"So, I'll go get my shoulder looked at and make sure the others are ready to go when Raimi get's back," Robin says.
Receiving a nod from Chrom, he turns to leave the two, but stops as he passes by Sumia and puts his hand on her shoulder. "You did great today, Sumia. Good work."
Before she can give any reaction, he begins walking away again. After a short walk he reaches the others and raises his good arm to wave at Lissa.
"Robin!" she yells, as she notices him. "I heard you got injured! Are you alright?" she continues.
"Oh, I'm fine. I hardly feel any-" Robin begins answering, but is interrupted by Lissa poking his right shoulder, which in turn causes a sharp pain to flow through his entire arm once more.
"Uh-huh. Can't feel anything, yeah? I can see that," Lissa repeats with a reproachful look.
"Okay, I might not be entirely fine," the tatician admits.
"Oh, I can see that judging by the gaping hole in your shoulder. Now sit down so I can get to work," the young girl replies, pointing to a crate next to them.
After a short while of examining his shoulder she gives him her diagnose. "Alright, so I have some good and some bad news for you," she states, giving him a short moment to decide which he wants to hear first.
"Some good news would be great right now," Robin decides.
Nodding briefly, she answers "Well, I can fix that flesh wound pretty easily but you'll have to wear some bandages for a few days just to be sure."
"That's good then," Robin notes. "What about the bad news?"
"You were lucky enough that the spearhead didn't punch right through your shoulder joint, but it did hit some bones with quite a bit of impact. First of all, I'll have to bring your shoulder back into place before I can do anything. Additionally, you won't be allowed to move arm too much for a while," Lissa informs.
"That bad? Can't you just use your staff to mend it?" Robin asks hopefully.
"Sadly, no. If it were just a normal broken bone or a flesh wound I could do that no problem. Thing is, just magic won't fix joint injuries because it'd make the bones mend entirely, which essentially means you would never be able to use your shoulder normally," Lissa clears up.
"I can use a bit of magic to accelerate the healing process, but like I said, it'll be a while until you can use it entirely again," she finishes with a sad expression.
"I see," Robin says softly. "Ah well, don't worry about it," he adds with a playful grin and a gleam in his eyes.
"Huh?" Lissa stammers, dumbfounded by Robin's gleefulness. "Why are you so happy?"
"Well, first of all it's my fault I got injured in the first place. I didn't correctly assess Raimi's capabilities, or else I would've taken someone else to fight against her," he explains. "Plus, you said it yourself. It could have been much worse, so I'm just happy that I'll be able to continue using my arm. It's not like we'll be doing anymore fighting in the immediate future anyways."
Letting his good mood infect her, Lissa shakes her head with a smile on her face. "If you say so, mister 'Genius Tactician'," she jokes. "Now get ready, 'cause this is going to hurt."
After giving a nod of confirmation, Robin squeezes his eyes shut and prepares for the impending pain.
"Alright, here we go.." Lissa warns. "Three.. two.. ONE!"
At the end of her countdown, Robin feels a yank at his arm, followed immediately by excruciating pain, causing him to let out a loud shout of agony. Fortunately, the ache subsides quickly, as Lissa brings her staff to his shoulder to begin the mending process.
After a few minutes, she straightens up and lets out a sigh of relief. "Phew! That should do the trick!" she informs.
Giving a short moan of himself, Robin too stands up and stretches lightly. "I should really stop injuring my shoulder.." he mutters to himself.
"So, try to make sure not to use your arm if you can avoid it, alright? It should be fine, but if you put too much of a strain on you shoulder could turn out really bad," Lissa repeats her warning, putting on as concerned and strict of a look she can.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be careful," Robin assures, while patting her head with a teasing smile.
"HEY!" Lissa shouts as she brings her own arms up to remove that of the tactician. "No head patting, okay? Im not a helpless little girl.." the princess murmurs, looking to the side with a pouting face.
Not being able to help it considering her sudden shyness, his smile grows. 'I wonder if this is what having a family is like..' he wonders.
"Robin!" he is ripped from his thoughts by the voice of a newcomer.
"Hmm?" said tactician murmurs, turning to the man calling to him. Meeting his eyes is Stahl, who is in the process of running towards him.
"What's up?" Robin asks curiosly as soon as the green-armored knight reaches him.
After taking a moment to steady his breathing, Stahl answers "There's something you and Chrom need to take a look at."
"What do you mean?" the amnesiac questions further, already pondering about the possibilities of what is important enough for not only him, but also their captain to need to see.
"Well.. It'd be faster to just see for yourself," the knight replies vaguely.
"Ok.." Robin gives in with a doubtful tone, slighty frustrated with the vagueness of his companions request. "We should go get Chrom in that case," he continues, heading in the direction of the prince and Sumia.
"Right," Stahl agrees, following him.
After a minute of walking, the two of them arrive at their destination.
"Hey Chrom!" Robin shouts. To his surprise, he goes completely unnoticed by the two Shepherds, even though they are clearly in hearing range. Slightly irritated from being ignored, the tactician decides to just walk next to Chrom to get his attention.
"If you'd like, I could.." the blonde man hears Chrom say as he nears him.
"Hey," Robin blurts out blankly, now managing to gain the awareness of the pegasus rider and lord.
"Eeek!" Sumia screams, startled by the tactician.
"What the- Robin?" Chrom asks, him too heavily surprised. "What was that for?"
"Well, you didn't really react when I just called you, so it's not like I had much of a choice," Robin defends himself. "Stahl said he had something we needed to see, so I went to get you. I hope I didn't interrupt anything important?" he adds, looking from his blue-haired friend to the grey-haired pegasus rider with a concerned look.
"Oh, no no no! We actually just got finished talking about- What we were talking about," Sumia quickly replies in a rushed manner. "Actually, I'll get going now! I still have to get ready to leave and it seems like you have important matters at hand!" she squeaks, rushing away immediately after without waiting for a response and with a huge blush.
"Umm... alright?" Robin asks, now entirely confused. "What was that?"
Chrom, who is looking after the leaving woman, turns his gaze to the floor and adapts a similiar blush to Sumia's. "I- don't know what you're talking about," he brings out.
"Oh yeah, I can see that," his advisor replies sarcastically. After a short moment of silence, a mischievous smile takes over his face and he questions smugly "Oh, or were we interrupting your attempt at copying Virion?"
"Wha- what? No, I was- I was just-" Chrom stammers, leading to his opposite curling up in laughter.
"Hmm-hmm." the lord clears his throat, trying to ignore Robins fit of laughter. "So, Stahl. You said you needed us both?" he asks in an attempt to change the topic.
"Uhh, yeah," the knight replies. "Like I already told Robin, there's something you both need to take a look at, or rather listen to."
"Wouldn't Frederick have sufficed?" Chrom inquires, him also beginning to wonder what would require his presence.
"Well, I think you should know about this since you're the captain and all," Stahl answers.
"And where exactly do I come in here?" the tactician now questions.
"You're just about the only one around here who can keep Chrom from doing something risky. Also, if this is going where I think it is, you definitely need to be there," the cavalier informs.
"If you say so, then it really must be important enough that both of us need to be there," the Ylissean prince concludes. "Lead the way."
Giving a nod, Stahl brings the two down to the gate of the fortress, only this time, on the Feroxi side of the border. At their destination, they are met with the commander of the border stronghold and a young male wearing a pot on top of his head as if it were a helmet, leaving his brown locks of hair visible only on it's back side. In his right hand is a pitchfork, presumably from a farm. He is talking excitedly or nervously -Robin can't really make it out quite yet- to Raimi, who simply stands there, arms crossed.
"Please, you have to help!" the boy pleads with an anxious tone.
"Listen kid, I'd love to help you, but I'm not in the position to do so right now. Furthermore, with all the rogue attacks lately, I can't even be sure what you're saying is actually the truth," the commander counters sternly.
"But-" the brown-haired begins.
"What's going on here?" Chrom demands with a firm tone and a serious expression, clearly having noticed the tension of the situation.
"Milord," Raimi greets with bow. "This boy claims a village nearby is being attacked by bandits. However, I find this to be highly unlikely. The chance of a rogue attack inside the Feroxi borders, this close to a stronghold no less, is extraordinarily low," she informs.
"But I'm telling ya, it's-" the young male begins objecting before he is cut off by the Feroxi commander.
"Silence boy! Do you realise who you are speaking with?"
Chrom raises his hand at Raimi to try and keep her from further yelling at the kid. "What's your name and what did you want to say?"
"Ma name's Donnal an' I'm telling the truth! Ma village is under attack just a few minutes away from here!" he explains.
"How many?" Chrom demands curtly.
"I'm not sure exactly how many.. Gosh, if I had to say around 10 or so!" Donnel estimates.
"Milord, surely you do not intend on hearing him out?" Raimi questions, dumbfounded by the Ylissean's blind trust.
"I see no reason why I should not," the lord simply states. "Do you have any objections as well, Robin?"
"Well, going by Raimi's statements, the inner of the Feroxi border should be pretty safe. If that's the case, then this definitely smells like a trap," the tactician admits.
"So you're just going to let the kid go by himself? What if-" Chrom begins countering.
"However," Robin interrupts. "We can also not disregard the possibility that the kid is telling the truth. That would go against what the Shepherds and you especially stand for, wouldn't it?"
Receiving a thankful smile from his companion, he goes on. "All I want to say, is that we should be careful," Robin advises. "Which direction is your village located in, kid?"
"It's about a mile in that direction!" the brown-haired boy answers, pointing to the north-west.
"Is that roughly on the way to the capitol?" Robin further inquires, his question this time directed at the female commander.
Realising there is no way to convince the prince of acting differently, she sighs and gives her answer. "It is indeed. I believe the village he is talking about is only a short ways off the road leading to the Khan's palace."
"Good," Chrom notes. "Stahl, let the others know we're moving out now," he orders. Giving a short nod, Stahl turns and runs back to let the rest of the Shepherds know of the situation.
"Raimi, I trust you are finished with your preparations?" Earning another confirming nod, the prince continues "How long do the men you've selected need before they are ready to leave?"
"They are awaiting their orders, milord," the commander informs.
"Right. We leave as soon as our comrades are finished," Chrom decides.
"Thank you, your highliness. Yer help means so much to me!" Donnel gives his thanks.
"Thank me when this is over, kid. And even if we do manage to save your village, that won't matter if you don't get stronger to protect by yourself in the future," Chrom warns.
"But.. how am I s'posed to do anythin'? I'm just a weak lil' farmer!" the boy questions.
Pointing at his hands Chrom replies "Use that pitchfork of yours. The basics of fighting aren't that different from farm work. And I'm neither telling you to take care of everything by yourself today, nor will you become stronger just like that. It's a process that requires hard work and determination. If you find that for yourself, you'll be plenty powerful in due time."
"I- I don't know what to say.. Thanks, your Graceliness!" Donnel thanks with a sob.
"Milord, we are ready for departure," the newly arriving Frederick states. "We have been debriefed on the situation by Stahl and are ready for battle."
"As are we, milord," Raimi adds.
"Good," Chrom acknowledges with a nod. Turning to Donnel, he orders "Lead the way."
-Five minutes later-
A bandit rushes towards a topless man wearing some sort of fur around his neck. "Boss!"
Said leader takes his gaze off the sack of gold in his hands and looks at the underling calling out to him. "Eh? Whatcha want?", he asks, annoyed by being interupted in his counting of money.
"It's the boy, boss!" replies the brigand hastily.
"And what 'bout him? Thought he ran away earlier," Roddick counters.
"He's back! And he ain't alone!
"Whatcha mean he ain't alone?" he asks, suspicion growing.
"He ran to the border fortress and got help! The commander 'erself is here and they even brought some unfamiliar lookin' soldiers!" answers the distraught rogue.
"Damnit.." Roddick grumbles. "Get that meddlin' kid's mother over here and make sure to tie her up real good! I'll be damned if I let this mess up our plans!"
-Elsewhere-
"So this is it?" Chrom asks Donnel.
"Yessir! This right here's my village," the young man confirms. "I don't see anyone around though... I wonder where everyone might have gone.."
"If those bandits have even a shred of intelligence, your family and friends will all have been taken hostage. Especially considering we weren't exactly stealthy in our approach," Robin explains.
"Golly! How are we goin' to fight 'em if they have the entire village hostage?" Donnel asks worriedly.
"Relax. My arm might not be in fighting condition, but my brain definitely is. I've taken some precautions, but I'm confident I should be able to come up with a solution for whatever might happen," the tactician ensures.
"You can believe when it comes to that. Robin has as quick a head as I've ever seen," Chrom encourages.
Before them appears one of the bandits, who proceeds to shout at them "Stop right there! Not a single step further!"
"Lay down your arms! You have no way of winning, so surrender!" Raimi shouts, taking a step forward.
"I said stop! Come closer and the lady dies!" the bandit warns and right on cue two more of them come out from behind him with a bound and gagged middle-aged woman between them.
"Ma!" Donnel shouts, worry instantly taking over his facial expression.
Robin brings his good arm in front of Donnel to prevent him from rushing forward and Chrom pulls out his blade. "I suggest you let your hostage go and I might consider giving you mercy," he growls.
"I warned ya! Another move and I'll-" the bandit begins countering, but is interrupted by his two comrades falling over, an arrow in both their necks and blood sputtering out from the wounds.
"What the-" he begins again, swiftly pulling a horn from his belt and blowing into it, creating a low but loud sound.
Chrom gets ready to dash in for the kill, but is preempted by Donnel, who is already in the motion of lunging forward. With a loud shout he buries the head of his pitchfork in the stunned bandit's torso, impaling his heart and lung, effectively ending him on the spot.
After a short moment, he let's go of his improvised weapon and rushes to his mother, untying her bonds. "Ma, are you alright?" Donnel asks with a worried tone.
"I'm fine my boy. What about you?" she questions, bringing him into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your touching reunion, but we have a job to take care of," Robin halts them. After the two let go of each other he continues "Donnel, is there any house here that would hold all or at least most of the villagers?"
"Uhm, I suppose town hall would be the only building to come into question. Why are ya askin', you smartiness?" Donnel replies.
"Because we have to get there as soon as we can. Time is of the essence," the tactician urges.
Giving a nod, Donnel obeys and says "Alrighty, I'll lead ya there. You wait here Ma, I'll be back in no time."
"I will, boy, I will. Take care of yourself!" his mother assures.
They take off towards town hall with Donnel in the lead and quickly reach it. The moment they turn the last corner before it, they can see two more brigands throw a set of lit torches through an open window.
"Damn it, we're late!" Robin curses. "Stahl, Frederick and Sully, go after those two and make sure they don't get too far! I need one of them alive!" he orders.
The three aforementioned nod and ride after the fleeing bandits and Robin continues his orders. "Kellam and Vaike, break that door down! The rest of you be ready to get in there and help the villagers get out! Go go go!"
Following his orders, the tall, heavily armored Kellam and the muscular Vaike get to work on the barricaded door, breaking it down in a matter of seconds. Immediately after them and the rest of the Shepherds file into the hall.
Robin enters as one of the last and takes in the situation. The benches meant for town meetings are all moved to wall and in their place sit the rest of the villagers, most still bound. Some of them, especially the younger ones, begin screaming in panic, as the fire rapidly spreads, coming closer to them by the second. With the flames growing, so does the amount of smoke in the building, making it increasingly hard to breathe.
Unable to find an optimal approach to the situation, Robin too gets to untying as many as he possibly can. After untying the who knows how manyth man, Robin gets up with a hand in front of his mouth and looks around. Somehow, the hall is empty for the exception of him and Chrom, who is standing in the doorway.
"Come on!" the lord shouts, waving with his hands to signalizee Robin to exit.
The tactician makes his way to the exit, weaving around flaming piles of wood. Just before he can get out, a large, blazing chunk falls from the ceiling, blocking off the exit.
"Damn it.." Chrom coughs due to the scattered ashes. "Robin! Come on!"
"Get out of here before it's too late! I'll find another way!" the blonde retorts.
Reluctantly, the blue-haired prince obliges and leaves the burning down building. 'Now to actually make that happen..' Robin thinks to himself and, while coughing, he looks around to find some way to get out. Somewhere to his right, behind a wall of flames, he spots a window.
"That'll have to do.." the amnesiac murmurs and takes a few steps back before running straight trough the flames. After breaking through them, he takes a leap with his arms before his body and crashes through the heated up glass, causing it to burst into thousands of pieces and on the ground on the other side. Robin hits the floor and instinctively rolls before taking a few more steps because of his momentum and sacks to the floor coughing.
Several feet behind him, the town hall's ceiling comes down for good, leaving little to no signs of what kind of building would normally stand at the blazing inferno's position.
Foreshadowed by the sound of scurrying feet, Chrom and Lissa bound around the corner and to Robin.
"There you are!" Chrom says and breathes a sigh of relief.
"We were worried you wouldn't make it on time..." Lissa sniffles, suppressing a sob.
"I'm fine, don't worry. This time I really am," Robin jokes. "Soo, you going to help me up or what?"
Rolling his eyes, Chrom obliges and stretches out his hand for Robin to take. "You should really stop getting yourself in these situations, you know," he warns.
"Heh, I'll do that as soon as you stop blindly trusting every stranger you meet," Robin replies cheekily after taking Chrom's hand.
"You got me there," the lord admits with a shrug. "By the way, Stahl and the others are waiting for you."
Robin nods and says "Alright, let's get this over with."
So. Here I am again. A week late. Sorry? Seriously though, I'm terribly sorry for being so late and not being able to meet the deadline I myself set. It really sucks and I hope you all can forgive me. That being said, I definitely didn't forget about this story or anything along those lines. It's just that I had some... eventful, to say the least, weeks. Some pretty good stuff happened, some pretty bad stuff happened. After next week, I have a week off from school, so look for a longer chapter or perhaps even two normal length ones. No guarantees there, I'll just try my hardest.
That stuff aside, like always, thanks a bunch to my new followers CCApex, deivydw, DinosaurDude25, Dragon of the Blazeing Stars, Greyjedi449t, levi8aot8, Pilot 8 and Xillax! Also huge shoutout to everyone who favorited, means a lot!
On to the reviews!
Gallian Squad 7: I think I say this exact thing every time, but I'm genuinely happy to have improved and that you like the battles and dialogue! Also thanks a bunch for those examples, I should've made sure to take care of that issue this time around. Sorry to have broken your heart though, it's just that I love Cherche with Lon'qu so damn much! It's not set in stone just yet, so maybe just maybe I'll settle with something else entirely. Who knows?
Blooperfiction: Good to know last chapters battle scene managed to stick out in a good way! And yeah, I feel you. I always thought the game (and many other fics) overdo it with the gimmicks. But, don't worry, I won't make Kellam some sort of stealth bomber as others before me have. I'll try to keep the gimmickness there, but not to the point where it gets annoying or overdone (at least I hope so). And hey, to my defense, the weapon's name literally translates to 'long spear' from the German version. I'll make sure to not just translate weapon names or anything of the sort by myself in the future to avoid such mistakes.
Prescribed-Madness: 7.5? I can live with that for sure. Guess that means I can just leave him out in the future without worrying about losing a viewer, eh :^ ) But seriously, glad you still wound up liking it. The reason that scene in particular were "particularly good", as you said it, is probably just because it's a straight up one on one fight where I don't really have to concern myself with anything else happening in that instance, allowing me to really put my mind to it. Plus I've always been sort of a special snowflake, so I guess that helps! Oh and Kellam will be getting some screen time ( of the good kind) in the future, so don't worry 'bout it! (btw, this week I should get a preview done again :O)
That all done, I have some requests for you this time around. Firstly, what do you think of the way Donnel was incorporated in the story? He'll be joining officially next time, but I'd really like some opinions on the timing and way of his introduction. Secondly, I'd like to know if any of you would be willing to beta this story. Hit me up via PM and we can talk about that!
That's really all now, so, as always, this has been D4v3Hunter and I hope to see you all soon!
