So. How have you all been? I've been good. I've been writing this garbage, which still attracts new people to favorite and follow it. It's weird, but I won't complain. You do you, I'll enable you to do you. That's how the saying goes, right? I'm right. Anyway, I suppose I should shut up now and let you guys read the chapter already. So, enjoy I suppose.

Chapter Thirty Six: Encounter with a Thief

"Go fish." I say, looking at Floyd as the Archer takes another card from the pile with a sigh. I look down at my own cards, and ask "Do you have any fives?"

"Go fish." Floyd answers, keeping his eyes on his cards as I sigh and get another one from the deck. If you haven't already guessed it; me and Floyd are playing Go Fish inside a supply wagon as the Valmese army travels. We weren't even done burying the dead at the last battle when we got new orders, straight from Walhart. Apparently, we are to go and conquer some city-states that had apparently rebelled in the far north of Valm. I guess they were emboldened by the Shepherds that they decided now was the time to rebel.

Speaking of the Shepherds, I have gotten some good news! They are still alive and have dealt a few fierce blows to the Valmese scum. Enough that Yen'Fay is now actively trying to hunt them down now. I'm glad that my friends are still alive. Gives me hope and enough courage to keep doing what I'm doing. Speaking of that, I have helped out by doing some rather naughty stuff to my 'allies.' I've managed to ruin a dozen silver bows beyond repair, break a few wagons' wheels, and get a few Valmese executed for 'stealing rations in order to desert.' I've been able to deflect most of the blame, though I wasn't able to for the bows. I was forced to starve for two days as a result, but you know how I operate!

Other than those things, nothing else has been going on really. Well, as much that does go on when you are a part of the Valmese army. Which means eating, training, marching, and sleeping with the occasional battle. I have to give it to those Valmese, they know how drill people into shape! I've hadn't had such exercises in a long time… Makes me seem really out of shape in front of the soldiers. Had to deal with a particular band of bullies when they laughed at how I could march for twenty miles without any breaks. But hey, they did plan on deserting so… See what I did there?

Anyway, that is the current state of things. Gloomy, but with a glint of hope now. That sums much of my life with the Shepherds actually… Weird…

Suddenly, Nash climbs into the wagon Floyd and I are in; saying "Aiden; it's your turn outside." Oh yeah… Nash had been marching for these past couple of hours while me and Floyd played Go Fish. He deserves a break.

"Alright. I'll get you outside after my turn, Floyd." I say to the Archer as I get up from my spot and exit the wagon, landing onto the outside dirt with a crunch. I let out a sigh as I begin to walk along with the massive column of soldiers and wagons that are all around me. As I walk, I glance back at the sword tied to my hip and let out another sigh.

I miss my sword. The sword that I used for almost all of my life as a mercenary and a Shepherd, the sword that kept me safe while it killed my enemies, the sword that I did so many things for just to fix; that sword that somewhat helped me get my wife. Having it stolen from me is like stealing my child from its cradle! Now, I have to use another sword for battle. Another sword that doesn't balance well with me. The last sword was too heavy for me too handle, and now this sword is too light! It feels like a stick compared to the log that was its former weapon. My sword a perfect combination! It wasn't too heavy, nor was it too light. It was perfect!

But it's gone, and I hate everything right now! I was conscripted into the Valmese military and I have no way of contacting the Shepherds! Not to mention my sword is gone! Fuck whoever looted my body back then! I swear when I find them, I'll break them in half. That's what they get for stealing my stuff. They deserve that much after all! For now though, I'll deal with this stick of a blade. But I will find my sword one day, even if it takes me a decade to do so!

Anyway, I best focus on the marching ahead. Gods, why do I have to be the bad guy once again? I didn't ask for this! Oh wait, I technically did when I signed on to that suicide mission… I am an idiot aren't I? Well, it can't get much worse from here; can it?

Can it? Please let me be right…

Eventually, we arrive in front of the first rebeling city-state; the Valmese army and I standing in front of the city's stone walls and gate. It's pretty quiet as we wait for someone from the enemy side to speak with us. Cervantes had called out to them multiple times already, so we're just waiting for a response. I wonder how long it will take before we have to just scale the walls… Did they even understand that bearded General? I mean; he is hard to understand at times, but even an idiot would be able to understand the general message of his words. Where are these guys?

After waiting for an entire hour, letting all of us bake in the sun as we wait for some kind of response, Cervantes let out a hoarse yell; saying "You have got to be knitting me! It doesn't take a damn hour to respond to a damn massage! Men; scale the walls and open the gates! We're going in!" Well, it looks like negotiations went out the window before they had even really start. That sucks… I bet that the city's inhabitants abandoned this place so they could meet up with their allies. Not only that, but that means we had lost valuable time waiting and searching for some ghosts! Not how I wanted to start my day let me tell you.

After an extra thirty minutes of waiting as a couple of Mercenaries scale the walls and open the city's gate, the Valmese army moves inside. As we move inside, I notice how everything looks empty; like everyone had already packed and simply had picked up the boxes and moved stuff. Only the occasional piece of furniture, wagon, and makeshift barricade… Barricades? What on earth happened here to warrant barricades? This is starting to get really creepy.

"Aiden, Floyd; take a platoon of soldiers with you and scout out the east. Dan and Jenna, head west. Norward; you are with me. Let's move out and figure out what happened here ladies and gentlemen!" Cervantes shouts out to us captains as the army comes to a stop in the town's central plaza. This is literally the worst thing anyone can do while in such a spooky situation. Why did he think this was the best plan of action to take right now?

But, I can't complain sadly. Obedience is a mandatory part of the Valmese army, even if you're a jerkwad like Norward. He's loyal to the cause despite being just an asshole, so there's that. Gods, I am so going to die when it is time I turn traitor if things keep going strong for Cervantes and his army…

Anyways, Floyd and I join back up and have some thirty Valmese warriors follow us down the street as we head towards our objective. As we march, I continue to look around to see if every house is like what we have been coming across back there. Sure enough, there is literally no one around besides us. There are only empty houses, makeshift barricades, and abandoned wagons. What the heck happened here?

I turn around to check behind us, and I feel like something is different. Did we leave the army with twenty seven Valmese soldiers? I feel like the number was higher. Ah well… It's not like anything is really going to happen here.

As we walk, Floyd suddenly asks me "Do you think that we can win this war against the Ylisse invaders?" That's a pretty stupid question. Of course we're going to win. We'll kick these Valmese asses so bad, that they'll become like Plegia! I shouldn't say that. These Valmese are pretty worthy opponents in their own right, unlike the Plegians that we crushed.

"Of course we are. Valm's might is beyond those cowards' strength!" I say, lying through my teeth as I turn back around to check on our little group. Now we have seventeen soldiers… Are they secretly sneaking back to the other forces due to how boring this is? Can't say I blame them. I sort of want to join them…

"You're lying." Floyd coldly replies, glaring at me. "You still believe in those damn Shepherds, don't you?" Alright. Looks like we're doing this now!

"Am I lying? Why don't you tell me how you think I still like those Ylisse scum?"

"I've read your journal. You should really put a lock in it." What?! How dare he read through my personal story! I come to a stop, expecting a little fight to break out as I place a hand on my sword's handle.

"So what? You want to prove something?" I ask, glaring at Floyd as he to comes to a stop and grips his bow tight.

"Yeah. I want to show you how scum like you don't deserve to be a part of the Emperor's glorious future!" With that Floyd swiftly reaches around to grab an arrow as I step back and draw my blade to defend myself. Just as we do that, I hear a strange whistling rush past my head.

Suddenly, an arrow slams into Floyd's chest; making him collapse onto one knee from the shock and pain. I whirl around, and feel the tip of the second arrow give me a little cut across my cheek as it flies past me and into Floyd's chest once more. I stumble to the side, trying to get out of the final arrow's direction as it pierces my former partner's throat; finally killing him. I glance to see if any of the other Valmese soldiers saw what I saw, and I feel fear crawl down my spine as a couple of Assassins finish off the last seven remaining Valmese soldiers we had.

We were not alone in this place!

I quickly begin to run away, feeling an arrow bounce off of my shoulder pad as one of the Assassins yells out "Get the last Valmese scumbag! Kill him!" Oh Gods! This is not good! This was a giant and elaborate trap, and it actually fucking worked! Why does it work for the enemy but now when the Robins do it most of the time?! Are they actually shit, or is it just luck? I'm choosing luck seeing how they're my friends!

As I run through the streets, blood pumping wildly through my veins, I begin to hear the roar of battle echo all across the city. It looks like the battle has finally begun, and it looks like I might die as a result! As I run, I look up and see some Thieves running across the roofs of the buildings around me. It seems like they are following this one Thief in a red cloak, almost like Anna's cloak… Wait, is that my sword?

Nestled between a vulnerary and what seems to be a very worn sword that looks to be a lot like my sword, probably a copy Anna made back then, is my blade; it's pommel stone glinting in the sunlight. So that's the man who stole my blade back then? I'm going to fucking kill him for stealing my sword! He's going to die here, today!

Acting on impulse, I rip the handle out of one of the passenger wagons and ready myself for some intense action. Hopefully this works seeing how I still have some Assassins on my ass! As I come to a dead end, I stab the pole into the ground; lifting myself into the air as I roughly land on a building's roof. I continue running, glancing behind me to see the Assassins jump onto the roof and continue to follow me. I can deal with them later, I have a Thief to catch!

As I run across the roofs of the city, I can see the sprawling battle before me. It looks like the Valmese are actually losing this battle with the enemy separating groups of Valmese soldiers from the main group in order to consume them. Good, and also bad for me. But I'll worry about that later. I have to catch this Thief!

I manage to jump make it onto the roofs that the Thief is running on and bolt after him, gripping my sword with both hands as I chase after him and his friends. I won't kill his friends as they haven't really done me any wrong beside associate with the Thief. Other than that, the Thief is going to die today! I swear it!

As I run, the Thief's friends notice me and begin to halt; seemingly ready to stop me from getting their friend as they draw their weapons and get ready for me. I waste no time and wound the first one in my way, slicing his knee open to force him to the ground. The next one I simply strike him with my shield, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious. For the final one, I use the flat of my sword and smash it across his head; stunning him while also breaking my sword. I knew it was too light for its own good!

I drop my broken blade, and sprint after the Thief as the Assassins tailing stop to take care of their fallen allies. Good! I don't need anyone interrupting us. Eventually, the Thief comes to a stop as he reaches the edge of rooftops. As he turns to face me, I tackle him off of the roof; my shield falling out of my hand. Looks like I also lost my shield… Who cares? I can do some Mercenary moves like the old times. Never hurts to do some of the classics.

We tumble down to the earth; smashing into various objects like clothing lines, lamp posts, guard rails, and outcrops of extra stonework. I swear this is doing more damage than actual fighting does! We eventually crash back on to the ground, scattering when we slam into an abandoned wagon. I let out a groan as I sit back up and see that worn sword that Thief had been carrying around. I guess he lost some of his stuff during the fall… Where's the tip of my shoulder pad? Nevermind that, I can hear that Thief getting back up!

I stand back up, picking up the worn sword for a weapon as I ready myself for battle. Man… This a good copy of my sword! It feels almost exactly like it in weight. I wait for the Thief as he slowly and painfully stands up, catching my breath while doing so. He sees me with his sword, so he takes out my sword in response and gets into what seems to be his battle pose. Alright, let's do this!

I rush the Thief, gripping the sword's handle with both of my hands as I raise it up and swing it at the Thief. The Thief barely manages to block it, being forced back due to the amount of power I put behind it. I attack once more, and again, the Thief is forced back. Looks like I win in the strength department when compared to him!

I attack for a third time, but he easily dodges the attack like it was nothing. I swing my blade at his chest, but he manages to dodge the blow again. I bet he can't dodge this! I wildly swing my sword at his head, my weapon a blur as it flies towards him. Somehow, the Thief manages to duck under the blade; dodging my wild attack. Alright… Looks like he is faster than me… Fucking fantastic!

We continue to trade blows, mine getting either easily dodged or feebly blocked while his attacks force me to feebly dodge and easily block them in return. I have to say, he reminds me a lot of my old Mercenary self with his attacks. Except he's swifter and a bit more graceful like Anna is. He is pretty good I have to admit. Shame I have to kill him though… Well I'm not really ashamed, more like happy seeing how I get to have my sword back.

Eventually, I managed to finally overwhelm the Thief with a rather strong attack that forced him to the ground with a thud when he tried to block it. Just as I raise my sword up to deal the final blow, I hear a battle cry and turn around to see it. It's a female Fighter, falling through the air, as she swings her axe at me. I quickly turn and block the attack, getting pushed back by the amount of power behind her attack. This isn't good! Now I have two enemies to worry about.

My two opponents force me back with the combination of their speed and power. My defense barely hold as I barely block the Thief's stabs while taking on the Fighter's powerful blows. Gods, I just wanted my sword back! Why does this have to happen to me? As I am driven back, the sounds of battle all around me die down. Looks like the battle might be over for everyone else now, but not for me! By Naga I hope that the Valmese actually won this thing because I might be in trouble.

Suddenly, the Thief and Fighter rear back; determination written all over their faces. Oh don't tell me…

"Time to pay up!" the Thief suddenly shouted out before charging straight at me, his hands gripping my sword as the tip skids across the ground.

"Let's go!" the Fighter shouts shortly after the Thief, twirling her axe around once before charging me alongside the Thief, her movements matching the Thief's like a mirrors.

I brace myself as the two swing their respective weapons at me with a speed of lightning, too fast for me to even hope to block or dodge. As such, I am sent flying back into a wall with two giant wounds across my chest. Holy mother of Naga, this hurts so fucking much! Gods… I'm in so much pain right now…

I collapse into one knee and lean against my weapon, watching my two opponents while I gasp out pained breaths. As I watch them, the Assassins that had been chasing me finally catch up; dropping down from the roofs in a semi-open circle around me. As I sit there, catching my breath, I watch as a group of rebels come around a nearby corner and rush to join my enemies. Looks like the Valmese won the battle… Just great… Do you think they won't kill me if I told them I'm a Shepherd who had been taken captive and forced into Valm's service? I don't think a shoulder plate will get me out of this pickle…

"I didn't actually think we be fighting. Strange how fate works like that..." the Thief suddenly says to me as he walks on over to me. What on earth is he talking about?

"Whatever it is, just hurry up and tell him the news before he dies. He's bleeding out like a fucking butchered pig at this rate! He's going to need a Cleric." the Fighter informs the Thief, adding more to my confusion. I am bleeding pretty bad, but I've had worse. I can handle this kind of wound easy!

"Alright, alright! No need to get all touchy Ana" The Thief says, throwing his hands in the air in mock surrender. "Alright. Alright! Alright… Aiden Jaeger, I would like to inform you that… Um…" What the fuck is going on? How does this Thief know my name?

"My name is Anthony, Andy for short. The Fighter is my sister, Ana. We're… We're your children. From the future, I mean!"

What..?

What?

What?!

WHAT!?

So. There it is. I hope you have enjoyed the chapter. I would appreciate any reviews suggesting any aid or criticism you have towards the story. It helps me write this piece of garbage better after all. Which I will have to if you all keep reading this piece of garbage. But I can't stop you all from reading it except for deleting this story. I won't do that to something as big and epic as this. So it is up to you guys. Just say the word after all, and you'll probably get what you want.