A/N
Putting this here because, according to the site rules, you can't do a full post for what is effectively an A/N. That said, I do want to explain exactly what I intend for this to be.
Essentially, this is practice for me in writing for what are already establish characters, as I've never done that before, and want to have at least some experience before I start the real big work I want to do. As such, don't expect frequent updates; I'm not going to drop this, mind you, but this won't be like my current work with an update every 2-3 days. Think... well, more like 2-3 weeks ideally per post, but maybe a month or more depending on IRL stuff.
As for the story itself... Well, I refer to it as a 'novelization' of my current FE: Awakening run (not sure if that's even a word, but whateves...). I'm doing a Hard, Classic, Ironman run of the game, using what happens in the battles (yes, I'm legit taking notes of every action by every unit on the field every turn...) as the material for the 'Chapter' parts of the story. The gaps will be filled in by yours truly xD and do expect some things to be reshuffled (such as getting Donnel before going to Ferox because, well... that's just dumb, running back and forth across a damn continent, from a story perspective).
I can't show my game file through this (obviously) so I have to ask you all to take my word that I'm staying faithful to the ironman aspect of the run. If a character dies, I will kill them off in the story. Just don't count on it happening; I don't find even FE: Conquest difficult on Lunatic doing ironman runs, so Awakening on Hard should be a real non-issue. So why do it on Hard? Because doing it on hard lets me have fun with what I do with the units and create some (what I think will be) fun scenarios to be played out in specific chapters.
The only time I will grind will be during the two year time skip, because I will have two years to fill in and combat with Risen can serve lots of uses for character growth, not just in martial prowess. This will only be to take both Chrom and Robin to lvl 21 (Adv. 1) (for story reasons), and everyone else to lvl 15 (Base 15). I doubt Chrom or Robin will need it (I typically have them promote on Gangrel's death map), but not everyone else (in fact I bet no one save Frederick the pre-promote) will be at lvl 15 before the time skip happens. It's so I don't fall too far behind with the ever expanding roster that I can't field (the meme may be to build an army and trust no one, but the franchise plays like 'build an army, field a quarter of one'...) and therefore can still try to do interesting strategies for the sake of the story bits.
Characters not fielded into the chapter will still appear in the story bits, somewhere... They just won't have a focus on their actions, or will be 'protecting the convoy' or some shit like that xD
...Now, as for the pairing... I got no clue what I'm doing here! Or with writing romance-y type shit! Gods, I'm going to dread supports building up... but it must be done! Just hope y'all can bare with me as I learn how to write, well... that stuff... I also have no set pairing; when I play FE (any game) I always leave it up to whatever happens to build up first. I never intentionally pair up units with the S-rank support in mind; only to get done what I need them to do on the chapter map. So yeah, expect some... weird pair-ups, maybe (depends on how they all end up leveling, mostly) O.O
Of course, the flipside of that is, well, basically expect Chrom and Sumia to happen, considering they build SO MUCH FASTER than any of Chrom's other options, and having Chrom able to be 'air dropped' is SO USEFUL in so many maps (before Cordelia shows up) and ideas I have for strategize to turn into story bits that I'm fairly certain that pairing will happen. But for everyone else, and especially Robin (before I forget, this is using Male Robin; sorry anyone who wants Female Robin), gods... I have no clue how that'll all turn out xD ...Though... perhaps if people really get invested into this, and want to see me write specific pairings... Maybe I'll accept requests...? I'm not going to promise anything here though; I really do like leaving it all up to fate, so to speak, when I play. Cross that bridge when I start seeing B-supports aplenty!
Finally, the child units... How will I do them, I have no friggin clue atm! Do I have them show up early, early, like with Lucina in the arena or something? Do I actually do their damn paralogues, because holy hell, as I'm going for a full roster, that's A LOT of Paralogues to fit in-between the game story chapters... Maybe I just have them all join in around the start of the Valm arc (as in they board the ships in secret and only Lucina knows, or something?), but leave their parentage unknown until a S-support locks them in, then start actually using their character in the story? I have no clue...
So yeah, here's to what will hopefully prove to be some good practice, and a rip-roaring good time playing through FE: Awakening in a not so typical way xD
"Chrom, we have to do something."
He could just make out the words through the darkness. He found himself unable to move, or even open his eyes for the moment. Yet, the name felt… familiar to him. Only slightly, but he was certain he had heard that name before… But from where…?
"Well, what do you propose we do" came the reply as he struggled to see.
"I- I don't know" the first voice spoke again as Robin finally managed to force his eyes open. "Ah!"
Finally managing to open his eyes, he found himself looking at the blue sky and clouds above. Leaning over him were two people: a man and a woman; the sources of the voices.
"I see you're awake now" the man commented as he stared back at him.
"Hey there" the woman showed a slight smile, and a light giggle escaped her.
"There're better places to take a nap than on the ground, you know" the man continued, extending a hand out to him. "Here, give me your hand."
Accepting the offer wordlessly, he allowed the man to help pull him to his feet. Now no longer lying down in the dirt, he moved to quickly brush off his robe.
"You all right" the man asked as he finished.
"Y-Yes… Thank you, Chrom" he allowed himself to smile slightly.
Chrom smiled back in return.
"Ah, so you know who I am?"
"No, actually, I…" he found himself trailing off as quickly as he had started speaking.
…It was weird. He knew that the man was called Chrom, but… he didn't know how he knew. It was just… instinct.
"It's… strange… Your name just… came to me…" he admitted with a frown.
Chrom looked slightly puzzled by the explanation. Or rather, the lack there of.
"…Hmm, how curious. Tell me, what's your name? What brings you here?"
"My name? It's… It's…"
He gave Chrom a troubled look. Weird as it would be to admit, he could not remember his own name. Yet he knew who Chrom was by instinct; at least by name. In fact… Taking in his surroundings, he couldn't remember where they even were; where he even was.
"…You don't know your own name" Chrom asked, starting to look slightly suspicious.
"I'm not sure if…" he started to look around nervously, searching for a clue.
Yet nothing came. Just as his vision had been moments before, his mind was blank. All he could remember was that the man standing before him was called Chrom.
"I'm sorry, but where am I, exactly" he would ask Chrom and the wom- no… girl would be the more accurate way to put it, he thought to himself.
The girl took a step back reflexively, but quickly returned to how she had been before.
"Hey, I've heard of this" she exclaimed. "It's called amnesia!"
"It's called a load of pegasus dung, milady" came a voice from behind him.
Turning around, he couldn't help but feel a pit form in his stomach. Walking towards the three of them was a man easily a foot taller than himself, clad from head to toe in what appeared to be steel plate armor. In fact… Chrom had also been wearing armor, now that he thought about it. As had the girl? Or at least, he couldn't think of anything else the iron rings around her dress were for, if not some kind of protection. But really, a dress… what was up with that?
"We're to believe you remember milord's name, but not your own" the man in the plate armor furrowed his bro and regarded him with heavy suspicion.
"B-But it's the truth" he quickly tried to protest, though the suspicious look remained unchanged.
"…Well, what if it is true Frederick" Chrom broke the setting silence among the group. "We can't just leave him here, alone and confused. What kind of Shepherds would we be then?"
"Just the same, milord, I must emphasize caution" the man called Frederick remained unmoved even by Chrom. "It would not do to let a wolf in among the flock."
"Frederick the Wary, same as always" the girl sighed. "Can't you lighten up a little bit this one time? I think you're starting to scare the guy."
"A title I carry with pride, milady. While I have every desire to deem this man trustworthy, my position will not change. This story of his thus far gives me no confidence. However, I will concede that this man should be paid well for his performance; quite the fool, he is."
"Alright Frederick, you've made your point" Chrom sighed. "How about this? We'll take him back into town, and settle this there. I hardly believe this is a matter to be decided standing around in an open field."
"Wait just one moment" genuine concern now setting in as he realized he was boxed in by Chrom and the others. "Do I have a say in this?"
"Peace, friend" Chrom smiled.
The smile alone was enough to ease him, ever so slightly. At the very least, it didn't seem like Chrom meant to do him any harm.
"I promise, we'll hear all you have to say once we're in town. Now come on."
With that, Chrom took off, walking back towards what he guessed to be the road. Frederick's gaze followed him as he and the girl fell in behind Chrom, with Frederick taking the rear. The road was quick to return to sight, and waiting patiently by the edge of the field was a barded horse, carrying a lance. The point gleamed in the light of the sun. He couldn't help but shudder as Frederick took to his mount, gaining an even bigger height advantage over him than he'd already had. From atop his horse, Frederick looked downright unapproachable to him.
The march couldn't have lasted more than an hour, going by the shift in the sun's position overhead, before Chrom came to a stop.
"We're nearly to town" Chrom nodded in affirmation as the rest of the group caught up.
"So, what will you do with me" he asked, the unease having settled back in under the watchful glare of Frederick the entire journey. "Am I to be your prisoner?"
"Not likely" Chrom gave off a good-natured smile and waved his hand. "You'll be free to go once we establish you're no enemy to Ylisse."
"…Is that where we are? Ylisse?"
"Does it sound familiar to you?"
"…No, sorry…"
"You've never heard of the halidom" Frederick questioned. "I stand by my previous statement. Someone pay this man well for his performance! That furrowed brow is especially convincing!"
"Frederick, please" Chrom sighed, before turning his attention back to him. "To answer your question, this land is called the halidom of Ylisse. Our ruler, Emmeryn, is known as the exalt. …Now that I think about it, proper introductions are in order. My name is Chrom, though I suppose you already knew that. The delicate one over here is my little sister, Lissa."
"I am not delicate" the girl, Lissa, immediately protested, raising her arms in the air. "Hmph!"
Turning her attention away from her brother and towards him, she smiled.
"Ignore him, please. He can be a bit thick sometimes. But you're lucky the Shepherds found you. Brigands would have been a rude awakening!"
"Shepherds" he asked, confused. "You tend sheep? …In full armor?"
"Heh, it's a dangerous job" Chrom laughed slightly. "Just ask Frederick the Wary here."
"Yes, gods forbid one of us keeps an appropriate level of caution" Frederick sighed. "Please believe me when I say I have every wish to trust you, stranger. However, my station demands otherwise."
"I understand sir" he admitted. "I would do no less myself."
It was true. As uncomfortable as Frederick the Wary's presence made him, he himself would have had the same level of caution if the roles had been reversed.
"My name is Robin. …Wait, I just remembered that. Odd, but at least that's one mystery solved!"
"Robin? Is that foreign" Chrom asked, before seemingly deciding to switch focus. "Ah well, we can discuss it later. We're almost to town. Once we-"
Robin had been so caught up in finally remembering his own name that he hadn't even noticed Lissa's attention had shifted over to something off in the distance. Apparently, neither had Frederick or Chrom, for it was her shouting that would cut Chrom off from finishing his thought.
"Chrom, look! The town!"
Suddenly, all eyes were focused to where Lissa was pointing. That must have been the town, and there was… smoke? It was rising in columns towards the sky, in multiple places. That… that couldn't be a good sign, Robin thought to himself.
"Damn it! The town is ablaze" Chrom's shouts would be the first voice to break the stunned silence that had fallen over the group. "Those blasted brigands, no doubt! Frederick, Lissa! Quickly!"
"What about him, milord" Frederick would notion with his head in the direction of Robin.
"Unless he's on fire as well, it can wait!"
"Aptly put, milord."
"Come on you two, hurry already" Lissa shouted, having already taken off down the road towards town.
"Lissa, wait! Don't just take off on your own" Chrom called after her, taking off in a sprint.
Frederick had already ordered his horse into a gallop, and was quickly able to pass Lissa and take point as the three of them disappeared from sight.
"But what about-" Robin found his voice die in his throat as he realized the three of them were well out of range to hear him. "Hmm…"
Robin realized now he had choices. First off, he could just stay put and wait. While that might very well make him be seen favorably, should the trio return, there was no guarantee how long that would take. Or if they would return at all. Or that other brigands wouldn't catch him waiting here.
Secondly, he could just… take off. He didn't need to stay now that there was no one watching him, and as bad as it would look, it was unlikely the three of them would immediately chase after him should they manage to save the town. However, that had problems of its own. Chief among them being he had no idea where he would be going. Running off in some random direction with his memories missing wasn't a sound strategy at all, in terms of survival.
Finally… he could chase after them. He would be late to arrive, should the town really be under attack and combat still in progress. But in a sense, that could work to his advantage; drop in as a surprise factor. It was also the most likely thing to clear him of suspicion; helping the others defend their homeland. But it would also be the most dangerous course to take for his immediate personal safety…
…But he wanted answers. Like how his memories came to be missing. How he somehow remembered who Chrom was, despite being certain he had never seen the man before now. Couldn't do that by running away, so option two was out.
…He also wanted to help. He might not have known the three for long, or even have been their friend. He might not know the town, or it's people. But all the same, if there were people being killed by nothing more than bandits and brigands seeking some easy loot… he wanted to help.
…That left him with only one real option. Thing was, did he even know how to fight? Quickly, he checked what he had on him. Tucked within his robe that had seemingly gone unnoticed by all in the group was a sword. Didn't look anything near as good in quality as the lance Sir Frederick had been carrying, but it would probably do against whatever brigands were packing.
There was also a yellow book… Pulling it out and holding it in his hand, Robin could feel the magical energy surge within him. Connect with him.
"I know magic…" he muttered as a question to himself, taking a moment to quickly search for a practice target.
…Ah, that tree would work! Closing his eyes briefly to concentrate, he released the magical feeling he'd had, aiming at the tree. A ball of electrical power slammed into it before fizzling out. Didn't seem like it did any damage, but then again, maybe it just didn't work on trees. Not like he'd cast flames, or anything of that nature.
"…Maybe a work in progress, but could come in handy should the situation arise; a distraction, if nothing else" he nodded to himself, satisfied for what was the first time this day. "Alright, time to go find the others!"
Tucking the tome away in his robe and pulling out his sword, Robin took off down the road, heading straight for the columns of smoke continuing to rise in the distance.
"By the gods, there are far more of these bandits than I'd suspected!"
Chrom couldn't help but growl as he worked his way through the pathways of the town, his sword Falchion at the ready to deal with any surprises. Lissa was following close behind, holding out her staff. A bit of healing magic had already been required after that last engagement; a glancing blow from an axe to his unprotected sword arm. Thankfully, the cut hadn't been anything serious, but still… he shouldn't have gotten caught off guard like that. Had that bandit got past him and swung at Lissa instead…
The streets were littered with corpses. Most of them belonged to unarmed villagers, but there were corpses of brigands in the streets as well. Brigands that Chrom hadn't been responsible for killing. The efficient work of Frederick, no doubt, unless someone in town seriously knew how to fight…
"I hope Frederick returns soon" Lissa sounded a bit skittish, her eyes darting back and forth across the street. "I know he took the vulnerary with him, but it's not a replacement for actual healing magic."
"Frederick will be fine, Lissa. Bandits like this would be child's play for him."
"I know that, Chrom, but it only takes-"
"Milord! Milady! I'm glad to see you both unharmed!"
The shout of relief from Frederick cut Lissa off as the two of them saw him ride towards them down the street. Weapon and armor both were stained red with blood, but, to the great relief of Lissa, Frederick himself seemed completely unharmed.
"Frederick" Chrom grinned as Frederick came to a stop before them. "Are the bandits dealt with, then?"
"Not yet, milord. They have occupied the town square, and appear to be trying to force their way into the church."
"Must be where the survivors are trying to take cover" Chrom sighed. "Did you get their numbers?"
"From what I saw, seven or eight men remain, including their leader."
"Then the battle is nearly won" Chrom grinned. "Quickly then, to the town square! We'll save the remaining people yet!"
"Allow me to serve as the vanguard" Frederick nodded, turning around and taking off back the way he came.
Chrom and Lissa broke into a sprint after him. With some luck on their side, they'd be able to save the rest of the town.
Robin did his best not to gag as he ran though the town. The number of dead that littered the street… it was the likes of which he'd never seen before. At least, as far as he could remember… Thankfully, he hadn't found the bodies of Chrom, Lissa or Frederick. By all accounts, that meant that the three of them should still be alive, somewhere; finding them was all that was left.
To his surprise, the fire didn't seem to be too much an issue either. Parts of the town were on fire, yes, but as bad as it had looked from afar, most of the town had actually remained relative unscathed by the flames. Here he'd though he'd have to run through endless smoke and fire, but, by and large, that hadn't been the case. Even if a street looked bad, there was always another route to take too, even if it was longer.
Even the brigands must need some streets to move around safely in; to loot, if nothing else, Robin thought to himself.
As he made his way towards what he believed would be the center of town, he could hear the sound of metal clashing against metal. The fighting was still occurring. Meaning that the others must still be alive! Meaning that he wasn't too late to assist!
…Not that he was sure how much assistance he would actually bring to the figurative table. He had been running as fast as he could this entire time; to claim he was tired would have been an understatement. A sudden surge of adrenalin hit him though as he reached what he assumed to be the town square.
Immediately in view was Chrom, locked in combat by no less than three brigands. Robin couldn't help but stop for a moment and take in what he was seeing.
The way Chrom fought… he found himself unable to explain it clearly. The slashes and strikes appeared to be little more than brute force at a glance, yet his sword arm flowed from one act to the next with practiced ease. Defense didn't seem to be in Chrom's vocabulary either; the man only seeming to parry as a last resort, preferring to throw a punch to interrupt his opponents with his free hand; remain on the offensive.
Yet, for all his skill with the blade, and even managing to take out one of his three assailants, Chrom was being forced back. Evidently, the exhaustion of battle was beginning to take its toll on the man.
"Chrom" Robin shouted, dashing out into the open and rushing towards the closest brigand.
The sudden shout from Robin caused all three men locked in combat to stop and turn around to see where it was coming from. Chrom, however, would be the first to recover; a result which would prove devastating to the brigands.
Throwing a punch with his free hand, he sent the brigand Robin was rushing into a staggering daze. Before the man's partner could capitalize on the opening, however, Chrom already had his attention back on the other assailant, Falchion set to parry the incoming swing of the axe seconds in advance.
"Robin! What are you doing here" Chrom shouted, bringing Falchion down on his foe, knocked off balance by the previous parry.
Falchion cut through the man with ease, the furs he was wearing effectively useless against the blade.
"Come to help" Robin grunted, deflecting the hastily swung axe by his dazed opponent; desperate last attempt to defend themselves.
Following up with a thrust to the man's chest, Robin's sword passed through cleanly to the other side. The axe in the brigand's hand clattered to the ground as his strength left him. A final kick from Robin, combined with Robin pulling out his blade, would send the man crashing to the ground, very clearly dead.
"You didn't run?"
"Though about it" Robin admitted with a shaky laugh. "Ultimately decided against it though. Why? You think I should have?"
"No, and I appreciate your support" Chrom grinned, finally lowering Falchion. "Just surprised you know how to fight, is all."
"So am I, honestly. What I just did… it was more… instinct, than anything. I can't help but wonder if I used to fight oft-"
Robin would find his voice leave him as he spotted a figure lurking around the rubble of what appeared to be market stalls. It was only when he spotted the familiar look of yellow, crackling energy that he finally realized what was happening.
"Chrom, behind you!"
Without hesitation, Robin dropped his sword, swiftly reaching for the tome in his robe. He felt the magical energy surge within him, and quickly cast his own spell in the direction of the mage. The two orbs of electrical energy flew through the air, colliding with each other only a few feet away from the pair. However, Robin had been just fast enough for the explosion caused by the collision of magical energy to miss the pair.
Chrom, to his credit, proved to be quick on his feet as well. Before the enemy mage was able to prepare another cast, Chrom was within striking distance. Without any means to protect himself, the mage was cut down in a single strike; giant gash running along the man from shoulder to opposite hip.
"My thanks, friend" Chrom smiled as he turned around to face Robin, who was running towards him. "I didn't realize you knew magic as well!"
"Well… at least, I seem to know magic."
"You speak as if you're unsure."
"I mean, I believe I do; not like I can remember though."
"…You believe you do" Chrom's face giving rise to a look of concern. "…Perhaps I should stick a few paces behind you then?"
"No, no, I can control it" Robin blurted out. "More so, I'm just glad that worked; tried the same spell on a tree before I ran here, but it didn't seem to do anything. Figured I might be a beginner, or something, but it would seem that's not the case."
"After that performance, I'm inclined to agree" Chrom nodded.
It was only now, after the scare of the sudden mage appearing, that Robin finally got the rest of his thoughts in order.
"Wait, it's just you here? Where's Lissa? Frederick?"
"Busy dealing with the rest of the bandits" came a stiff voice from behind him.
In a sudden panic, Robin turned around, only to come face to face with Frederick atop his steed, stained red with blood all over. Clinging to his waist was the familiar design of a certain dress; Lissa, no doubt.
"Only the leader remains, milord" Frederick continued. "He stands across the bridge, directly in front of the church. Appears to be waiting for us…"
"Good, then we can finally finish this" Chrom leaned his head over to the side. "You ok, Lissa?"
"…Yeah, I'm alright" Lissa said as she dismounted from Frederick's horse. "More importantly, are you two ok? If either of you have any injuries, speak up now; especially you, Chrom."
"I'm fine, Lissa" Chrom sighed, before breaking out a slight grin. "Thanks to Robin here, at least. Frederick, would you-"
"Of course, milord" Frederick nodded, taking point as the group made their way through the square and to the bridge.
Taking a breather once they reached the bridge though, Robin used the opportunity to size up the man standing across the river. He was big; bigger than any of the other brigands Robin had seen thus far. He wore the same furs as the others had, but also some leather for extra protection. On his head was a skill of some kind, though from what creature Robin couldn't make out from the distance. The axe in his hand had a curve to it's handle, which itself was wrapped with a leather grip. The leader of the brigand's swung the axe casually at his side; movements smooth, suggesting plenty of experience.
"Chrom, the leader there looks to be experienced with that axe" Robin spoke up as he turned to face the group. "If we treat him like the other's, we're likely to take an injury or two, if not end up killed. I think that axe is throwable as well, and I wouldn't put it past him to try and take one of us down with a surprise attack by throwing the thing, if he gets desperate."
"You can tell all of that at a glance" Frederick gave Robin a suspicious look.
"It's more like…" Robin's face morphed into some kind of confused expression, trying to find a way to explain it clearly. "It's like I can sense the battlefield; strength, weaknesses, weapons; those kinds of things. Friend and foe alike. As to how I know though… I just… know! I must have studied this at one point, or something, but… I just can't remember how, or where!"
"So… you know tactics then" Chrom asked.
"…Yeah, I guess that's a good way to put it" Robin grinned.
"Wow… swords, magic and tactics" Robin could hear Lissa laugh slightly. "Is there anything you can't do, Robin?"
"Um… I'm not sure how to answer that" Robin laughed hesitantly.
"Worry about it later" Frederick grunted. "For now, focus on taking out this last bandit."
"Right. Ready, everyone" Chrom nodded as he asked the group.
With nods in confirmation exchanged, Chrom led the group across the bridge. Upon reaching the halfway point, the brigand leader shouted out at the group with glee.
"Here, sheepies sheepies" the brigand leader swung his axe more rapidly at his side as the group approached. "Time to pay you back for what you did to my boys!"
The axe came quickly, actually still taking Robin a bit by surprise, despite knowing the axe could fly like that. Fortunately, he was of enough mind to step to the side, but the blade still managed to reach his cheek, making a shallow cut. It burned, but it wasn't serious enough to warrant any attention for now.
At least that's his weapon gone, Robin thought to himself with a smirk. The amusing thought lasted only the briefest of moments before the brigand reached at his back and pulled out an even bigger axe.
"Well, I didn't notice he had that on him" Robin grimaced.
"Is that a problem" Chrom asked.
"…No" Robin spoke after a brief moment. "Frederick, take his focus. Just watch out for that longer reach he now has. Chrom and I will strike at his flanks. Let's try to take him down quickly!"
A quick grunt from Frederick would be the only response as Frederick ordered his mount into a gallop, charging straight across the rest of the bridge towards the brigand leader. Lance and axe collided with a mighty clang as the brigand evaded the charge and parried Frederick's lance.
Within that time, Chrom and Robin had both rushed across the bridge. Chrom took the right flank while Robin took the left, standing off to the side with his tome in his hand. While he had retrieved his blade, he figured with both Frederick and Chrom already engaged in the melee, himself joining the fray in the same manner would only hamper the effectiveness of the other two. The way he saw it, it was best to look for an opening and strike from afar with his magic.
"That the best you have, sheepies" the brigand laughed like a madman as he swung his axe around, barely managing to hold his ground against Frederick's onslaught and Chrom's occasional strike from the side.
However, the brigand was perhaps a bit too lost in the combat around him. On one such assault from Chrom, the brigand turned around, leaving his back wide open for Robin to strike.
"Frederick, back" Robin shouted, preparing a cast as Chrom and the brigand locked their weapons.
Frederick disengaged and appeared to begin to circle back around as the orb of lightning left Robin's hand and went flying towards the brigand. Right before the orb connected with the target, Chrom delivered a swift punch with his free arm, causing the brigand to stagger and their weapons to unlock. Then-
"Gaahhhhhggggg!"
The brigand roared in pain as the orb smacked him directly in the back, lighting arcing along his body and sending him into a spasm. The axe in his hand clattered to the ground as he lost control of his grip.
"Your last breath approaches!"
Frederick shouted out as he finished looping around the brigand, lance lowered for the charge. The brigand didn't even have the ability to react before the lance pierced his side, the force of the charge sending him flying backwards.
"Ughh! Damn you… Ylissean… sheepies…" the brigand groaned out, before finally falling silent.
The battle finally over, the three of them looked to the corps of the brigand leader in silence as Lissa ran up to them.
"…I thought you said this man was skilled" Chrom frowned, looking to Robin. "That was easier than I'd expected."
"I didn't think he would get so lost in the rush of combat that he'd forget all about me" Robin countered. "Also, you're not the one he decided to hurl an axe at! Even though I knew he would do that, that thing sailed through the air far faster than I say it had any right to!"
"Speaking of, let me see that" Lissa immediately rushed over to Robin's side. "Here, hold still!"
A bluish-green light formed around the gem atop Lissa's staff, before flowing over to the cut on Robin's cheek. Within a second, the cut had been fully closed. Sure, there had been a faint burning sensation when the wound was closing, but it was milder than the burning feeling the blade of the axe had left behind after the cut.
"Thanks, Lissa" Robin smiled as Lissa let out a light giggle.
"Don't mention it. Just glad you didn't get seriously hurt. Something like that is quick and painless, relatively speaking. A proper injury and… well, healing magic comes with its own pain."
"Does it" Robin asked, thinking about that brief burning sensation he'd felt on his cheek.
"There's a reason we usually knock people out before getting to work, if they haven't already passed out from their injuries" Lissa giggled again, and Robin didn't quite know what to make of that note.
"Yes, well, job well done all" Chrom cut in. "Now, let's deal with the town and its needs. You ok sticking around Robin? Even if you have to deal with more Frederick the Wary?"
Robin turned his attention over to Frederick, who only returned a neutral expression. He had no idea what that man was thinking behind the front he was putting on.
"I suppose I can do that" Robin eventually sighed, though a grin gave away his underlying sense of relief. "Not like I really have anywhere else to go."
To the relief of the townsfolk and the group alike, the damage to the town overall wasn't as bad as they had feared. The lives lost couldn't have been replaced, of course, but the town would be able to fully rebuild itself in short time.
The group had even been offered to stay the night; have a feast. However, Chrom wished to be back on the road; needed back in Ylisstol as soon as possible. This raised some protest from Lissa, who wished to stay the night, but with Robin remaining silent on the matter and Frederick siding with Chrom, it seemed to fall on deaf ears.
"But Frederick, it's nearly dark!"
"When night falls, we'll make camp" Frederick countered, stoic and devoid of emotion in his voice. "Eat off the land, make our bed out of twigs… I believe it was you who expressed a desire to 'get used to this', milady."
"…Frederick? I want you to know that, sometimes, I really hate you!"
"Quite the stern lieutenant" Robin couldn't help but smirk slightly.
"Yeah, that's one way to put it" Lissa half groaned, half sighed. "I can think of a few others though!"
"Frederick only ever really smiles when he's bringing down the axe" Chrom gave Robin a grin. "Or the lance, in the case of this latest battle."
"…You do realize I am still present" Frederick cleared his throat to indicate his presence.
"Oh yeah, we realize."
That last comment from Chrom got a laugh out of both Lissa and Robin.
"Glad to see you remain as amusing as ever, milord" Frederick could only sigh. "Now, if we're quite finished here, might I suggest we get going?"
"Alright, alright" Chrom's voice returned to a tone more serious as he turned back to face Robin. "All ready to go? The capitol awaits."