Chapter 48: Wounds
Chrom groaned back into awareness… And it only took him an instant to wish he'd never woken up. There was a world of hurt waiting for him on the other side of sleep. His limbs twitched as he took stock of the situation, and all the pain still lingering in him. The cuts along his body had half healed, but a worse pain still locked teeth around his heart. Not even Robin resting against his chest could fully dispel that.
'Because now… Now I remember. All of it.' And it hurt, knowing exactly what had happened to Emmeryn. And what had almost happened to Lissa as well. 'What… Gods, am I truly that useless? I didn't even know what had happened, when I first saw Emm in the drowned city. What she'd gone through, and everything she sacrificed... And I couldn't even honor that!'
He unwound himself from Robin's body and gently set her head on the sand. The gemstones at Robin's side chimed softly from the motion, gleaming as dawn slowly pierced through the ocean. With a quick push from his arms and flick from his tail he swam upwards, before he awoke Robin with his shudders. Light flickered across his face, forming trails where tears might have fallen.
Chrom froze, illuminated by the faint, rising sun. He was an exposed and lonely shape outlined in the water… But he couldn't bring himself to care, or to seek cover.
"I'm sorry…" He buried his face in his hands, his words little more than a whisper lost to the open water. "I'm sorry that I ever forgot." About what was done to him, and every person he'd left behind. His heart ached, picturing the faces of the Shepherd crew. Picturing his family-
"Ch-Chrom?" Came a soft voice, and he blinked down to Robin. She swam free from the fronds of kelp, adjusting the bits of rope, cloth, and gem wound around her, and darted up to meet him.
And he'd forgotten her too, hadn't he? Forgotten her importance, starting with how she'd been pulled from the sea, until they'd sunk beneath the waves again. But now the memory of everything he'd shared with her pulsed through his head, in time with each heartbeat.
"I'm sorry to you, too." Chrom told her, lowering his head. "I'm sorry I forgot everything you've done… And what I told you, before we sank beneath the waves."
She stilled at that. Flickers of light dappled her cheeks, looking almost red. It must have been her equivalent of a blush, as she shook her head.
"C-Chrom, it's okay-"
"It's not okay!" He blurted out. "I… I feel like I've failed everyone, let all of you down, with how much I forgot."
A fresh jolt moved through Chrom as he spoke, reminding him of still more things.
'How could I forget all my time with the ship? And my oath to Emmeryn?'
"But… You remember now?" Robin tried, pulling him back out of his head. She had drifted closer, and her hand rested carefully over his shoulder. She was offering reassurance, but didn't seem sure if it would be welcomed. In answer, Chrom reached out to cup her face in his hands, tracing his fingers over her cheeks.
"I do." Chrom whispered. He was almost afraid his lungs would stop working when he admitted that… But the magic of the gemstones still held, and protected him; it seemed his body and mind had finally reached a truce. "At least I remember the important moments. And I-"
Robin flinched, staring at something over his shoulder.
"What's wrong-?" Before he could register what was happening, blurred figures surged up from the kelp leaves. With the ferocity of sharks angling in for a kill, a host of Mer fell upon them.
Chrom swept forward, putting himself between Robin and the strangers. All of them were armed to the teeth, brandishing wicked curved swords, or with short blades tied to their sides with kelp fiber. They wore little in the way of armor, opting for simple green dyed silk sashes and scarves.
'Offense is the best defense, from the looks of it. And they've more than made up for it with their sheer-sharp weapons.'
And each point was angled squarely at them.
"Stay back!" He snapped at them. "I've fought Plegian pirates and Mer both, I can take on anything you try to throw at us-" He flexed the talons on his fingers, ready for a fight, but the opportunity never came. The Mer paused, their momentum slowing to a crawl as they registered his words.
"Plegia? You say you're fighting Plegia?" Came a voice. The ranks of Mer parted, letting a dark-haired woman swim towards them. She carried two swords, belted to either side of her green-teal tail. Her long black hair was tied back, staying clear of her face if it came to a fight, but she approached them with blades sheathed, clearly not ready for a battle with them.
It was then that Chrom realized none of these Mer had the look of Plegians. They wore no gold, violet fabrics, or jewelry, and their weapons seemed to be the only thing of high quality.
"Y-yes. We're no friend of Plegia, either above or below the waters." He said.
"…You also don't look like you're with him." The strange woman conceded. But despite that, the guards weren't about to lower their weapons. Chrom kept himself between them and Robin, all his muscles tensed.
"What are you talking about?" Chrom growled, still ready for a fight. "Who are you-?"
"V-Validar. She's talking about Validar." Robin answered him, staring at the guards. "And you… You're the rebels he's been waging war on."
"He took our homes from us, claiming it was to unify all the kingdoms under his rule." The woman leading the group muttered. "He never mentioned how his rule involved military occupation, and executing any who dared to speak out against him."
"Sounds uncomfortably familiar." Robin murmured, this time drawing the attention of the rebel leader.
"…The girl you're with has a look to her, however. Like we've seen her on the opposite side of the lines." Robin dipped her head at that, and the suspicion in the woman's voice.
"…I… Was of Plegia, once. But I don't feel any loyalty to them."
The woman considered Robin, frowning over the violet marks on Robin, and doubt marring her features.
"L-listen. Robin is against Plegia's violence, and their oppression. It doesn't match her character…" Chrom glanced at her, and even with the danger of the situation, found himself smiling. "I'm certain of that much."
The leader didn't smile back. But some of the tension bled out of her.
"It would be strange of Validar; for him to send only two Mer out to carry out his will. And he rarely breaks from his usual strategy of using a force of arms." At that, the woman dipped her head, and the other Mer stored their weapons. "My name is Say'ri… Leader of the resistance against Plegia."
"I-I've heard of you, I think." Robin whispered, and a touch of admiration entered her voice. "You've been striking at Plegia from the fringes, and causing Validar no end of grief."
Robin swam out from behind him before Chrom had a chance to protest, or warn her to be careful. She extended a hand to Say'ri. "And it's good to finally meet you. If… If you'd have us, we'd be glad to have a place to stay, and have the company of Mer who aren't loyal to the likes of Validar."
Chrom tried not to stare at that, or how quickly Robin had laid out an offer.
'But she's right. I don't know how long our luck can hold, exploring the ocean on our own. And… The truth is, I miss-' He looked around the gathered merfolk again, wondering if any of them were like the crew of the Shepherd; if any of them could laugh or arm wrestle like Vaike, or cook with Stahl and Virion's passion, or even if any of them shared Frederick's insight, alongside his wariness.
Say'ri shed some of her own caution and took Robin's hand, offering a tentative shake. She gave a slight tug, bringing Robin fully over to their side. Chrom shadowed her, just in case the guards got any ideas with their weapons… And in doing so, he swam close enough for the rebels to get a better look at him.
"Lady Say'ri… Look at his shoulder." One of the Mer whispered, pointing at Chrom. His fingers angled on the Brand of the Exalt, still showing clear on his skin. Chrom uneasily rolled his shoulders, well aware of Say'ri's gaze. A flash of interest traveled through her face.
"This isn't the first time you've seen the Brand, is it?" Robin asked.
"…No." Say'ri told her. "And considering the heart of the other one who carries the Brand… I think we might be able to trust you."
Chrom wanted to ask more, but found himself getting led by Say'ri before he could speak. She guided them through the kelp forest as she spoke, and the leaves folded around them like a strange, living shield. There was something oddly comforting to the green strands, and the shades of emerald sunlight that filtered through.
"We received help from an unexpected place." Say'ri told them as she swam. "Not long ago, we'd been torn up by Validar's forces, and were at risk of bleeding out. Those who had survived the clashes -those who hadn't been taken prisoner- many of them were at death's doorstep… Until a new face appeared at our hideout."
Say'ri brushed back strands of kelp, revealing a dip in the forest. The rolling dunes turned into a rocky cliff face, going from green to gray. Say'ri's soldiers had cut out dwellings in the rocks, sparse as they were, and lined them with woven matts of kelp and seagrass.
"She came with two dark mages, and healed many of our injured. Mer who should have died are now swimming about, able to patrol… A few of them even form my escort. And the compassion of our newest member, more than anything, might well have been what stopped my soldiers short of killing you."
"Good to know." Chrom mumbled. He followed Say'ri to one of the caves, swam through a swathe of cloth fabric, and drifted into one of the larger dwellings. They swam into a cove illuminated by globes of mage lights and bioluminescent creatures. The cavern had been turned into a temporary sick room, but the taste of blood was subdued. Those resting on the mats seemed to be regaining their strength, instead of being incapacitated.
'Wait-'
There was also something familiar to the hum in the air. Something in the magic and the voice shaping it called out to him. It reminded him.
"There's no way," Chrom whispered, and found some strength still lurking in his fins. They pushed him past the injured, to the rear of the cove where a small raised rock shelf was. And seated on it, mending cuts on a fighter's arm was-
"Emm!" He blurted out, staring at her. Her long golden hair was tied up again, showing the Brand of the Exalt on her forehead. She drifted easily in the water, her fins stirring back and forth to hold her in place. She jolted once at Chrom's voice, looking up from her work and blinking in confusion.
"Oh gods, it really is you." Chrom dropped his voice to a whisper, swimming towards her. She looked a little more pale than before, but there was a new strength to her, that kept her head raised and her posture proud. Chrom risked only a quick, grateful, glance back to Say'ri, half afraid Emm would disappear if he looked away for too long.
"Thank you for helping her. Thank you so much-"
"Rest easy, sir." Say'ri held up her hands, stalling him. "The fact is, she's helped us just as much. And hopefully she can aid you now." At her words, Emmeryn swam forward, and gently laid her hands on Chrom. The leftover ache of his wounds dimmed from the contact.
"There you are…" She whispered, in a hushed voice. It wavered so much, sounding fragile as she fought to pick out words. Maybe Emm was just as overwhelmed as he felt. "I-I can help with your wounds…"
As she spoke, the last touch of pain vanished. The sword cuts faded away, leaving only pale scar tissue in their place, and even that was dimming. Emm gave a small hum in the back of her throat, easily taking the ambient magic and locking the healing spell in place.
Chrom forced a deep breath, as a swell of memories and emotion threatened to overtake him, and remind him of other times she'd healed his hurts; closed up scuffs he'd taken from playing amongst the rocks in Ylisse's coves, or bruises from training. How she'd taught her skills to an insistent Lissa-
And now, it was like no time had passed at all, and they were all back together again.
"Gods, but it's good to see you Emm. That you're alive, and-" Chrom stilled. When Emmeryn raised her face to his, there was a bewildered look in her eyes, and the gills at her neck pulsed rapidly as she gave a soft gasp.
"Y-you know my… My name?" She whispered. Despite moving over to Robin and tending to her, she kept her eyes fixed on Chrom, still confused.
"O-of course I do. It's me, Chrom-"
Finally, a hint of recognition crossed her face.
"I… I remember that you saved me. Before. Th-that's… that's where I know you, isn't it?" Her lost look stole his breath away, and Chrom had to swallow and draw a shuddering breath several times before he could speak.
"Emm…? This isn't funny; this isn't one of Lissa's pranks, either. Come on, you know me, don't you?" He pressed, panic lacing his voice. His heart lurched when she shook her head. "I-it's me. Chrom. Your… Your broth-"
He stopped short when Emmeryn flinched, pain flashing across her face. Her hands flew away from Robin and clutched at her head. Her tail lashed the water, and her body seemed ready to fold in on itself from the pain.
And it pushed a different sort of pain into Chrom, as he watched. Robin flinched as well, and gave a soft murmur.
"She… She's like we were-" Robin whispered out. Chrom didn't want to listen, didn't want that to be true.
"H-here! This has to help!" Chrom blurted out, desperately drawing the gemstone up from Robin. She let him take it, yanking it away from the chord at her wrist.
He all but shoved the gem at Emmeryn's face… And prayed that it would bless her with its glow, like it had with him. The gem gave a weak shimmer, but Emmeryn flinched from it.
"What… Why are you doing this?" She asked, voice strained with hurt. "I appreciate that you've rescued me-"
"But that's all that you remember?" Chrom choked out.
Emmeryn only gave a weak noise in the back of her throat. She wouldn't meet his eyes.
"We found her, drifting aimlessly with two others. And she hasn't been able to offer us much on who she is, or how she got here."
Say'ri glared at as she spoke to Chrom, pushing herself between him and Emmeryn. He almost bowled over from the force of the shove, and fought to keep his grip on the gem.
'But she needs it back! It has to help… It's her birthright as much as mine!' He tried to push it back towards her… But she wouldn't lift her head to him. And Say'ri wouldn't let him any closer. Her talons had even drawn fresh scratches on his skin, from where she'd slammed into him.
But what hurt worse than that, was the empty, half fearful look Emmeryn was giving him. He flinched under Emmeryn's expression.
"What are you doing to her!?" Say'ri demanded.
"I-I don't-" Chrom tried to get past Say'ri, but she stopped him short.
"S-stop!" Emmeryn's voice cracked out. "Don't… Don't hurt him. H-he knows me… Doesn't he?" She raised her eyes to him, and Chrom gave a hesitant nod. "I don't… Remember him. But I- I'm sorry, whoever you are. You're in a pain that I can't heal."
Chrom could only stare at her, all his words deserting him. He stretched a hand out, a shiver settling along his fingers. The blue webbing rippled from the motion. A sick feeling took hold of him, and no matter how hard he shivered, it wouldn't dislodge from his chest. His heart ached as he watched Emm, but she never gave him more than a blank look.
'She doesn't remember.' Just like himself… If not worse.
Robin fluttered, moving to his side. But just then, he couldn't stand to look at her, or at Emmeryn.
"At least…" Chrom choked out. "At least you're alive." He finally managed, hating how his voice rasped. He forced in a deep breath, swallowing a sob. "You… You'll have to excuse me for a moment."
He twisted away from her, the gemstone falling from his hand and drifting to the floor. The cove had suddenly become all too suffocating, and he had to get back into the open water. The other Mer parted from him, brushed away in his wake. He heard Say'ri call out to him, but couldn't bring himself to turn around.
Another thing lost to him. Another thing stolen away by Gangrel.
-o-o-o-
Gangrel stepped gingerly onto the shoreline, feeling his wounds ache in the sea breeze and ocean spray. Chrom had left him some lingering, parting gifts. But they at least drove him to move, along with Aversa's instructions ringing in his ears.
'If you want power, and an edge on these drowned wretches… There's only one place you can find it.' She'd had a smug note to her voice, satisfied when he'd finally turned to her for more help. 'You'll find him on the tides, right when they turn.'
He grit his teeth, feeling tension ache at his jaw. Much as he hated it, Aversa had a point. That wretch, Chrom, had cheated death one time too many.
'Three times someone escapes death, check your blade… Because the drowned thing might just be broken.' And he needed to find a better way of killing princes.
A setting sun illuminated the rocky and deserted island, staining the rocks and sand crimson, and turned the waves to violet blue. The glare of sun on the tides nearly blinded Gangrel, obscuring the sight of something moving amongst the waves.
Those shapes could have been seals, or sharks, but moved with too much intent. The shapes cut in and out of the water, watching him through the rise and fall of the waves. Waiting to see just what his next move was.
'Well, far be it from me to keep them waiting.' He moved along the shore, striding for the more broken sections of the coast. Rocks littered the sand, shattered like broken bodies against the shore. Or like the remnants of a half ruined castle, rising from the sea. It suggested majesty and power, just like Aversa had promised.
He wasn't left alone for long. The sand crunched and sighed behind him as a soft hum reached his ears.
"Aversa. It took you long enough."
"My apologies, oh King." Though Aversa apologized, there was still a laugh in her voice. "I had to make a few last arrangements, before our new patron could appear… But I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised. He's come bearing gifts. Look."
The waves spat foam as a battered hull rose up from the depths. Gangrel recognized that ship, and the blackened waterlogged sails it still bore. A Plegian ship. One of HIS ships, long since lost at sea, thanks to Chrom and his crew.
The name was still carved into its side, the time lost at sea doing little to diminish it. Even the hull looked mended, having lost the killing blow that sank it.
"…Impossible." Gangrel whispered, as Aversa gave an admiring hum in the back of her throat. "They can raise ships up from the bottom of the sea?"
"Well, it is their domain, after all. We're merely visitors and vassals, against the power they wield."
Gangrel wondered at the chill in his blood. He'd thought there was nothing that unnerved him… But seeing a dead ship rise again proved that there were still things lurking beneath the sea that could give him pause.
The sight also drew him forward, and made his lips quiver. The mere thought of what power could rest at his fingertips threatened to split them into a grin.
However, his advance stopped short as he looked closer. Mer clung to the side of the ship like pallbearers, dragging the hull forward. Their scales rippled against the scarlet sunset, like flecks of blood against the sea.
One of the Mer sat easily on the prow, coiled around the bow spirit as it drifted towards the rocky shore.
The ship came to a rest, tangled amongst the stones, and still a leap from where Gangrel was. He bit back a sigh and forced himself to walk into the tides. The saltwater bit at his cuts, and Gangrel grit his teeth against the pain. Instead, he raised his eyes to the single Mer, still sitting at his impromptu throne.
"So. This is the pirate king of Plegia." The Mer spoke, looking down a beaked nose at Gangrel from where he coiled, almost serpent like, on the beams.
"Your Grace, Validar." Aversa acted as his herald, bowing her head to him.
"Gangrel, this is the ruler of the waves. The one that gives our spells their powers." She'd lost the laugh in her voice, showing that this was no game… And that the man had something Gangrel had never managed to wrench from her.
Respect, and total obedience. He tried not to seethe from that.
"Loyal as ever I see." Validar murmured, not even bothering to raise his voice.
"Given how you saved me, it's only natural."
"How do you know this… Creature?" Gangrel asked, turning to Aversa. The monster's blood red eyes settled on him, wondering at his choice of words.
"I know him from when the last Exalt conquered his way along the coastline." Aversa explained. "What he didn't burn, the storms ravaged… And the tides swept the ruined cities out, along with any orphans that couldn't get clear of the carnage."
Aversa shut her eyes, giving a brief shiver. "I should have drowned… But it was Validar who saved me."
"I saw the potential in you, to channel my will on land." Validar said, his voice mild enough… But also absolutely certain in his power. "It was an easy choice, to spare your life, and grant you a touch of magic."
"…Magic through what?" Already, he wondered if he wanted to know the answer. In response, Validar's talons traced across his arm, drawing thin lines of blood.
"Blood carries power… And mine carries more potency than the common seafolk. You've experienced that first hand, when you dashed the Ylissean fleet for the first time. So Gangrel… Are you willing to fully partake in the pact?"
A part of him screamed to hesitate, to think it over… But the rest of him remembered Walhart. The man who had so easily held his life, and then discarded it. Gangrel wanted to see his blood run, as red as his armor.
Compared to that, what was a blood pact? He'd already pledged his life to power once before… And this sea king held far more than Walhart's paltry forces.
He gave a miniscule nod to Aversa, and she continued.
"He holds no love for Ylisse either. And I've told you of his war against the Exalts. Would you be willing to take him under your sway?"
Validar considered him again, before his gaze switched to a distant point.
It made him feel like a speck, and that made Gangrel bristle.
"I must consider you, and what role I'd have you play." Validar told him. "The scions of Naga and Grima are together now… And so we have a pressing reason to find them."
Validar's snarl stilled Gangrel; he'd thought no one other than himself could put that much bile into their voice. Validar glared at the sky, like it was a personal insult.
"Our goals are similar enough… Perhaps a bargain can be made, if you are willing to accept more power. To be an agent and tool for Grima."
"…Grima?"
"The old god still lives. And still wages his war." Validar intoned, and there was an odd humming tone to his voice. Something that seemed to ensnare Gangrel as he listened. "We need our soldiers for it, and you would be a worthy addition. You would further the conquests of our god."
Strange, how appealing the thought was.
"…Then." He completely let go of the last bits of doubt. "I accept."
-o-o-o-
"Chrom, wait!" Robin chased him out of the grotto, praying he wouldn't set out completely on his own. His motions were almost frenzied, and for a moment she was terrified he wouldn't, or couldn't, hear her.
But Chrom slowed, turning to Robin's voice. He shuddered, his tail swiping back and forth as he tried to decide whether to flee or freeze. Robin made the decision for him, as she swam forward and rested her hands on him.
Chrom twisted around… But not to shove her away. Instead his hands snapped around Robin's wrists, and traced up her arms before settling over her shoulders.
He squeezed her tight, Robin's startled gasp drowned out by the sob catching in his throat. He clung onto her, saying nothing, burying his head in her hair. He didn't cry, but the fluttering of his sides betrayed how much he was struggling to keep in.
"Chrom," Robin murmured, tracing her fingers over his hair and trying to work some calm into him. He gave up trying to hold himself together, surrendering to her as she skimmed her fingers over his neck and back. That gentle gesture broke through his defenses, and his breathing turned harsh and rasping.
"It's… It's o-" She wanted to tell him that it was okay… But couldn't bring herself to say the words, knowing that they were a lie. The proof was in how her own heart felt half yanked out of her chest.
"I'm here," Robin whispered instead. "I'll stay with you."
That, at least, she could promise. And it was a promise that touched Chrom, as his arms crossed over her back to clutch at her shoulders and hold her close.
"I… I've regained my memories, but I've lost my family." He was still trying so hard not to cry, and it hurt hearing that. Chrom retreated slightly, his eyes scanning over her face. Something about her seemed to relax him, if only a little.
"But I haven't lost everything important to me."
Her heart swelled at that. He was trying to reassure himself, Robin knew. But he also had a way of moving her with his words. He backed up further, his hands dropping down to her wrists to hold her own.
"I… I at least remember now. I…" He wheezed out. "I thought for a moment everything was solved. That we had everyone back. Only… Gods, I should've known it wouldn't be that simple. Of course there'd be a price to saving her, and it would be her memory. I should've been faster, should've stopped her from facing Gangrel-!"
He cut off when Robin took his face in her hands, brushing her thumbs over his cheeks. He leaned into her touch, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
"Now I know how it must have felt, when I didn't recognize you." Chrom said. "I'm… I'm sorry, for what it's worth. I'm sorry for the pain I must have caused you."
Robin shook her head, splaying her fingers out over his face.
"She'll remember." Her thoughts blared warnings at her, not to make claims she couldn't back up. But her words soothed Chrom, and so she found herself continuing.
"I… I remembered ocean life, in bits and pieces. You remembered the surface. So she'll remember as well. She has to." Chrom sagged in her grip, giving a shaky nod.
"Robin, I…" He threaded his fingers with hers, drawing them away from his face. He clutched them tightly with one hand, and cupped the bottom of her chin with the other. "I'm glad that if nothing else… I still have…"
He clutched at her hand, his fingers tracing up her face and burying in her hair; all of it felt like he was still afraid of losing her.
"I won't be leaving anytime soon, either." Robin tried to tell him, but she was silenced when he pulled her forward, brushing their lips together. The start of the kiss was uncertain, a little nervous on Chrom's part.
That sent a twinge through her heart; knowing that he was half afraid she'd shy away from him.
'In that case, you need to prove him wrong.'
Robin dipped her head forward, gladly meeting his kiss. Chrom deepened it, giving a soft sigh and brushing his tongue against her lips. Robin opened her mouth for him, so he could soak in as much comfort from her presence as he could.
"Thank you…" Chrom whispered at last. "For being strong, for me."
"Ch-Chrom?" A new voice reached them, and shot both their heads up. Spinning in the water, they found themselves looking at Emmeryn, swimming out from her impromptu healing hall. Thankfully, she made no comment on how they'd been lip locked.
"Do you… Still hurt?" Even if she didn't recognize them as friends or family, Emmeryn still had a look of concern on her face. "I don't want you to be in pain, because of me."
"I… I'll be alright." Chrom managed. "In a little bit at least."
-o-o-o-
"So it seems that you know Emmeryn. And gave us her name, which we didn't have before." Say'ri told them, back in the confines of one of the caves. Glow worms munched on strands of kelp, giving the room a soft, orange light.
"Wait, you didn't even know your own name?" Chrom turned to Emmeryn, and felt his heart lurch when she shook her head.
"N-no. I only had a vague sense of purpose. And memory of you saving me from Gangrel's dungeons." Say'ri looked between Emmeryn and Chrom, gauging them… Only to at last hang her head.
"We had no means of making her remember. No one who… Who knew her."
'Knew. The past tense.' He couldn't keep the sick feeling from sinking into his heart, and threatening to drop his heart into his stomach. Chrom felt light flicker at his skin, betraying his emotions, and forced himself to take a deep breath.
"I… I'd like to think I still know her." Even though he'd forgotten, and wanted to punch himself for ever having her slip from his head. What sort of brother did that make him, to have his memory wiped so cleanly? "I… I know that you've always liked to help people, and that much hasn't changed."
"Y-yes." Robin added. "It seems that even if our memories change, the core of us stays the same."
"So, we have you to thank; accidental or not, you saved us by freeing her, and providing us with a healer." Say'ri told them.
"We're still ready to help, if you'll have us." Chrom offered to Say'ri…And hoped that she wouldn't turn them down.
'Let me at least stay near Emmeryn. And hope that she'll remember me eventually.'
Maybe some of that desperation showed in his eyes. Say'ri gave him a careful look, before resolve settled over her face.
"We always need more soldiers. And perhaps… You might help her remember." Say'ri's expression flickered long enough to show a moment of regret. "If there's a chance she can remember, then maybe… Then again Emmeryn, it's your decision. I just know that if it was me, I'd want to know. And keep those who know, close."
Emmeryn only considered for a moment, before nodding.
"I-I think they can help. One way or another. And I hope I might help them in turn."
Chrom forced himself to nod. There was still no sense of recognition when she looked over him, and it wrenched at his heart. He wanted her to remember something; anything. The moments they'd spent wading in the tides, or learning their way around ships. Or even the time he'd caught a hermit crab as a boy, and sent Lissa screaming and hiding behind an exasperated Emmeryn.
But her face was blank. And Chrom had to bite back on the urge to share any of those stories, not wishing to visit any pains upon her head. Chrom still recalled his own agony with trying to remember… And how much it had taken for him to remember everything.
He reached out, touching the tips of his fingers to Emm's. And at least she didn't flinch from his touch, raising her gaze to him.
"Emmeryn, I… Are you satisfied here?" Chrom found himself asking.
"Yes… I… I feel like I've forgotten so much, but helping here, aiding these people at least feels right." She brushed her hand over her heart as she spoke, clearly hoping it would ease out all of the words caught in her throat. "Like this is something that comes easily to me."
"Well… You are right at that much. You always were a natural, at healing and aiding others." Chrom chose his words carefully, hoping that he wouldn't stir up another migraine in Emm. She gave him a bewildered blink, but thankfully with no traces of pain.
He withdrew his hand from Emmeryn's, but the lost touch was immediately replaced by another. Robin's hand rested gently on his shoulder, and her eyes were filled with soft concern. He had the feeling that if they were alone, she would've taken him into her arms and tried to squeeze any pain out of his chest.
Instead, she just clasped at his shoulder… And it seemed Emmeryn noticed the mark on his skin at last. Her eyes narrowed, and he caught a flicker of something; something close to remembering… But he knew he couldn't press it just yet.
Not with Say'ri still watching, waiting… And likely wondering what they'd choose to do next. Far be it from Chrom to keep her guessing.
"So… What's the order?" Chrom asked Say'ri. "You're the leader here; not Robin, or Emm, and ESPECIALLY not me; I'm still struggling to learn how to swim. And right now with all the twists life has thrown at me… I need time to gather myself. I can do that better if someone else is giving orders and knows what our priorities are."
"You sound… Half like someone I knew once." Say'ri managed. Her eyes narrowed as she rubbed at her head, an echo of Emmeryn… And Chrom himself at one point.
"Do you happen to remember who?" He found himself asking, and Say'ri shook her head.
"No. I'm another one of the castaways, one without memory of how they came to be… But even then, I can tell what sort of injustices are being done here. I refuse to turn a blind eye to everything wrong." Say'ri waved a hand to the surrounding ocean, gesturing to the south and Validar's territories.
"I've only vague images in my head. Faint recollections of people from my past. And one of them… Reminds me a little of you. That might be why I remain intrigued by you. And I pray that my trust isn't misplaced."
It was a step up from shoving him away and digging scratches into his skin, Chrom decided.
"I'll try to live up to it. Starting with whatever it is you want me to do first."
"Actually, what I have in mind is for you to go out, and discover what it is we've forgotten. I'm not the only rebel with gaps in her memory, even if I have enough presence and authority to get others to follow me. Many of those here don't know much of their own history. How their villages were settled, or what caused their ancestors to live here in the first place… And I can't help but feel like we've all lost something important."
Say'ri leveled her eyes straight on Chrom.
"I don't get that impression from you, or Robin. You seem to know more than we do… And I have hopes that you might be able to discover even more. That might aid us, in understanding exactly what it is we're fighting against."
Say'ri glanced outside the cave opening and to her troops. Chrom followed her gaze, and noticed the ragged quality of them… And that there weren't as many as he'd first thought. Not compared to Validar's forces. Now he knew why they struck from the kelp forests, only to melt away. There was no way they'd survive a head on confrontation. They needed some sort of edge… Beyond what he or even Robin could call up.
Robin nodded, having a similar thought. "You need something more than just soldiers. Something that can bend magic to your will."
"And that's what I want you to find. Seek any leads you have, or talk amongst yourselves if necessary." Say'ri said that with the weight of an order. Robin bowed her head to that, and Chrom forced himself to nod as well.
"I know there aren't many of those left, be they magic or artifacts, that Validar doesn't already control." Say'ri told them. "But that's why it's all the more vital that you try to find an advantage for us… So that we can stand a chance of getting our homes back."
Robin paused at that, likely weighing if she wanted to get herself and Chrom involved in a scouring, searching mission across the waters. Chrom glanced between Say'ri and Emmeryn, considering them, and leaned in closer to Robin to whisper in her ear.
"Robin… Now that I know that Emmeryn is safe, I think… I want to see to the rest of her kingdom. If she ever remembers," and she will, Chrom tried to promise himself. "I want her to come back to a kingdom that's ready to fend off Validar, just like these people are trying to do. We need to start the fight somewhere."
Robin's fins and gills shivered under his words, but at last she dipped her head in a slow nod. She motioned to Say'ri to give them a moment, as she turned to look at Chrom.
"Okay, you've made your case… And I think I'm starting to get an idea, as well. We can sweep along the coast lines…" She kept her voice low, and he could see the beginnings of a plan unfold behind her eyes.
"After all we've seen at the lighthouses, what we've encountered, and what Tiki said, I think there might be more answers waiting for us at the base of the lighthouses… Or at least hints."
"Good point. We've seen Ylisse's lighthouse, and learned much from that. So there's also…" He trailed off, looking at Robin.
"Valm. Plegia is a drowned kingdom, but Valm itself is still a threat to all of us. I'm sure they still have designs on Ylisse. And I don't know if you noticed but…"
"Some of those weapons at Wreckage had a Valmese look to them." Chrom murmured, keeping his voice low and glancing around the camp. "Seems like all signs are pointing to Valm, if we can get there."
"We've done it once." Robin pointed out. "We can likely do it again."
"…Valm?" Emmeryn asked. Even though they'd been trying to keep their conversation hushed, she'd still overhead. Her features scrunched up as she tried to place the name. Beside her, Say'ri was also giving them a look, pondering the name.
"We overheard your conversation." Say'ri said. "And I have a further offer I'd like to make."
"Wh… Which plans did you overhear?" Chrom asked.
"The ones where you talked about helping this Ylisse place… Against Valm." Say'ri frowned. "I feel as though I've heard the name before, and I don't like the sound of it."
"There aren't many who do." Robin told her. "They've caused us problems in the past… And I doubt we've seen the last of them."
"Between Valm and Plegia, it feels like we're beset at all sides!" Chrom grumbled. "Which is why we need whatever help we can get. Against Gangrel, Validar, and Walhart…"
Say'ri's head shot up, a spark lighting in her eye and words spilling out of her lips.
"That man… Walhart, he carries something called Vert. A gemstone. I'm not sure how… But I know of it. If you can retrieve it, I can gain more standing amongst the merfolk, and improve the legitimacy of my rebellion. I'm certain that I'll need it, if I'm to establish my own kingdom against our mutual enemies. I just know."
"It's one of those things you just… Vaguely know about?" Chrom raised an eyebrow at that. "…That sounds a little familiar."
"…Perhaps Emmeryn… Is not the only one among our number, who struggles with what she can and can't remember." Say'ri wouldn't meet Chrom's eyes. Her scales rippled emerald from agitation. "Emmeryn is the only other one I've met like that. The only other who has such prominent blanks in her mind… At least until now." This time, she did lift her eyes to Chrom, considering him. "Not everyone carries their scars on their skin."
She rubbed at her head, grimacing from the contact. Her eyes were narrowed, and Chrom knew it was a match for his own face, back when he'd fought with his memories.
"Chrom…?" Robin whispered. "We… We're really not the only ones who struggle with that."
"You're right. And we might just get some help." Chrom told her. "So… You want us to go find a gemstone?" He and Robin shared a look. Almost unconsciously, he traced his fingers along his scales and the odd pearly white at their edges, remembering how the gemstones had wrought changes on him. Robin did the same, touching the dark purple and black edges.
'If that's another gemstone, then… We might need to go after this thing, for everyone's sake.'
"I don't expect you to do this with no reward of course." Say'ri told them. As she spoke, she also stretched a hand out to Chrom. A familiar blue gleam showed between her fingers, and he instantly recognized Azure. The gemstone wasn't any worse for being dropped by him, and Say'ri pushed it back into his hands. "You dropped that; and I'll return it to you; I feel as though that stone is your birthright… As much as Vert is mine. What's more, if you do this for me, if you show prowess by retrieving Vert, then I'll gladly lend troops to your cause. And to prove this to you, as a sign of good faith… I'll release some aid to you."
At her words, her guards brought forward two other Mer… Two that Chrom recognized.
They seemed a little subdued; at least the black haired girl did. She kept her gaze low, and Chrom thought he could hear her grumbling faintly under her breath. The boy at her side kept glancing around, seemingly oblivious to the cautious or distrusting looks Say'ri's rebels gave him.
Both of them were bound, with rough strands of seaweed and kelp across their wrists… And with collars of a fancier make around their necks. The stormy gray color was a dour contrast against the kelp forest, and seemed to mute sounds and any magic traces in the air. Cold iron, to silence magic. Chrom instinctively knew that, and the thought made his skin squirm. He could imagine the heavy, metallic bite such manacles must have carried.
"We'd kept them captive until now… Partially due to the magic they carried. But if one person from Plegia is willing to help, then perhaps we should put our trust in a few more."
At Say'ri's words, the soldiers released the clasps, and the iron collars fell from their throats. Both Mer stilled for a moment in shock; like a blindfold had suddenly been lifted from their eyes, and flooded their senses.
Robin couldn't wait for them to regain their bearings, and instead swam for them in a flash of violet scales.
"Tharja? And Henry!" Robin squeaked out. "Chrom… I think we can work with this." Robin told him, a grin flashing across her face. And with that encouragement, Chrom nodded and shook hands with Say'ri, to seal their agreement.
"We'll carry out your will…" Chrom agreed. But he sensed a moment of hesitation in Say'ri's grip. "Though first…?"
"First, I'd like to see a demonstration of your power." She told him. "I want to see your abilities first… And then plan around that, as you prove your loyalty."
"Pragmatic of you." Robin glanced up from Tharja's binds. Say'ri simply rolled her shoulders in a shrug.
"Either way, I'll be watching whatever happens next, and with a great deal of interest. I pray that in both respects, you don't disappoint."
And for his part, Chrom prayed that his sister would still be there, once they returned. And that she'd be ready to listen, and remember. He didn't know how long he could carry the wounds in his heart, without that faint hope.