Author's Note: So, just a small note to put here. If you have the time and need a story to read, go check out "Aberration" by RedXEagl3. Give that story some love! You have that story and author to thank (or blame) for me finally writing this story. It's a self-insert Awakening story and, amidst the toxic wasteland of crappy self-inserts with terribly OP heroes, it's a refreshing read of a really well-integrated OC. Not to mention, the writing style and jokes remind me of Spellbinding Radiance during the Daein Revolution arc, but much better than my writing style, TBH. I binge read most of the story that was up at the time in two or three days (because I had time to kill while substitute teaching) and stopped at Chapter 27-ish. That's when I started this story, and I honestly have stopped reading it because I didn't want ideas from that story to seep into here and feel like I was stealing another author's concepts. I might pick it back up soon and continue to review every chapter (which is basically my way of telling an author I really respect and admire their work).
So, yeah, if you got the time, check it out, give it love, and enjoy the ride!
I always wanted to do an Awakening story, not even going to try to lie. When I played Awakening and beat it, I instantly regretted writing Spellbinding Radiance and wished I made a self-insert for Awakening instead. In a way, I'm glad I didn't. Writing that story all these years has really improved me as an author (and if you need proof, compare some of the early cringe chapters of that fic written by my teenaged self to the early chapters of this story). For those of you who follow my other fic, you'll probably roll your eyes when you noticed the introduction of Sophia and Leila and probably are wondering "… gods, what is he up to this time?". For those of you who've played Fates, you should most likely know who those two are by now.
I can assure you, this isn't like that horribly drawn out dream arc side-quest. I have an idea and a plan and, honestly, part of the reason I like changing canon from the games is because adding an air of uncertainty and mystery (like who is really going to be Grima's host out of the amnesiac characters) makes the story less predictable. I also feel that making a boring re-telling of a story deters from a reader's enjoyment… as we read on to see these characters take on the uncertainties ahead of them as we too, as readers, forge forward into the mysteries that an author spins and gently unravels before the reader's eyes. That's always been my philosophy as a reader and I try to take that philosophy into my writing as well.
Also, this chapter was definitely not supposed to be the way it was. I expected the breakfast and the scene after to be maybe about three-thousand words, tops. The fact it topped five-thousand just goes to show that sometimes I make mistakes when it comes to judging how wordy I can be and how much I love writing dialogue.
Chapter 29
Prelude to War
I woke up the next morning feeling a bit of dread and discomfort. This was the day we departed with the Feroxi forces on Plegian ships. Ignoring the already selfish fear of feeling seasick the entire ride, I thought also about the terrible future that awaited us in Valm. This was our combined effort in an attempt to thwart the conquering tyrant that threatened to come to our continent. The plan Robin came up with was a bold one, but they say that fortune often favors the bold. Sailing to their continent to take the battle to them and surprise them, instead of giving them a foothold in our land, was probably the most daring strategy we could have done.
As I got dressed, I slowly got swallowed in a swirl of thoughts. It had been a little over two years since I woke up on that roadside with Robin and Elise. It had been two years since I swore myself and my allegiance to Chrom. How much have things changed since then? I have slowly re-awakened some of my former lance techniques. In that time, I have gotten this battle outfit that seems to fit me all too well, despite it being Miriel's experimental outfit… as everyone loves to point out.
Where did she get such an outfit in the first place? How does she possess an outfit that she herself doesn't know much about? Did she actually make this and is simply seeing how it interacts with specific individuals?
Breakfast was calling for me in a four-part harmony of eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast, so I made my way downstairs and to the nearby restaurant for breakfast. On my way there, I spotted one of the new recruits, walking slowly and timidly along the road. Letting out a huge sigh, she started staring at the sky.
"Something on your mind, Noire?" I asked. She jumped into the air with a terrified sound that I could not put into words. I could call it a scared squeak of a scream, I suppose.
"Oh. Raven! N-no, nothing… just a bit tired, I suppose," she replied.
"Didn't you sleep well last night?" I asked. She sighed again.
"I did, but I woke up still feeling a little fatigued."
"Well, maybe you should rest up and take a nap before we depart. We have until the afternoon, after all," I said in an encouraging tone. She paused for a second as she looked me over.
"Is that so? Yes, perhaps I'll do as you suggest. Hmm… but…"
"No buts," I said firmly. "Whatever is worrying you can clearly wait. You look exhausted, Noire, as if it's been built up over a while."
"B-but, it's hardly fair to rest while the others are working! Otherwise, I'm only holding everyone back," she said. I sighed to myself. Chrom, was it really wise to let her travel with us? I don't think she's cut out for Shepherd work.
At least she had the right attitude of wanting to help out, though…
"Well, do what you have to do, but please promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay?" I asked.
"I will. I'm… sorry you had to see me like this," she said quietly.
"That's fine. I'd be more worried if you were out in the frontlines, but I can feel a little more assured with you having a bow," I replied. She looked at me with some curiosity.
"What about you? What weapon do you use?" she asked. I paused for a second when she asked that. I forgot she was a captive when we were engaged in combat. She wouldn't have seen me with a lance.
"Me? I'm a lance user," I replied.
"… wait, you use a lance and your name is Raven?" she asked.
"Yeah, why?" I asked. She had a look on her face, as if she had just realized something. She gave a sound of surprise before taking a few steps away.
"Y-you," she stuttered out.
"Me?" I asked. "What about me?"
"S-sir Raven, I'm s-so sorry I didn't recognize you," she stuttered out. Oh great, a future child, just like the other ones. I wonder whose child she was. Maybe Virion's? He's the only bow wielder I can think of. Does this make her Nowi's daughter? Did she not get the manakete genes, then?
"The fact you called me that means you must be one of Lucina's friends," I remarked. She nodded silently. I sighed to myself and motioned her to come over. "I promise, give me time to prove I am not that person. Take a chance to re-evaluate me as a person."
"Y-yes s-sir," she stuttered out.
"Noire, please, you're making me feel even more guilty about what my future self did," I said. "Look, whatever happened is between you and him. Let's try to put that behind us, okay?"
"I… will try," she replied. I smiled at her.
"Good. Now, out of curiosity, which two of my darling friends decided to produce an archer daughter? Virion and Nowi, I guess?" I said.
"Nah," she replied.
"What? I was so sure, too," I replied. She opened her mouth to say something, paused, and laughed a little to herself.
"Oh, I think I understand why she gets frustrated now," Noire said aloud.
"Wait, what are you talking about?" I asked. I'm so confused…
"N-nevermind…" she replied.
"Who are your parents, then?" I asked.
"I cannot say," she replied.
"Are you ashamed of them?" I asked. She looked away into the distance and opened her mouth to reply, but yet again she decided against it.
"I, um… that is not relevant," she finally said. I shrugged my shoulders. Every one of these children have some serious issues. Considering where they came from, I honestly could not blame them. We arrived at the restaurant to grab our breakfasts and sat down together. Well, looks like breakfast with Noire today. Might as well get to know our new members, even if they all seem to be time-traveling children of the Shepherds.
It seems a little too conveniently timed they started showing up after Lucina told us who she was.
I heard Noire sigh to herself as she stared at the menu. I noticed her eyes were slightly unfocused.
"Noire? What's wrong?" I asked.
"N-nothing, really. I mean, m-maybe just a little bit tired, but that's not what's b-bothering me. N-no, nothing's bothering me," she stuttered out. Do I intimidate her that much? What did future me do to torment this poor child? "Well, maybe one thing is bothering me…"
"What is it?" I asked. "Let me help you."
"I was t-trying to think of ways I could grow a bit… um, sturdier. Ever since I came back, I've b-been watching the girls around me and t-trying to identify differences," she replied.
"Have you found any?"
"Well, the others are healthier, obviously, and their bodies seem more resilient. Also, their figures are just a bit more… robust," she said. What did she mean by that?
"Robust?" I asked.
"More human-shaped. I am… lacking in v-volume. I have less of a p-presence around people. I am more easily p-picked up," she stammered. Her stuttering troubles me. She was perfectly fine until she found out who I am. I might broach that topic, but not right now…
"Oh, I understand. Phrased with the delicacy of a diplomat!" I said in an encouraging tone. "So, you would consider yourself on… the slight side?"
"Slight? Ha! I am skin and bone. I fall over in a stiff breeze! All the other girls are like staring into the sun with how much energy they have. They make me feel like a troll," she vented out. She paused for a second before recoiling slightly in her chair. "Er, that is… if trolls were scrawny. What do you think I should do, Raven?"
"Well, you seem to be worrying about this too much. You seem like a genuinely good person, Noire. If you keep stressing yourself out over this, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Stress harms the body in one way or another. Smile, live, and focus on yourself. If you stop comparing yourself to others and start comparing yourself against how you were yesterday, you will find you enjoy who you are a little more," I explained. I could see her clutch her talisman necklace in thought, almost as if she did it subconsciously. Immediately, I felt her personality shift right in front of me.
"Insolence!" she said with a firm, oppressive anger. "How dare you call me decrepit!"
"What? Whoa, no! Noire, I would never! I didn't say anything like that," I blurted out.
"Then speak, mortal! What would you have me do!" she demanded. I scrambled my mind and thought about it as hard as I could as she stared at me with an intensity that made me feel like I was about to die on the spot.
"W-well, um, they say the clothes make the person, right? So! Why not trying to getting into the role by dressing more lively. If you surround yourself with lively clothes and lively people, it's bound to rub off on you!" I quickly said. She nodded and let go of the talisman and I felt the meek Noire return.
"Huh, well… I guess I'll consider it," she replied and smiled at me in gratitude. "Thank you, Sir Raven."
"Please, just call me Raven. I am not that person," I replied. "Lucina's stories were enough to make me spite who I became in that terrible future."
"I will try my best, R-Raven," she replied. I saw our server come to our table… a red-headed lady about my age with long hair… she reminds me of Cordelia in some ways.
Why do I think about that still?
"Hello, my name is Celeste and I will be your server today. May I take your order?" she asked.
"Oh, just a cup of water and some eggs," Noire said.
"Nonsense. You should eat more. Have the breakfast special!" I said.
"Oh, no, I couldn't possibly. That seems excessive. Food and gold should be rationed," Noire remarked. I waved my hand at her dismissively.
"She will have the breakfast special. I will do the same, but with orange juice," I said. I looked at her and smiled. "My treat."
"A-are you sure?" she stuttered out.
"Oh, Noire, starting today, we are going to work together to help you achieve your goal!" I said enthusiastically. She nodded in response and looked at the waitress.
"Then, yes, I would like a breakfast special," she said with a smile. We finished customizing our orders as the server took notes on our order.
"Oh, Raven, there you are!"
I looked over and saw Sophia standing in the doorway. She walked over to our table, a dreamy and unfocused smile on her face as she stared into space.
"Sophia! Good morning," I said.
"… and what a lovely morning it is to greet this Chosen One. I hope this morning finds you in good spirits as well?" she asked.
"Oh, of course! Here, take a seat," I said. She sat down at an empty chair at our table. Shortly after, the waitress came over and took Sophia's order as well. That was fast. What great service… reminds me of how observant and diligent that one young lady was at the bakery in Ylisstol. When we return from this war, I must pay her a visit.
If I return…
No, get that negativity out of here this instant.
"Thinking negative thoughts again, Raven?" Sophia asked. I frowned at her slightly.
"I find it a little shockingly disturbing how well you can figure that out," I said.
"The eyes are the window to the soul and the soul dictates the stream of consciousness you experience," Sophia mumbled, though her eyes were looking around the restaurant in a casual fashion.
"Everything okay with you?" I asked her.
"Everything is fine. I heard you had a family dinner last night," she said.
"Yes, we did. Chrom, Cordelia, Robin, Lissa, myself, Lucina, Elise, and Owain were all here," I said. "I suppose Elise and I are considered honorary members of the family now, I guess?"
"That sounds lovely…" she quietly said with a sigh.
"Sophia, what's bothering you?" I asked. She bit her lip in thought before her expression changed and she smiled at me.
"There is nothing bothering me currently. What once clouded the mind has now been resolved," she replied.
"Are you sure?" I asked. She nodded in reply.
"I cannot expect things when the difference between our perceptions and what we know is at the level that it currently sits at," Sophia mysteriously said.
"Does this have to do with your family?" I asked. She winced slightly, barely perceptible to the eye.
"The family of the Chosen Ones is complex," she merely replied. I could tell this was a topic that was uncomfortable to her, so I decided to pursue it no further.
"Raven?" Noire asked.
"Yes, Noire?"
"I decided I want to take your advice, but I have a problem."
"What is the problem?"
"I have no idea what constitutes lively attire," Noire said after a quick pause.
"Oh! Well, hm, even if you did have an idea, I'm not sure where you would find any. We are in the middle of a war, after all… and Regna Ferox is not exactly known for its fanciful attires," I mused aloud.
"Is there no way to feel more lively and girly? I just want to shine like the others, even if just for a day."
"Well, worrying about it isn't going to help, Noire. Worry seems to be your biggest enemy, if I might be honest. Half of that radiant beauty you talked about and wished to have is simply having a smile that you mean. That radiant energy comes from a smile that the soul inspired. Why don't you try unwinding for a little bit? Have this breakfast, eat to your heart's content, and smile. After that, do the same tomorrow and the day after tomorrow! Keep eating, keep smiling, and keep treating yourself," I said.
"Again, Raven, you wield your words like a Chosen One. Truthfully, Noire, a smile is a maiden's true weapon in the war of love, and even a smile needs food to keep moving forward," Sophia remarked. I laughed a bit to myself.
"That is truth beyond belief," I replied.
"I… I couldn't possibly indulge in eating like that," Noire said quietly.
"You can and should! Just live a little. I promise that little bit of living will give you the feeling of life on the inside. The cover of a book reflects the content, after all! If you feel better on the inside, you will radiate that positivity on the outside. You like sweets, right? No one would fault you for indulging in a cake or two," I said.
"Or three, in Raven's case," Sophia casually remarked. I coughed awkwardly.
"Hey, look, I happen to enjoy cake," I shot back. Sophia laughed to herself slightly.
"If it is your desire to eat chocolate cake of that quantity, you might find yourself out of shape," Sophia remarked with a laugh. I paused for a second. Why did I get the feeling I had this conversation before? I shook my head to get that odd feeling out of my system.
"I will have you know that I am not that indulgent to the point of gluttony," I protested.
"When we get back to Ylisstol, I expect to see you back at that bakery, ordering cakes from that waitress that you seem to enjoy the company of. Perhaps the ever diminishing size of your gold bag has to do with the sizable tips you keep giving her," Sophia noted. I sputtered out in response.
"H-hey, look, now that's not fair," I stuttered out.
"A-are you sure?" Noire asked carefully. "Is it fine if I indulge?"
"Of course! When we return to Ylisstol, you should go to the bakery downtown. If you're nervous about indulging, I can keep you company," I offered.
"I wouldn't want to twist your arm to keep me company on such a trivial task," Noire quietly replied.
"Oh, you must give it all your effort to bring him along, Noire. You would have to twist Raven's arm excessively to bring him to a place where he can eat sweets to his heart's content. It reviles Raven at the thought of spending his time in the company of the young, brown-haired and blue-eyed lady behind the counter who smiles at him with a serene, peaceful smile that calms and soothes his heart. It would, indeed, take much arm twisting," Sophia said to Noire. Was she… teasing me?
"Perhaps you could come as well, uh… S… So… um," Noire said before pausing.
"Sophia," she replied. "That's my name."
"I apologize! After you already l-learned my name in such a short t-time, I had struggled to learn yours," Noire stammered.
"Think nothing of it. I can even help you find lively outfits in town when we return. In the meantime, I might have a few spare outfits that you could try on if you wanted to feel more lively, but I must warn you that my outfits are befitting of a Chosen One who practices the magical arts," Sophia said.
"Your outfits? As in plural? As in multiple outfits?" I asked. "You wear the same thing all the time."
"Oh, Raven, your abilities of perception and intuition are clouded with the weight of visual interpretation," she said with a sigh.
"Well, I mean, we use our eyes to see, don't we?" I asked.
"I have more than one of the same outfit," Sophia replied. "Would you really expect this maiden to wear the same set of clothes for an undetermined amount of days in a row without washing them or freshening up?"
I thought about that for a second and realized she was probably right. How did I just assume she wore the same set of clothes every day?
"I… never thought of that," I replied.
"That is the path to enlightenment, Raven. It is the path of learning something new with each passing day and to be a step further down the path than you were yesterday," she said. Noire paused when Sophia said that.
"Didn't you say the same thing earlier, Raven?" Noire asked.
"Huh, actually, I don't know. Did I?" I replied. "Maybe I did… or something to that extent."
Our waitress soon came back with our food and drinks and we ate up. Surprisingly, for having such a small figure, Noire ate everything she had in a pace that put mine to shame. Why was she so frail looking? Did she not eat enough in the future? Did her parents scare her into not eating or was food that scarce? The other future children seem to be in fit condition, so I wonder what specifically could have caused her lack of health and nutrition…
The three of us started walking back to the inn after breakfast to pack and prepare for our upcoming journey across the sea. As we walked back, we noticed a certain familiar gentleman was also walking back to the inn, probably coming back from breakfast. He turned to us and gave us a big smile.
"Why if it isn't two of the most beautiful roses in the Shepherds with a thorn to dampen their beauty. Sweetest Sophia, dearest Noire, and… company, what a delight it is to see you return!" he said. Company? I have a name.
"Good morning, Inigo," Sophia replied curtly. Noire sighed to herself slightly.
"… and what a beautifully good morning it is, yet it pales in comparison to the ravishing beauty of the flowers that bloom before me! I… I… Noire, what are you doing?" Inigo asked. I turned to Noire to see she was nocking an arrow in her bow. Wait, did she bring that to breakfast? Did she have that with her the whole time? How did I not notice that!
"I have been tasked with keeping you in line, Inigo," Noire commented. "I have to keep the hyenas at bay, after all. If I must dissuade your philanderous personality with an arrow to the knee, then I shall."
"I am no philanderer, Noire. I am an amiable inamorato with a passionately romantic heart whose strength and capacity cannot be held by one woman alo—wait! Wait, Noire, wait!" Inigo cried out as Noire pointed her bow at him.
"Oh, Inigo, have you forgotten that I am best with a bow?" she asked.
"That's not the point! I'm more concerned with you pointing a bow at me in the first place!" Inigo said as he dashed to the side.
"If you keep moving like that, I might miss my shot. If you stand still, I promise my shot will not be fatal. Beyond that, I guarantee nothing. Reap the consequence of your continuous false praises and empty words," Noire replied with a smile.
"Oh gods, help, help! She's gone mad!" Inigo cried out. I saw Lucina rushing toward us quickly.
"What's going on?" Lucina asked.
"She's trying to shoot me!" Inigo said.
"Oh, is that it? I thought you were in trouble, Inigo," Lucina replied plainly.
"You don't call this trouble?" Inigo asked in a slightly panicked tone.
"What a beautiful dynamic of friendship these people have," Sophia remarked. I sighed to myself.
"I don't think those would be the words I would use to describe this…" I said.
"You don't trust me?" Noire asked Inigo.
"That's not the point I was trying to make!" Inigo replied. "Lucina, tell her to stop!"
"Noire, I asked you to shoot at the girls that hounded him, not at Inigo himself," Lucina said.
"But Lucina, his inability to control himself around women is what caused that situation in the first place. Let me dissuade him from his debaucherous mentality with a well-placed strike," Noire said. Lucina paused at that as she gave a thoughtful look.
"Wait, Lucina, are you actually considering what she said? Lucina! Please! Remember that I was there for you, trying to help you smile!" he pleaded.
"That is right. You did grab my face and attempted to force a smile on my face. How could I forget such an act? Noire. Shoot when ready," Lucina remarked.
"With pleasure," Noire replied, a smile curling on her face.
"Okay, let me step in here. That's enough!" I said firmly as I stepped forward. Immediately, Lucina, Noire, and Inigo took an involuntary step back in what seemed to be fear.
"Y-yes, I am so terribly sorry," Noire said, trembling in place as she lowered her bow.
"My apologies, sir…" Lucina said quietly.
"Tch, the thorn of the rose pricks my finger in arrogant fashion," Inigo commented, scowling at me.
"Inigo! That's no way to speak of Raven!" Lucina said to him in a rebuking manner.
"Wait, you're defending him? This man? The monster that scared us all as children? Why are you standing up for him! You hated him more than anyone else," Inigo said.
"One should not be judged by the sins of someone other than themselves! Justice must always be straight and true when executed to swiftly and decisively strike down the proper target."
I saw Owain walking toward us from the entrance of the inn we were staying at.
"Oh, if it isn't Owain. What childish declaration of justice are you wagging at me this time?" Inigo said.
"Childish declaration of justice? The sword hand is no toy of children! It hungers for the blood of evil and it thirsts for the water of truth!" Owain declared. I saw Leila walk out toward us as well, but wisely chose to just listen.
"Oh, and what does the sword hand say today? Is this hand of justice jealous of my many dalliances with the females? I'm sure your hand of justice satisfies your urges during lonely ni—"
"I would have you not besmirch my name and my creed so callously!" Owain interrupted forcefully.
"Ah, I'm sorry. Perhaps I'll come back when you're done playing hero and you've grown up," Inigo said. I took a step forward, but Lucina grabbed me by the arm and shook her head.
"I think it's time these two worked out their differences. This has honestly been a long time coming," Lucina said. Leila made her way over to us and sighed.
"Are those two really arguing?" Sophia asked Lucina.
"Yes. They… have a tumultuous relationship with each other," Lucina said.
"I never would have guessed," Leila said, although I was surprised to hear her say that with sincerity and not sarcasm.
"Hey, this is serious! I'm serious," Owain shot back at Inigo.
"Seriously… childish? Seriously… embarrassing? Seriously… immature?"
"Seriously none of your business. Now, get off my back and fail with the girls elsewhere. Seriously," Owain remarked scathingly.
"Sigh," Inigo said. Did… he actually just say it? How childish…
"Okay, just stop. You're not even sighing. You're saying 'sigh' right now. Maybe that's why all the girls turn you down, except that one that robbed us blind," Owain said.
"I apologized to Lucina for bringing that bandit to our camp!" Inigo said firmly.
"I will not let any more hyenas steal any more of our food and supplies," Noire said, raising her bow once again.
"Is that why you were pointing your bow at me?" Inigo asked. "Who asked you to intrude on my quest for love like that?"
"I did," Lucina stated. Inigo opened his mouth to respond before closing it. Do not argue with your leader, Inigo.
"Look at you! My track record of success in battles show my sword hand is no joke, unlike your attempts at teatime with the girls. Your so-called quest for love is a painfully long-running marathon of futility and failure!" Owain declared.
"You're guaranteed to lose a hundred percent of the jousts you don't attend," Inigo said.
"You're guaranteed to lose a hundred percent of the jousts you do attend with an obviously false bravado and facetious façade. The only thing real about you is how really annoying you are to the innocent ladies of the world," Owain countered.
"What would you know of talking to these beautiful roses we have before us? Maybe we should name your next move 'Eternal Chastity'?"
"Sounds like a great idea! I got the perfect teacher for it right here," Owain shot back. I snorted to myself in spite of the situation going on before us.
"Tch, you want to see what other kinds of special moves I can teach you?" Inigo asked, his hand on his sword and ready to draw.
"Owain!"
"Inigo!"
We stopped as we saw Lissa and Olivia coming out of the inn toward us. The looks on their faces intimidated even me and I was thankful I was not the target of their uncharacteristic rage.
"What do you think you are doing?" Lissa said.
"But, mom—"
"No but's. We are going to have a talk about this, young man!"
… wow, I never seen Lissa riled up like this before. Inigo laughed a little bit.
"Look at the little baby, all grown up and still scolded by his mother."
"Excuse me, but you have no room to speak. This is terrible behavior from someone who is related to me so closely," Olivia said firmly.
"I, um… please don't speak to me so intensely. It makes me… nervous," he said quietly, staring at the ground.
"I will speak to you in a way that your actions caused you to deserve! This display has been nothing less than ugly and disgraceful," Olivia said.
Huh, I guess those two becoming parents and seeing their children really changed them.
"Lissa… Olivia… I apologize on their behalf. We have gone through much where we come from…" Lucina said quietly.
"Lucina, no need to apologize. We might not have been there for them in the time you come from, but we will do our best to be there for him now… just as Chrom has vowed to be there for you now," Lissa said with a warm smile.
"Is that really how those two act," Sophia asked. Leila shrugged her shoulders.
"I thought they were best of friends," Leila replied.
"I wonder where the other one is?" Sophia asked. I cleared my throat.
"What are you two talking about?" I asked them both.
"A topic befitting the Chosen One and her one friend," Sophia said mysteriously.
"You could've just said 'none of your business', Sophia," Leila said. I frowned at the both of them.
"It becomes my business if it threatens the safety and well-being of those in the Shepherds," I said firmly.
"Trust me, it has nothing to do with the safety of the Shepherds," Leila said.
"Raven, I promised you I would let you know if anything would cause harm or trouble," Sophia said.
"Sophia, I know you promised me, but…"
"Do you not trust me, Raven? I have trusted you with everything I am allowed to trust you with. I wish with the magnitude of soul and spirit that I could tell you more for I trust you in many matters. You have done nothing to betray my trust, and it ill behooves my very being to seem as if I am merely mistrusting you," Sophia quietly said. Was she… upset with me? She seemed genuinely frustrated.
"Sophia, I… look, I'm just worried, okay? Watching Cordelia die in front of me made me realize… I don't want to see friends die in front of me ever again," I said with a sigh.
"I understand," Sophia said. "I apologize. You truly have a heart that cares for us all."
"Sophia, you… apologize?" Leila asked incredulously.
"Should I not be?" Sophia asked.
"I don't think I've ever heard you do that before," Leila said.
"That is merely because there has not been an occasion that has required a sincere apology," Sophia replied.
"Raven, is everything okay?" Lucina asked as she came over.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Looks like Lissa and Olivia are taking care of Owain and Inigo. Are those two always like that?" I asked.
"Yes," Lucina replied. "I had thought the stress of living in our time was causing their issues, but I can see now that their issues are much more deep-seated."
"No kidding," I replied. "So, I guess you know Noire here?"
"Of course," Lucina replied. Noire started shaking her head vigorously.
"L-Lucina, please, say no more," Noire said.
"Of course. I apologize," Lucina replied.
"This has been a hell of a mess. I hope this gets sorted out before we depart. We cannot have distractions holding us back when we arrive at Valm," I said.
"No distractions?" Lucina asked before giving an uncharacteristic and random sigh. I looked at her, curious.
"Is there something on your mind?" I asked.
"N-no, nothing at all," she replied. Sophia gave an odd look at Lucina.
"A maiden's heart is noble and pure, dear Lucina. To sully it with lies is to besmirch the beauty and majesty that a young woman is capable of. You taint the very beauty of the essence of your soul and compromise the integrity of your words when you introduce the foul filth of dishonesty," Sophia said.
"There is nothing on my mind that I want to discuss," Lucina said firmly. Sophia sighed to herself and shrugged her shoulders.
"What about that matter that you wanted to discuss with Chrom?" I asked.
"Oh, that. I gave it some thought and decided it would be better to follow my own path, rather than follow his. I have been trained by you, not him, and it would be more appropriate to find my own style of swordplay based upon what you taught me, rather than re-learn a whole new style," Lucina said.
"You learned parts of it, though," I said.
"Yes, but it is rudimentary and incomplete and, honestly, not quite compatible with the speed-based foundation you have instilled upon me. I am served better to use my speed and strength in coordination and conjunction with each other to be well-balanced. I did train with that captain for two years and incorporated it well."
"You four! You better hurry and pack before we depart!" I heard Chrom call from the doorway of the inn. I nodded quickly.
"Let's go clean up and prepare for departure," I said.
"Of course," Lucina replied.
"Yes, sir," Noire said.
"I shall await you here, Raven," Sophia said.
"You do not need to clean up or pack?"
"I did so before breakfast. A maiden is always ready and prepared for any and every eventuality she can conceive in her mind and perceive with her senses," Sophia replied.
"That's… honestly impressive," I said to her with a smile. Lucina sighed audibly.
"Oh, do not despair, Lucina! If your room is as much of a mess as usual, I can help you when I finish with mine. That was something we used to always do together," Noire offered. I saw Lucina turn slightly red at that.
"As usual?" she blurted out. "Was it really that bad?"
"Lucina's room is usually untidy?" I asked.
"Oh, definitely. I couldn't fault her for any of it, though. She had much on her mind and many problems to try to navigate. Thankfully, nobody else has access to her room. There were times where, after doing her laundry and putting away her tunics and gowns, sometimes she would forget to put away her smallclo—"
"Noire!" Lucina exclaimed, blushing furiously. "Raven doesn't need all the minute details of my faults!"
"Oh, was I not supposed to bring that up?" Noire asked. "I'm sorry, Lucina."
"Heh, just like Chrom," I remarked.
"I heard that, Raven," Chrom replied. He sighed aloud and shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose I cannot be upset at the truth, though."
"Oh, father…"
I heard Lucina laugh to herself at that interaction. Chrom heard her and turned slightly red.
"I seem to be setting a poor example for you, Lucina," Chrom commented.
"Hardly, father. I learned that habit all on my own," she replied.
We all set off for our rooms to pack up and prepare for our journey. As usual, I had very little to pack and was back at the entrance of the inn earlier than most of the others. I looked around to see Sophia was strangely absent. I thought she was going to wait for me? I was soon joined by Elise in our chronic habit of patiently waiting for the others to finish.
"Raven…" Elise said quietly.
"Yes, Elise?" I asked.
"I… I'm scared," she said.
"I know… I am too," I replied.
"Do you really think we have a chance?"
"That is not a question we should be asking."
"What do you mean?"
"Elise… we should not be judging our attempt on a pass or fail, but rather grade ourselves on the effort of our attempt. We should simply strive to do our best, as individuals and as a group. Success should not be the goal itself, but a consequence in striving for a goal of doing our best in everything."
"Hm… perhaps you're right."
"Of course I am. I have to be. I'm your knight in shining, cool-toned armor," I replied with a smile.
"Raven…"
"Right, sorry. I'm just trying to brighten the mood. It's been pretty grim ever since we arrived here."
"Raven, if we make it through this war alive and make it back to Ylisstol, there's something we should talk about," Elise said, fidgeting slightly with her fingers.
"Why not talk about it now?" I asked.
"There is no benefit in discussing such a matter now, not when our futures are uncertain," she replied. I tilted my head in reply. What was she trying to say?
"I… okay, Elise, but promise me you will talk about it when we get back? It worries me a little bit to see you like this…" I said to her.
"Thank you, Raven…" she replied. I saw the anxious expression on her face, as if the weight of the world was weighing down upon her. What was bothering her?
It was at that moment that I pulled her into an embrace. She gave a surprised sound, as if not expecting such an action.
"You are one of my best friends, Elise. We have been through so much together, both the memories we have shared now and probably the memories we had prior to waking up," I said to her.
"Th-thank you, Raven. Thank you…" she said as she embraced me back. Together, we stood in the lobby of the inn, holding each other. Through many trials and tribulations, we have fought together. From the moment we had awoken, the three of us amnesiacs had been linked by invisible strands manipulated by the hand of fate. Whether we were puppets of a destiny we were yet unaware of or fools forging forward through free will, the one absolute constant thing was that we would approach the future together.
"This… is a touching scene," Robin commented. We both jumped and quickly let go of each other.
"R-Robin," I stuttered out. "Good morning."
"Good morning to the both of you," he replied with a small smile. "By all means, I should not have interrupted. Suffice it to say, I can understand better than most the tumultuous feelings you are probably dealing with right now…"
"True. Want to join us in a group hug?" I asked.
"As wholesomely tempting it is to accept your offer, I am afraid I must pass," Robin replied.
"Aw, Robbey! You should! Birds of a feather flock together," Lissa commented as she walked over. Robin and I both twitched at that.
"I feel like I should have a name change one of these days," I said aloud to nobody in particular.
"What kind of name would you have?" Robin asked.
"I have no idea… maybe I should take a page from Lucina's book and borrow the name of a great hero," I replied.
"Then how about you call yourself Ike?" Elise offered.
"Or what about Roy?" Robin added.
"Hm, I think I'll pass on those," I replied. "Thank you, though."
"Of course, Raven. We might not have as much time to speak with each other as we used to, but the three of us are still in this together," Robin said with a smile.
"Aw, look at the Bird Gang bonding with each other. It reminds me of the days when you all first joined," Lissa commented jokingly.
"Hm, that's true. We have really come far, haven't we?" Robin asked.
"… and yet we have further still to go! The climb will never end," I added.
"So long as we have each other, we will never stop growing," Elise finished.
"Yes, the two of you can support Raven through his seasickness," Lissa remarked.
"You know, I show one weakness and you all pounce on it," I replied with a frown.
"We could always ask Lucina for a favor," Elise mused.
"Her and I already discussed this," I said to Elise with a smile.
"What a pity. I enjoyed your company more on the way down than on the way back," Elise replied with a smirk on her face.
"I was knocked out the entire way down!" I retorted.
"That's the point," she replied.
"I…" I said, then stopped. I was not going to stoop down to argue that.
"Oh, let him be, Elise. If we keep him conscious during this trip over, I am quite sure we can find even more things to tease him about later on. Oh, I can imagine the daring hero Raven, leaning over the rails before falling overboard," Robin said with a sly grin.
"Oh! You're right," Elise replied in a mock thoughtful tone of voice.
"Naturally he is. He is our tactician after all," Lissa said. I saw Lucina walk over to us.
"What about Lucina? I'm sure she has better things to do on a boat ride," I said. She gave me an immensely confused look.
"Did I walk into the wrong conversation?" Lucina asked.
"Not at all," Lissa said with a laugh.
"Besides, it seems she didn't seem bothered helping me make sure your unconscious body was taken care of," Elise commented.
"Heh, that's true. I guess she didn't mind being a babysitter at all," I remarked. The three of them gave me confused looks.
"Babysitter?" Lissa asked.
"What's that?" Elise inquired.
"… wait, what? You don't know what a babysitter is?" I asked the both of them.
"It sounds like it is a term only you know of," Robin observed aloud. I looked to Lucina, but she shook her head.
"I am afraid I never heard this term before, either," she said. I shrugged my shoulders.
"I can understand Lissa and Lucina, but I expected the two of you to have known since we probably came from the same place together," I said.
"I… I'm sorry, Raven," Elise said.
"We may have come from the same situation, but I am sure each one of us are individuals who are unique enough to not be completely interchangeable," Robin stated.
"That's true…" I mused. "That makes the mysterious situation of our pasts even more of an enigma."
"One that we will one day solve," Robin said reassuringly. Elise nodded to me in agreement.
"Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that Lucina didn't seem to care too much about keeping me company on our trip down," I said. Lucina stared at me for a second.
"I merely felt guilty about knocking you unconscious," she said. "I felt it was my responsibility to take care of you until you recovered."
"Well, knock me unconscious again," I said. "I wouldn't mind having company of the infamous Princess Blueberry during our upcoming ride."
"Princess Blueberry?"
"Yes."
"… if you keep that up, you will be unconscious again," Lucina replied. "How many more nicknames must you use for me?"
"I don't know Lucy. Shall we count them?" I asked. She clenched her teeth in slight frustration as she narrowed her eyes.
"There is no need for that," she slowly replied.
"Well then, El, I guess that will stay a mystery," I said with a laugh. She sighed to herself and smiled at me. I felt a little unsettled by that smile.
"I have a feeling you are goading me into being responsible for making your wish come true," she remarked.
"My wish? My wish is to sit at a candlelit table with the woman of my dreams while talking of the future and eating chocolate cake," I replied.
"… I have little intention of making that wish come true," Lucina said.
"That might be a dream for Raven, but that sounds like it would be a nightmare for Lucina," Elise commented.
"Indeed. Could you imagine the horror of trying to plan a future together with Raven?" Robin added.
"You know… I hate the both of you sometimes," I said, but I laughed anyway. "I missed this fun dynamic the three of us had. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of preparing for two different wars… and two years of being away, kidnapped by bandits… times like this were like little points of levity. Robin did once tell me that positivity goes a long way toward a warrior's success."
"Gods, Raven, I make one throwaway comment and you turn it into a life philosophy," Robin replied in an exasperated manner.
"Your throwaway comment has more wisdom than my wisest moments," I said.
"That isn't really saying much," Lissa joked. "You did try to start a prank war with me, after all."
"A war I was winning," I countered.
"If by winning, you mean struggling to keep up instead of giving up like everyone else, then yes, I suppose a moral victory could still be counted as a victory to some," Lissa said.
"Heh, you better check your hairbrush every time you do your hair, then," I said with a smirk.
"… and you should keep an eye on your clothes next time you swim in the river with everyone else," Lissa countered.
"You wouldn't…"
"Is that a challenge, Ravey?"
"I am almost afraid to answer that, Lissa."
"If you are already hesitating, then I claim yet another victory."
"Okay, you two," Robin said with a laugh. "Let's stop before one of your tents somehow gets set on fire a month from now."
"Oh, I could never do that," I said in a scandalous tone.
"Neither would I! I'd be more likely to flood it," Lissa replied with an unsettling glint in her eye.
"… sometimes you scare me," I said.
"One more victory for Lissa!" she exclaimed with a laugh. "But… by all means, keep trying. I want to catch up to Gaius in how many victories I have over you."
I sighed to myself. Okay, Lissa, you win. I saw Chrom come into the inn from the front door. When did he get outside? Did we miss him leaving?
"Shepherds, the Feroxi force are here and ready to depart. We should be departing shortly as well. Please meet in front with Sophia in fifteen minutes," Chrom ordered.
"Yes sir!" I exclaimed. "Wait, Sophia?"
"She's been standing outside in front of the inn. I assumed she was waiting for someone," Chrom replied.
"O-oh!" I stuttered out. Did I really make her wait out there that long?
"Well, let's go out there and wait with her!" Lissa said with a big smile.
The next two hours were spent checking out of the inn, loading the rest of our supplies onto our ships, and preparing to set sail. This was it. This was our invasion. This was the moment of truth. This was our plan. Win or lose, we give everything we have in every battle upcoming.
Valm, don't underestimate the power of heart.