needed to know." Basilio smiled. "Thank you much, lass. I'll be careful."
"What?" Lucina asked in shock as Basilio gently pushed her aside.
"I'll be careful." Basilio said again.
"Y-you're still going?" Lucina asked.
"Well, of course." said Basilio, walking away.
"But I just told you-" Lucina said, following Basilio with Flavia.
"Aye, I heard you just fine." said Basilio. "But someone still has to stall Walhart's division from advancing. If he's the one that kills me, well then, I'll just avoid confronting him. You don't grow this old and handsome without knowing how to avoid trouble."
"No." Lucina protested. "It's never that simple."
"Don't worry love, he'll be fine." said Flavia, stopping Lucina and putting a hand on her shoulder. "He'll have me to keep an eye on him."
"That's right." said Basilio, still walking away. "We're gonna push Walhart back with-"
He then stopped and turn to the two, looking at Flavia with shock as he took in what she said.
"Hold on!" Basilio barked. "You are NOT coming woman! You're the reigning khan!"
"I thought you intended to survive this, oaf." said Flavia. "Regna Ferox has two khans, and now you're responsible for both. I dare you to die now!"
Basilio stared at Flavia, apparently at a loss for words. He then gave a loud, gleeful laugh.
"Har!" Basilio laughed. "Aha ha ha! All right, all right. You can come. I'm sure Chrom will approve."
"No!" Lucina shouted.
"What?" Flavia asked. "Do I die there too?"
"Well..no." said Lucina. "In fact, you never went in my time. You came with us."
"There you have it." said Flavia. "That'll change things. I'll bring this big ox back on a leash if it comes to that."
"Well, that's that." said Basilio. "You get yourself ready Flavia, I'll finish preparations. Luck and more be to you and everyone else Lucina. We'll meet again soon."
"But please, your future." said Lucina desperately.
"Please, yourself!" Basilio barked. "Not another word. I fully intend to outlive all you sprogs, just see if I don't. And as for your 'destiny', it can kiss my big brown Feroxi arse!"
With that, Basilio walked off, leaving Lucina speechless.
"He'll be fine." said Flavia. "I'll see to that."
"But we need him." said Lucina. "I know if he was there when my father died, he could have saved him. If he was with us in the future, we could have all survived longer."
"He will still be there." said Flavia. "I'll see to that."
"Please." said Lucina. "Please reconsider. Please make him reconsider."
"No can do." said Flavia. "Basilio is as stubborn as a bull. Sometimes not even I can change his mind. Besides, it's for the best."
"For the best?" Lucina asked.
"We've got amazing people in this army." said Flavia. "People who are willing to die for what we believe in. But only the oaf and I can truly rouse them into that attitude. Anyone else leading these people into this mission will only break our morale."
"I suppose." said Lucina. "But…"
"But nothing." said Flavia. "What has to be done has to be done. Only this time, we'll make sure it doesn't end the same way it did in your future."
With that, Flavia left Lucina, off to prepare for when she would leave with Basilio.
Robin began to pack his things, putting them all in a satchel. He didn't pack a lot though, just some food, books, clothes, and anything else he may need. As he did, the words of Tiki rang through his head after a conversation they had earlier.
Once they finished talking with the Resistance leaders and preparations were under way, Tiki took Robin aside to have a talk with him.
"You must leave." She had said. "You must learn to control Ignis. I believe you understand the potential consequences of what could happen if you don't."
And she was right. Robin had been thinking about this for some time and knew it was the right thing to do. Thus, he went to talk to Virion, gave him some plans to discuss with the War Council if they needed them, and began packing. Some time away from the army may be what he needed in order to control himself. He knew it would be risky, but it was also risky to remain here.
Even still, Robin felt like a fool. He didn't want to leave, not when everyone needed him. Robin knew they could hold their own, but it would be much different without his guidance. Hopefully, he could return before anything major happened.
Plus, he didn't exactly know where to go. All he knew was that he was going to travel Valm, taking time to train and utilize Ignis. He had a quick way to return when he needed to, but hopefully he could make it back at all.
I have to do this. Robin thought to himself. For everyone's sake.
Robin turned to add a book into his bag. As he did, Lucina entered the tent. She looked at him in surprise.
"What are you doing?" Lucina asked.
"Packing for the trip." Robin tried to lie.
"You never use that bag." said Lucina. "I've seen you with that bag. It's not your army satchel, it's your travel satchel."
She stared at Robin, who felt a pain in his gut.
"Alright." said Robin. "I'm...I'm leaving."
"Leaving?" Lucina asked. "Not with Basilio and Flavia?"
"No, not with them." said Robin. "By myself."
"What?" Lucina asked in shock. "Why?"
"I need to." said Robin. "For everyone's sake."
"Robin, don't go." said Lucina, approaching him. "You can't run away."
"I'm not running away." said Robin. "This wasn't entirely my idea either. Tiki told me that I needed to leave."
"Don't listen to her." said Lucina. "We need you here. I need you here."
"You'll be fine." said Robin. "Besides, I'll come back when I can."
"What do you mean?" Lucina asked.
"I'm leaving to train." said Robin. "To control Ignis."
"But you can do that here!" said Lucina.
"No, I can't." said Robin. "Not without putting people in danger."
"Yes you can." said Lucina. "Robin, we're already losing Basilio and Flavia. We can't lose you too."
"We're not losing them." said Robin. "Nor are you losing me either."
"Robin, please." said Lucina.
"Lucina, I have to do this." said Robin. "If I lose control again, then I could seriously hurt someone."
"But you haven't yet." said Lucina. "We've been fine."
"That won't last." said Robin.
"You don't know that for sure!" said Lucina.
"That's the point!" said Robin fiercely. "I don't know if I'm gonna hurt someone! For all we know, this is the reason your father dies!"
That seemed to reach Lucina. She looked at Robin, his words slowly dawning on her. She looked like she wanted to say something, but didn't. She simply put her head down and closed her eyes. Robin wrapped his arms around her and felt blessed that she did the same. He didn't know how long it would before he could feel her embrace again, so he wanted to take it in as much as he could.
"I'll come back." said Robin. "I promise."
"Too many people have said those words to me." Lucina said sadly, still not looking at Robin as her head remained buried in his chest. "Only few have kept that promise."
"I'll be one of the few then." said Robin.
Robin then gently kissed her forehead as they let. Lucina looked at Robin, her eyes gleaming. She then turned and quietly left the tent. Robin could only imagine how sad Lucina was right now. He knew that he didn't want to leave her. But this was the only way.
Robin grabbed the last of his things, flung his satchel over his shoulder and walked out of his tent. He used a quick spell to wrap up the tent, took it, and placed it in the inventory tent. He then departed towards the gate of the wall.
However, he found that someone was already there. It was Chrom.
"And just where do you think you're going?" Chrom asked, eyebrow raised.
"How did you know I was coming?" Robin asked.
"Cherche told me." said Chrom.
"Chrom, don't argue with me." said Robin. "Just let me leave."
"Fat chance." said Chrom.
"I'm not in the mood, prince." said Robin. "Either butt out or I'll make you."
"Don't be a prat." said Chrom. "If you think I'm gonna let my best friend go out into enemy territory all alone, you're insane."
Robin didn't have time to argue. He didn't want to fight Chrom, but he was willing to. He slowly moved his hand towards his sword, ready to grab it if need be.
"That's why." said Chrom, pointing behind Robin. "You'll be having some company."
Robin turned to see two people approaching with horses. It was Gregor and Henry. And the horses were packed with all sorts of supplies.
"What?" Robin asked.
"Don't be an idiot." said Chrom. "You are a tactician and you're telling me you planned on going by yourself? Sounds pretty stupid to me."
"Huh." said Robin. "I figured you'd try to stop me."
"Well, I of course don't want you to leave." said Chrom. "But I know you. You wouldn't pull a stunt like this if it wasn't important. Besides, I think we can last without you. Just come back in one piece, ok?"
"I should still go alone." said Robin.
"Oh, no you don't." said Gregor. "Gregor and funny dark mage come with you."
"Yeah." said Henry. "We're here to make sure you don't make like a frog and croak!"
"Guys." said Robin. "This is gonna be dangerous. And it's not just with Valmese troops. My training could put you guys at risk too. You understand that, right."
"Of course." said Gregor. "Clear as crystal."
"We don't mind." said Henry. "You know me. I'm a sucker for danger. Especially if there's blood involved."
"If that's the case." said Robin. "I'm laying down some ground rules. Specifically, when I need to train, you two need to stay away. You can be nearby, but I don't want to see or hear either one of you. Do I make myself clear."
"You talk like this wasn't already plan." said Gregor. "We get it, this special training. We are merely here for support and good company. Nothing more, nothing less."
Robin looked over them. Despite himself, he was kind of grateful that they were coming. The company could be good for him.
"Alright then." said Robin. "We better be off then."
"Hold on!" someone called out. "Hold your horses! Literally!"
Basilio was running up to them. He was obviously keen on making it before Robin left. And Robin had a feeling that it wasn't just to say goodbye.
"Glad I caught you two." said Basilio, addressing Robin and Chrom. "Saves me the trouble of finding you both."
"What is it Basilio?" Chrom asked.
"We're shipping out soon." said Basilio. "But before we do, I need to talk to you both. In private."
Authors Note: Well, well. As Shyamalan would put it "what a twist!" What will Robin's departure mean for him? And what will it mean for the army and the war? Is Robin making the right call? I guess there is only one way to find out. I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 36. I await any and all reviews. Chapter 37, coming soon.