So. Here's chapter three. I bet you are happy I uploaded more cancer. I wouldn't blame you if you don't want anymore. I mean; who would want cancer? Well some people do but that is for another time. So I'll shut up and let you read this fanfic. If you can call it a fanfic that is. I'll shut up now.
Chapter Three/Chapter Two Intermission: Comrades
So. Ylisstol. It's a nice. But I didn't really get to sightsee because Lissa took me and the Robins to the Shepherd HQ after meeting the Exalt for a bit. Apparently Chrom and Lissa call the Exalt a little nickname. It's Emm. That's the nickname. The Exalt also came off as a big sister type of woman; but she is Chrom and Lissa's older sister so I can understand where the vibe came from. But I didn't really get to talk to her because the Robins took her attention. I'm not complaining though. Sometimes attention is the last thing you need. My brother knows that all too well. Oh yeah, I have siblings. An older sister and a twin. But me and my twin are very different people. I am going to shut up now. Talking about them is making me remember stuff. Back to the Shepherds!
So Lissa dragged me and the Robins to Shepherd HQ after meeting her sister. My first impression of the place is it needs to be cleaned. There are books, paper, and weapons strewn all around the place, mold is eating at the corners and the ceiling, the floor has some splintering, and so much more stuff that will bore you if I keep explaining what is wrong with everything. So I'll just detail my first conversation inside the HQ. Lissa, the Robins, and I arrived to a room occupied by a yellow, crazy haired Fighter and a woman in Pegasus Knight, a female only flying cavalry class, armor. And the conversation begins when this noble looking girl came out of a nearby room and glomped Lissa.
"Lissa, my treasure! Are you all right? I've been on pins and needles!" says the noble girl, squeezing the life out of Lissa.
Lissa, appearing and talking completely unaffected from the bone crushing embrace, says " Oh, hey, Maribelle!" So the noble girl is Maribelle. Yep. That is a royal sounding name. I'm betting she is the daughter of a duke or a baron or something. She has amazing clothes. Must be made of fine cotton. What? You thinking I'm complimenting her clothes because I like her breasts or something? No! I like nice clothes dammit!
"'Oh hey' yourself! I've sprouted 14 grey hairs fretting over you!" Huh. She really cares for Lissa. That's cool.
"Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two! ...Although I could do without the bugs and the bear barbecue…" It actually was bear stew. The bug thing was true though. I hate those damn gnats. Always buzzing around me whenever I walk outside at night.
The Fighter steps forward with a giant grin on his face and says, "Hey, squirt! Where's Chrom? I bet he had a rough time out there without ol' Teach and his trusty axe!" I think this man thinks highly of himself. Just the 'Teach' thing sets that off for me.
Lissa breaks free of Maribelle's grasp and says in a mock glare, "Oh, so you're "Teach" now, Vaike, is that it? Hee hee! And here I thought people were just born lacking wits. It can be taught?" So his name is Vaike. From what Lissa says I am guessing he is very stupid. I wonder how stupid… Like, dumb as a rock or stupider than air?
"Ha! Never doubt the Vaike! ...Wait, was that an insult?" Yep. Stupider than air. Hey; we always need a meat shield.
The Pegasus Knight lets out a hesitant hum before saying, "Beg pardon, but when might we see the captain?" Huh. The way she asked about the captain makes me… She has a crush on him. Cute.
Maribelle sighs and recounts, "Poor Sumia. She's simply been beside herself with concern... Her eyes were scanning the horizon all day during training. ...She might have earned fewer bruises fighting blindfolded." Sumia is her name and from what I hear she is also a shit fighter. Just what the Shepherds need. But all of Ylisse's top fighters are part of the Shepherds so she must be good at something. But what is it? I guess I'll find out. Man; this is playing out like one of those stories a Dark Knight, the mounted versions of Dark Mages, makes while bored.
Lissa clasps her hands together and sweetly says, " Aw, Sumia, that's so sweet of you to worry about Chrom." Yep. Definite crush. Feels… almost forced. Like it was someone's canon or something.
"Worry? Well, I... He's our captain and our prince- of course I'd worry!" says Sumia. Do I really need to say anything about the crush at this point? No? Good. I wonder how she would feel if Chrom marries another woman. I guess I'll see.
Vaike notices me and the Robins and ask, "So, who's the strangers?" This kind of attention is good. I like begin noticed like this. Except in certain situations.
Lissa remembers that we are here and does a fancy presentation pose and says, " No one's stranger that you Vaike... But allow me to introduce the Robins! They just joined the Shepherds. Chrom's made them our new tacticians. You should see all the tricks they got up their sleeves! Also joining us is Aiden! Chrom's made him him our first Mercenary. Now we got someone besides Chrom and our cavalry to fight and axe wielders!" Wait; I'm their first Mercenary. I feel strangely honored and scared. If I'm their first Mercenary that means they don't have any master classes in the Shepherds. That means the Shepherds are just a ragtag group of like-minded fellows! I thought the Shepherds are the best of the best! But it looks like I was wrong!
"Oh yeah? Can he do this?" After saying that, Vaike lets out this giant and disgusting burp. Like this was normal for him. He is definitely an idiot. Of the biggest kind as well.
The Robins sorta smirk and say in unison, "I'm sure I have much to learn in the belching arts, 'Teach.' In any case, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances." Huh. I thought the Robins be a bit more disturbed by this considering their amnesiacs. I guess they are just taking this in stride. Can't say I blame them. I'm doing the exact same thing. I guess I should introduce myself before this turns awkward.
I rub my nose to dispel some awkwardness and say, "Well. I could always learn a thing or two. It's very nice to meet you all. Just call me Rider instead of Aiden; sounds more badass." I think I nailed the introductions.
Maribelle looks absolutely disgusted and leaves the room in a huff after saying, "Ugh, Vaike! That was abhorrent! Must you baseborn oafs pollute even the air with your buffoonery? And you, Robins! Don't encourage him! I'd hope you were cut from finer cloth. Also watch your tongue Aiden! Foul language shouldn't be uttered around ladies! Hmph!" Looks like Maribelle is a prissy little princess. But I've dealt with a few nobles to know that's the norm for them.
Once Maribelle left the room, Sumia looked at me and the Robins and says, "Don't take it to heart, Aiden and Robins. Maribelle warms to people slowly." Sure she does. I bet it won't take but two weeks for Maribelle to hate my guts. If she doesn't hate my guts in two weeks; I'll wear a tutu and dance the Nutcracker. Wait no- Don't actually call me on that! It's just an expression! I am not going to wear a tutu and dance the Nutcracker!
At Sumia comforting words, Lissa starts to giggle and says through her giggling, "Or burns too quickly! Hee hee! But yeah, just give her time." After a few moments of some more banter between everyone, Chrom walks into the room. He looks to be in a business mood. Well he was in a meeting but you get the point.
At the sight of Chrom, Sumia stutters while saying, "Ah! Captain! You've returned! I was- I mean, we were so-" Sumia starts to walk to Chrom while speaking but slips on some papers on the floor. The slip slams her face into the stone floor. That definitely means a broken nose. But to my surprise; Sumia just stands up, completely unharmed, and dusts herself off. How is ok from that? It was a pretty bad slam! There was also a crunch somewhere in there! You know what? That may be her reason why she is in the Shepherds. She is tough to break.
Chrom loses his business face and asks Sumia, "Sumia! Are you all right? ...Those boots of yours again?" Sure it's her boots.
"No! I mean, yes! I mean…" Sumia sighs from Chrom's question and her stuttering. Can't say I blame her for Chrom noticing her crush on him. He is pretty thick.
"All right, listen, everyone: in the morning, we'll be marching to Regna Ferox." Oh. The kingdom controlled by barbarians.
The female Robin steps forward and says, "Regna Ferox?"
Sumia smiles at her and answers, "A unified kingdom to Ylisse's north inhabited by barbarians, or so it's said." Just what I said. Just spelled differently.
Chrom adds onto Sumia's answer by saying, "Warriors are what they are, and we'll need their strength to quell thas new menace. Typically, the exalt would request such aid in person. But given recent events... Well, the people might worry should my sister suddenly leave the capital. So the task has been passed to us. Now, this mission is strictly voluntary. So if, for any-"
"I volunteer!"
"Me too! You'll be needin' ol' Teach along for such a delicate mission!"
"I'll go as well. ...What? I've been here the whole time!" I have several questions! One; who the fuck is that person? Two; how the fuck did he hide when he is wearing a giant suit. And three; I didn't know the Shepherds had a Knight!
Sumia hesitates and mutters, " I... I, um…"
Chrom looks at her with a caring expression. The kind of caring expression kind leaders have for their group. I feel like Chrom may have friendzoned Sumia. He says to Sumia, "Yes, Sumia?"
"It's just that... I'm not sure I'm quite ready for a proper mission just yet. I'd probably just get in the way." Bullshit. She can take pretty heavy hits like that slip a while ago. She needs to be on the team.
"Well, you could stay behind the main group, and if a battle is met, just watch and learn? Your choice, of course. But some lessons can only be learned on the battlefield."
"W-well, if you think it wise, Captain."
"Just stay by me and you'll be fine."
"Oh, yes! I mean- Yes, sir, I'll do that!" After that little conversation, everyone sorta separated into their own little groups. Lissa continued with the Robins and I's tour of the Shepherds' base, like this place called the Barracks and their personal blacksmith and item shop, before showing us our rooms and leaving to go talk with the Exalt. Inside my room was basically the essentials. A bed, a tiny table, a chair, a window with a curtain on it, and a chest to store my stuff. The room was a bit dusty and had a few cracks in the floor but other then that is was… homely.
But this homely little room may turn into a prison if my lie is revealed. I don't really know what Chrom does to those who lie to him but I have a feeling it's not good. But If I manage to survive long enough; I bet Chrom won't mind once he sees how good I am. I hope it's good enough. Maybe if I find a Master Seal I can change my class to Hero, basically Mercenary but can wield axes and have no weaknesses, and then I would be too valuable to be kicked out of the Shepherds! Nice plan me. I am a very smart person.
I toss my swords on my bed before I strip myself of my armor. All that's left of me is my green tunic and some beige cotton pants. If we were attack now; I would die by a single arrow. But I am so comfortable right now so fuck it. I grab my supply pack and take out my journal and some ink and quills. I better write about today I guess. What? Didn't expect me to break the fourth wall with me huh? I didn't either but fuck it! I sit down and almost begin to write when someone knocks on my door. I wonder who it is. I stand back up and open my door to find Lissa standing there.
"Hello Ai- I mean Rider; it's about time for dinner. I was wondering if you needed some help getting there," Lissa says, smiling at me. To be fair, I probably would've gotten lost and stumble into something weird. Like the girls bath house this one time a few months ago. I got a bit worried when they seemed fine with it. In fact, they seemed very happy about it… I had no idea until they tried to break into the inn I was staying at. Some girls are really thirsty.
"Sure. I could use the help," I say, smiling back. That's a good response. Nothing awkward with that.
"Ok! Follow me!" Lissa began to walk away, leading me to the dining room. I follow her, walking a bit behind her so she leads.
"So Lissa; I have a question."
"Sure! What is it?"
"How are the Shepherds like? Are they good fighters? Do they act cold towards each other? What's the deal around here?"
"Well the Shepherds are pretty good fighters. They do get trained by Frederick everyday and he doesn't break a sweat. The only time I've seen him sweat was when he trained from dawn all the way to dusk without taking a breaks."
"Frederick is really hardcore, isn't he?"
"Oh he is but sometimes he can be so stiff and passionate at times. Like this one time, Frederick made this poster of Chrom. It was absolutely hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing for two hours after that."
"Wow. Sounds like you guys like to have fun around here."
"We do! But we know when to get serious. Just depends on the situation I guess. Well here we are, the dining hall. Just get some grub and find yourself a seat! Just don't sit at the fourth seat on the right. That's Miriel's seat. She's our Mage and she likes being orderly. And using really big words that I swear some are just made up."
"Ok… Good to know. Nice talking with you Lissa. See you later I guess."
Aiden and Lissa attained support level C
So. Did you enjoy that. Sorry there was no fighting like the first two chapters. Can't have fighting in every single chapter now. Gotta have some peace in between the conflicts. So do whatever you want with this fanfic; read, review, favorite, follow, it's your choice. I'm also changing the chapter titles now. Instead of Chapter Three/Chapter Two Intermission to just Chapter Three now. May make it better to understand considering some people might get confused between the fanfic's chapter and the game's chapter. Bye now.
