Never did I thought that the assassination attempt would come at such a bad and unguessable time, but thankfully we were able to defend the castle and Emmeryn anyway. Currently, I was with Robin and Chrom heading to Emmeryn's quarters to check if we did our job right and the duo were talking animatedly together while I just trailed off in the back, contemplating over the future.
That was until I realized it was time to confront Marth about what happened in the arena and the only way for me to do so was to catch her while she escaped through the cleft Chrom made. I always wondered how that happened, but if Chrom didn't want to talk about it then I won't press him.
We were about to reach the door to Emmeryn's room but I stopped them instead before explaining myself.
"You two go on ahead, I have something to do that needs my immediate attention," I said and both turned to me, Robin with an eyebrow raised and Chrom still having a radiant smile, glad to have this night finally over.
"Sure, go wherever you need to be." Chrom allowed, but Robin was still eyeing me and I elaborated to ease her slightly.
"Don't worry, it isn't Miriel nor anything dangerous," I reassured, although I was a little scared of what might Marth do to me if she thought I was still a threat.
Thought Robin still didn't look convinced she just sighed and made a hand movement that said that I was free to go. I thanked them and headed to the gardens the two assassins appeared, lying dead on the ground. I also have spotted the mask Marth used and I picked it up the two halves. I didn't necessarily know what I was going to do with it, but I pocked it inside my coat anyway.
I started to search for the maple grove Marth mentioned and this garden was huge! This was a literal forest inside the castle walls and things looked the same most of the time until I found the thing I was looking for: the cleft.
Saying that this hole was big would be an understatement, you could fit two skinny people inside the hole with no problem. The idea that I once blocked Chrom's attack and it didn't break all of my bones brought a shiver down my spine.
"That guy is a goddamn monster…" I remarked to no one. Now, I guess we wait for Marth. If I would wait on the other side, it could indicate to her that I could try and kill her, and I didn't want that.
But damn, I still felt the resentment towards her for trying to kill me, no matter how much I try to hide it if the conversation we had back before the assassination was anything to go by.
Steeling my nerves and throwing my prejudice aside will be a necessity. I leaned on the wall with my lance, because I still haven't found a holster for it yet, next to the cleft, and waited.
It took some time, but my patience was rewarded and I started to hear footsteps, indicating that my not-so-pleasant acquaintance was coming.
Marth appeared from one of the bushes that blocked the cleft from view, having her head aimed at the ground. Just in case Marth would attack me I got my shield spell at the ready, the familiar feeling of my chest heating up resurfacing.
"Well, have you made your temporary goodbyes?" I asked, snapping Marth out of her trance and by instinct immediately went for her sword once she spotted me.
"You!" Marth exclaimed with a raised voice and I had to resist the urge to scowl. This girl really won't make it easy for me.
"Can you just relax for a minute? I am here only to talk." I said while picking up my tome from my holster and letting it drop on the ground, further indicating my point, although that didn't leave me defenseless.
"We have nothing to speak about." Marth hissed. This was going to be harder than I thought if she was downright refusing to talk to me.
"Yes, we do." I corrected "I want to talk about why you almost killed me in the arena because I would like to know what your goddamn reason was.".
"I see no need to tell you my reason, nor would I ever willingly tell it to you of all people," Marth answered.
"Marth, I only want to know why, but if you won't budge then I will find a way to you," I stated and Marth was smirking.
"I also don't see how you could do so." She replied.
"You don't? Then your vision must be pretty blurry through that left eye of yours." I said vaguely and I could see Marth stiffened slightly, her hands were on Falchion, fully drawn from her sheathe.
"Why such a specific threat?" She asked, her voice filled with wariness.
"Why? Because having the Brand of the Exalt on your left eye is a dead giveaway, Marth. You are related to Chrom in some shape or form." I said while pointing at my left eye.
"What is stopping me from ending your life here and now?" She threatened while taking a battle stance. It took all of my willpower not the scowl at her, but if she didn't want to comply then there was no reason for me to be here in the first place, and pointing out her origin just made her even more hostile.
Damn, I played my cards badly.
I picked up my tome and put it back inside my holster, my attempt at striking a conversation with the hot-headed princess proving fruitless, with my spear while not answering Marth's question. I tried to get back inside the castle if it wasn't for Marth stopping me.
"Where are you going?" She curtly asked, blocking my path.
"I see I won't be able to get much out of you, not even the reason why you are so eager to kill me, even though I have done nothing wrong, at least in my opinion." I answered "Now, would you be so kind and move out of my way?"
"I have no aim to comply since you still haven't given me a reason to not end you here." Her threatening tone just kept getting more vicious with each passing moment. I tensed, clutching my spear more tightly than necessary.
"And you haven't given me a reason to open up myself to you and clear this misunderstanding. I think of myself as a patient man, but you are making me question that." I remarked bitterly "Now, I said move.".
"No, Sir Adrian." Was her answer. That name… she called me that once in the arena, didn't she?
"Well, I don't know about you, Marth, but I don't see an Adrian around here. The one you are talking to right now is Radko." I clarified while pointing at myself. Marth's eyes widened slightly, easing her stance, only for her tense up again.
"I see you are still using a fake name to hide your identity." She hummed while I scoffed at her.
"Girl, I had that name my whole life and you come here saying absolute nonsense about knowing the future and then you start calling me Adrian of all names." I knew the irony in that statement, but right now, Marth should have no idea I knew who she was and what was going to happen in the future.
"His tome and sword are in your possession. I say that is enough proof." She elaborated and I was surprised by the sudden information I got from her. I might not be able to go far with that, but now I knew whose weapon I used to create this spear from, meaning Alexander somehow got the hold of it.
"Well, I got both the sword and the tome from a certain someone whose name wasn't Adrian, but the sword is right here," I said while sticking my spear to the ground for Marth to see, a dumbstruck expression adorned her face.
"Wha… Sir Adrian would never…" She trailed off while dropping her stance and brought a hand to her mouth while muttering intangible words. I had an eyebrow raised at her from the sudden shift of hostility and after a few seconds of hearing Marth's murmurs, she sheathed her sword and then moved past me, throwing me off-guard.
"What happened to the whole 'trying to kill me' thing, Marth? I thought you were hell bend on getting rid of me." I said while not blocking Marth from entering the cleft.
"I…I need to revise my approach." She said unconvincingly and I had to resist the urge to point her out but didn't.
"Very well then. So, does this mean that the next time we meet, it won't be with blades at each other's throats?" I remarked to which Marth clicked her tongue.
"You look, act, and sound like him, yet…" Marth murmured, enough for me to hear, but I had no idea what she was talking about.
"Most likely, farewell Sir Adri-I mean, Sir Radko." She replied and left the castle through the cleft, leaving me to my charges and I contemplated over our exchange while finally releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"You are not making this easy for me, are you, Lucina?" I murmured to myself. I couldn't even give her the pieces of the mask I picked up. Maybe the next time when we meet I could give it to her, but I guess I was going to keep them for now.
While I was on my way back, I was thinking over what I was able to get from Lucina, which wasn't much. The only thing I think was important was the fact that both weapons Alexander gave me before getting here were this Adrian's weapons, giving me a strong case that Alexander came from this world as well and knew something about Adrian.
"Ugh, it is too late for me to think about this stuff." I contemplated while being on my way towards the barracks. Thankfully, I didn't meet anyone on my way and I went to my room immediately. It was relatively similar to the one in the Shepherds' tavern and was spacious enough, giving me at least some breathing room inside.
I undressed while getting ready to take a bath before going to sleep and also treating the wound I had on my shoulder. That spike I got jammed hurt like hell, and it still does, even though I had treated the wound with my ice magic, and that hurt even more.
Oh yeah, apparently I have this weird disease that prohibits me from casting magic freely and Miriel had no idea what was wrong with me. The blood transfusion I got from Robin was successful and there shouldn't be anything wrong with me. However, the world just likes to throw one curveball after another at me.
Ah, at least the water felt good. It felt like forever since I had a bath and scrubbing all of the accumulated grime and sweat I had on me felt heavenly. I spotted my wound that ran across my torso and I was a little disgusted by it. I never really got a serious injury back home so I never knew what it was like to have a scar or anything like that and the sight wasn't pretty.
Oh well, time to finish treating the other wound so it won't scar too.
I had my tome nearby and I was able to get rid of the ice on me and drank a vulnerary to at least ease the pain and then wrapped the wound in bandages for it to heal. I could get a healer to look at my wound, but it was pretty much the middle of the night and I didn't want to bother anyone.
What I was not expecting however was some company.
The one person I had probably the roughest friendship with, Frederick. He only had a towel over his midsection and… well, he was buffed. That is all I can think of really.
He wasn't even fazed by my presence and proceeded to take a bath without batting an eye while I was still treating my wound. It was taking some time because I was quite inexperienced, but surprisingly, Frederick after taking his bath came to me and started to help me out.
He applied the bandage on my wound with efficiency, probably from having enough practice.
"You need to make sure the bandage is firm enough to hold, but not tight enough to stop blood from circulating. Have you drank a vulnerary at least?" He asked to which I nodded, giving him an answer.
"Good, tomorrow morning you will come to a healer and get it checked." He ordered and I nodded again while saying "Thank you, Frederick.".
He hummed his answer and was ready to leave if I didn't stop him.
"Hey, Frederick." I called him out and Frederick turned to face me "Am I really that untrustworthy? So much so that you would post someone to watch over me?".
"You never gave me a reason to treat you otherwise. Your actions were concerning and suspicious, and I needed to take repercussions to make sure you do not endanger anyone in the Shepherds." He answered honestly and I slumped. Yeah, I guess that was a good enough reason.
"I see. Well, can I at least ask for a favor?" I asked him and he prompted me to continue by being silent and nodding slightly.
"Well, since the next round of patrols is coming soon, I kind of need a tutor on how to ride a horse properly." I sheepishly elaborated while scratching my cheek. The surprised look on Frederick's face was kind of funny to see, only for him to morph back into the stoic one he almost always wears.
"Hmm, and here I thought you were well-versed in horse riding when you encouraged Ricken to come to the border." Frederick mused, leaving me surprised.
Did he just crack a joke? Well, I did feel rather honored that he can at least do that while I was near his presence.
"Yeah, about that. I kind of jumped at the opportunity without realizing that I have never ridden a horse on my own, so I thought that you could at least help me out before the patrols start." I elaborated and he struck a thinking pose before stating his time of training.
"Tomorrow morning, before the crack of dawn. Meet me at the stables. I shall make a horse rider out of you whether you like it or not." And that brought a shiver down my spine. I just roped myself into training with Frederick of all people, but I guess if I want results fast then Frederick was definitely the right choice.
…
I was going to regret this, wasn't I?
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
I had to say, it has been some time since I watched the beauty of an early morning. Sun on the horizon while the dark blue sky changed color right before my eyes. I would admire the sky longer, but I was on top of a crazed beast medieval people used for riding and screaming my lungs out in the training field.
I didn't care I woke up everyone in the barracks, this thing was fucking crazy!
"Keep your heels down, so you don't fall off," Frederick advised with a calm voice while having the faintest hint of a smile on his face. That butler was enjoying me suffer! What was with the Shepherds being hidden sadists!?
"Easy for you to say when you do-!" I didn't get to finish my remark as the horse neighed loudly and started to gallop even faster without my consent, running in circles around the training yard.
"God damn it, Frederick! How do I make it go slower!?" I yelled out desperately and I could visibly see Frederick's smile grew by a visible small fraction. I fucking hate you and myself right now, Frederick.
"Gently pull the reins to you and sit up straight while leaning slightly backward," Frederick answered, slightly bemused by my situation.
Now, I like to think of myself as a diligent person who follows instructions mostly to the letter, but right now I was on top of a fucking animal! Of course, there was going to be an amount of urgency!
I abruptly pulled the reins while leaning a little too much to the back and the horse suddenly stopped, only for it to stand on its hind legs and neighed loudly. I grabbed the reins even tighter, only for my legs to fall out of the stirrups, and the ground was soon met with my back, knocking the air out of my lungs.
I groaned from slight pain and remained on the ground, completely oblivious to what was happening around me while I looked at the sky that was getting brighter with each passing moment, only for Frederick to block that view.
"Get up. We aren't done." He ordered and I sighed, but I did as he ordered while straightening my back, but when I looked around I couldn't see the horse anywhere.
"Um, Frederick?" I began my question while looking all over the place for that beast "Where is the horse?".
"The horse you have so abruptly dismounted from has returned to the stables. Right now, we have a different type of training to conduct." He said while aiming for a box filled with training weapons and picked up two lances and then threw one for me to catch.
"Wait, I thought the training would only be horse-riding," I said, bewildered by the sudden shift in training while catching, rather clumsily, the wooden lance.
"I was told by Robin that you have a problem with your magic craft, so she asked me to train you in the way of the lance while Miriel is researching for a cure." He elaborated and I blinked a few times only for a smile to form on my lips.
"I guess I'll have to say thanks to her when I get the chance. Alright then, let's do this then." I eagerly answered, twirling my wooden lance to get a feel for the weapon, and took my stance I was most familiar with.
Frederick was surprised by the stance and started to eye me suspiciously which I was taken back slightly.
"Is everything alright, Frederick? Is my stance that bad?" I asked incredulously.
"Have you ever learned to use such a stance?" He questioned while eyeing my… everything. Grip, footing, the position of my arms, everything.
"It came to me naturally, honestly. I didn't get any training with a lance but this one felt the most comfortable, although I did get some in swordplay." I remarked and Frederick sighed lightly and got into his stance and got ready to judge me.
"Forget I asked. Now, get ready." And thus, another training course had begun, and honestly, I needed this like salt. Frederick was merciless when it came to training but thankfully didn't force me to do his fitness hour.
If I did, I would probably die.
Anyway, after getting beaten by Frederick an unknown number of times, I took another shower and went inside the tactician's room for yet another day of paper sorting and sometimes chiming in when Robin needs another opinion. It gets tiresome sure, but somebody has to do it.
I opened the door and I was greeted to an unsurprising sight of Robin sleeping in a chair with her head on the table and drool coming from her mouth, coating a stack of papers she was writing on.
"Workaholic to an insane degree…" I remarked while cleaning up her mess and slowly pick her from her chair while she remained in her world of dreams. She was surprisingly lightweight and I was able to bring her inside her actual room for sleeping and put her in her bed, letting her sleep for at least a few more moments.
I was kind of surprised she wasn't awake with all the screaming I did back at the training grounds.
I went back inside her office and got assaulted by the sheer mess that was in this room. You would have thought that Robin of all people would be at least somewhat tidy, but this proved to me otherwise.
I sighed and began to clean up this place.
Empty bottles of ink littered the table with a few broken quills as well and ink stains everywhere and that wasn't even the worst part. Shelves had books completely out of the normal alphabetical order, some being on the ground, and important documents were only stacked as pillars of paper.
It did take a while, making sure that everything was in its right place and making it easily accessible, but I prevailed.
Once I was done, I took hold of the papers that worked as Robin's pillow and started to recreate them to make them at least somewhat presentable. They were the next marching paths of the Shepherds and I could spot myself, Ricken, and Stahl in one of the documents.
Huh, at least now I know who I will go with on my first patrol.
I looked at the position of the sun, being my only indication of time and it was almost noon. Damn, I got engrossed again, hopefully, nobody was looking for me. Suddenly, I heard a knock and the sound of doors opening with a slight squeak. A small amount of silver hair could have been seen through the small gap, indicating that Robin has woken up.
"Finally got some shut-eye, sleepyhead?" I asked while turning around, bemused by the bedhead Robin currently had. She entered while rubbing her eyes and yawning. Once she could see better, she was bewildered by how the room looked clean.
"I swear I was here just a few moments ago and the place certainly wasn't this clean," Robin remarked, but once she spotted me, sitting in her chair, she found the reason why.
"You know, the Shepherds certainly aren't the tidiest bunch, but we can't let our tactician work in a mess," I said while finishing the documents with a bemused smile.
"What are you doing?" Robin asked me once she got to the desk and observed my work.
"I rewrote our marching paths you used as a pillow that was stained with your drool," I answered and Robin got slightly embarrassed, although it didn't last long. She shook the chair I was sitting on and I left it for her to take and Robin started to check if the documents I rewrote were decent enough.
"Well, this might be the first time I see no problems with them." She praised and I silently pumped my fist, happy to finally get them right. It also allowed me to practice the font this world used.
"Although your handwriting could use some work. It looks like a toddler wrote it down." And that feeling of accomplishment got immediately washed away. What a way to be a downer, Robin.
"Hey, it takes time to get used to the script you guys use." I justified and Robin hummed. If it was from acknowledgment or bemusement, I didn't know.
"At least I didn't have to go looking for you, because I have a question that needs an answer," Robin said while turning to face me while still sitting on her chair. I sighed and got myself a chair as well since this will probably take some time.
"Who was that man we killed back at the gardens? Validar, was it?" Robin asked and I groaned, not wanting to chat about Robin's past.
"Yeah, and like I said back in the garden, he is the leader of the Grimle-." I didn't finish my sentence since a thought invaded my mind like a sudden lightning strike.
"Did you find the body!?" I demanded and Robin was slightly surprised by my outburst.
"That was something I wanted to ask if you knew anything about it and from the looks of it, you do." She remarked and I scowled, although I was at least happy her question wasn't about Validar knowing her.
"Damn it." I spoke while bringing my hand to my chin "I knew about it, yet in the heat of the moment, I completely forgot.".
"Could you elaborate?" Robin asked, not liking being left in the dark.
"Basically, Validar isn't dead." I curtly answered and now it was Robin's turn to scowl.
"I see. He is going to become a threat in the future, isn't he?" Robin contemplated grimly and I nodded.
"Yeah, but he won't become important anytime soon. Right now, we have a bigger fish to fry." I steered the conversation to a different topic and Robin rose an eyebrow at my wording but didn't say anything, letting me continue.
"Have you already made plans for Emmeryn after the assassination attempt?" I asked her.
"Chrom and Emmeryn will hold a council between them on what to do next and Chrom wants my company," Robin said.
"Hmm, would you mind if I go with you?" Maybe I could persuade Emmeryn to stay inside Ylisstol with the Shepherds before the Feroxi came to reinforce the city. The question was if Ylisstol can hold before that.
"Just tell me what happens and I will see what I can do about it, I have heard you got quite the stern trainer and I don't want to miss your lessons." She said in a playful tone, only for me to rebuke her.
"Frederick is going to be there as well. As for what you will talk about…" I recalled what happened during their negotiation and told it to Robin who was taking it with stride, sometimes asking for clarification, but otherwise, she let me finish.
"So, we would relocate Emmeryn inside this manor and go through Breakneck Pass and bring her to a safer location." Robin summed it up.
"Yes, but there is one problem. We would get attacked by the Plegians in the Breakneck Pass and during that time they will start their assault and break through the border with relative ease and then Ylisstol would follow soon enough. Emmeryn would then head back to Ylisstol while the Shepherds would go to get the forces Flavia prepared for us ourselves." I added and Robin clicked her tongue.
"Damn it, so it would mean the city would be in danger, and I wouldn't put past Emmeryn sacrificing herself for the city."
"Yes, she would do that, so I thought you could persuade them to stay here, I would get rid of the hierarch, and then we defend Ylisstol before Flavia comes with her troops," I suggested and Robin got into a thinking pose, murmuring all the while.
"That could work, but I don't know how well Ylisstol could handle a siege. We both know the Ylissian military isn't anything special and the only redeeming quality are the pegasus knights which all of them would get slaughtered at the border, leaving Ylisstol with almost nothing to defend herself with." Robin said while having her hand over her mouth out of nervousness.
The conversation took hold, and it gave me and Robin to contemplate over how we could manage to defend the capital if it was even possible. The silence between us was then broken when Robin spoke up.
"I still can't believe that I know a person who knows the future, I thought it would make things simple, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Maybe it would be better for you to come with me to the meeting." Robin admitted, surprising me slightly.
"Are you sure?" I asked hesitantly.
"Yeah, you are going to be a failsafe just in case somebody wouldn't agree to the plan." Robin elaborated and I grimaced slightly, not at the thought of joining the meeting, but more of confronting Emmeryn, since she has an inkling of what I knew.
But the pros outweighed the cons. Going to the meeting will prove beneficial to all of us.
"Ok then, when does the meeting start?" I asked her the obvious question.
"Quite soon, actually. After lunch, in fact." Robin answered and as if by sheer coincidence, her stomach started to rumble and demanded to get sated.
"I could say something, but I won't. Come on, let's get you something to eat." I encouraged her, but Robin didn't leave her spot.
"Not right now, there are few things that need to get settled-." Her stomach interrupted her again, loudly proclaiming its need.
"Somebody is disagreeing with you," I remarked while chuckling lightly.
A groan escaped Robin's lips and wordlessly left our 'office' to get something to snack on while I followed her to get something myself, only for us to find out that lunch was already ready, with most of the Shepherds occupying the main table.
All of them were eating with little to no noise, but after what happened at the castle yesterday, I couldn't blame them. We both wordlessly sat down while bringing ourselves a stew Stahl made.
Sipping the stew one spoon at a time, I slowly finished it, with Robin being closed behind. Ok, this eerie silence was getting unnerving with each passing second and I didn't like this tension at all, but I didn't think this will be remedied with one or two stupid acts.
This will need some time to simmer down.
Huh, it has been some time since I thought of a pun.
Anyway, we left the barracks while aiming for the castle and I breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the place.
"Damn, I know that the assassination would leave us with a bad taste in our mouths, but that was a little too much. What happened?" I asked Robin to which she also breathed a sigh.
"That and it probably has to do with Chrom's another round of recruitment. Gaius and Panne joined the Shepherds and, yet again, not all of them were thrilled at the idea. Probably because one was with the assassins and the other is a killer rabbit." Robin elaborated.
"A taguel," I corrected "Are all of the Shepherds secretly racist or something?".
"Well, how do you feel about the idea of Chrom letting an ex-assassin into our ranks or a taguel?" Robin fired back.
"Gaius looks to be a man of his word and is a sugar addict and Panne is probably more terrified of all of us more than we are of her. Weren't you with Emmeryn and Panne when they talked about what happened to the taguel?" I shot back and Robin's widen slightly, surprised that I knew about that.
"It is sometimes scary just how much you know." Robin contemplated and I hummed.
"That's why it will only be on a need-to-know basis. We got enough on our hands already with what we are planning. No need to add anything else on top of that." I said and Robin nodded while leading us towards the room where I could already hear discussions going on, although it was sadly intangible.
I opened the door for Robin, leading us inside a rather large room, similar to the throne room. In the center situated a large round table hollowed out with a deep brown color and a white cloth with gold trimmings adorned it.
Emmeryn was standing next to an ornate chair, facing Chrom, who was talking about the idea of relocating Emmeryn. Both of them having their retainers at their sides.
"I told you, Emm, it isn't safe here for you anymore. If they were able to pass our guards, then relocating you would keep you from harm." Chrom was trying to persuade Emmeryn who was taking everything with stride with the whole 'almost being assassinated' thing.
"Chrom, I am happy that you think my safety has priority, but what would the people think? That their Exalt would leave them behind instead of standing with them when a war is on the horizon?" Emmeryn said in a calm yet authoritative voice "No, the people must know that their Exalt stands with them, not against them.".
"Still, Phila said that we weren't able to find any leads so far. If it really were the Plegians then they could get the jump on us a second time. At least come to Ferox where we would be able to protect you better." Chrom argued.
Emmeryn sighed while looking at the ceiling, a contemplating expression on her face. She then turned to face me and Robin when we entered and smiled at us.
"Welcome, Robin, and I see you brought Radko as well." She said in a soft tone. We both bow slightly and spoke "Your Grace." at the same time and she immediately did a quick hand motion, prompting us to ease.
"Thank the gods you came. Robin, please tell my sister to rethink her options and it would be better for her if she would go to Ferox." Chrom pleaded to Robin to find an answer and/or persuade Emmeryn to leave. I was starting to feel bad for him since we will do the exact opposite, at least with a plan in mind.
Robin contemplated for a second, before turning to Phila. This was for the first time that I saw her.
Phila was a woman probably in her mid-thirties with quite pale skin. She had teal-colored hair, not unlike Virion, tied to a bun and had piercing red eyes like they could spot any lie. She wore a pale-golden breastplate, shoulder guards, and hip guards while a teal tunic, pants, and boots were under all of that armor which wasn't much honestly. She adorned a stern expression with her sharp face and one little beauty mark under her left eye.
"Phila, was there any evidence left behind by the assassins that could help us?" Robin asked.
"Currently, nothing useful that would let us find out who the attackers were." She curtly replied and Robin struck a thinking position. She glanced at me and I nodded to her, prompting her to tell them what we cooked up.
"As much as relocating Emmeryn would keep her safe, we can't deny the fact that our enemy was able to pass our guard. You said Phila that your guard system is top-notch, right?" Robin asked her again.
"Yes, we even paid the stealthiest thieves to try and get past us and none were able to," Phila confirmed.
"Which leads us to the most possible conclusion, we have a traitor among us," Robin revealed and all of the people had mixed reactions. Emmeryn gasped slightly, Chrom's eyes widened, mouth agape and I immediately felt Frederick's penetrating gaze, although once he realized it couldn't have been me, he just began to scowl with Phila.
"Robin, are you sure?" Chrom asked Robin, still dumbstruck by the idea of having a traitor within their palace.
"There is really no other conclusion that would insinuate otherwise. If Emmeryn would try and leave the castle, the traitor would find out and sold us out, meaning that the safest place for Emmeryn to stay would be here in the most fortified castle." Robin elaborated and Chrom scowled but couldn't rebuke Robin's claim as much as didn't want to admit it.
"Chrom, I am leaning towards Robin's idea. Yes, this place probably isn't the safest for me right now, but once we find who had a hand in the attempt then we will have nothing to worry about and I need to stay here for the people." Emmeryn resolutely stated, making Chrom look away and an unreadable expression adorned his face.
"Fine, just… find the culprit as fast as possible." Chrom relented, making Emmeryn smile.
"Thank you, Chrom." She thanked him. Although Chrom smiled back at her, I could see the slightly pained expression he had.
"I think I need some fresh air." Chrom excused himself, leaving the room while Frederick strode behind him. I started to feel bad for him, but this was one of the only ways I knew how to keep Emmeryn safe.
"He is quite a doting brother, huh?" I remarked to ease the tension slightly and I was thankful that Emmeryn had a smile on her face.
"He is a caring brother, and I wouldn't trade anyone for him, but he is a little too hotheaded for his own good sometimes." Emmeryn contemplated while turning to face me.
"Now, can I know what your reason is for coming here, Radko?" She asked me to which I shrugged.
"I do, Robin asked me to come here to make sure everything would go smoothly. You could say that was doing the retainer part for Robin." I said nonchalantly and she turned to me with a questioning look.
"I don't need a retainer, nor would I want it to be you of all people." She huffed while crossing her arms. I only returned a bemused smile, although she could learn to hold her words.
But who was I to say anything, this situation was literally 'pot calling the kettle black'.
"Well, today's events certainly were telling me a different story, but I digress," I remarked and then turned back to Emmeryn.
"Anyway, I will personally take the responsibility of finding out the culprit," I said resolutely and Emmeryn's expression grew sterner, yet it was still serene.
"Very well, how much time do you need?" Emmeryn asked me.
"Before the Shepherds' next round of marching." I declared and I got a surprised look from both Emmeryn and Phila.
"You are that confident in your ability to snuff out the culprit?" Phila questioned while having a piercing gaze with her red eyes and I could say it was just as if not even more penetrating than Frederick's.
"Yes," I confirmed and Phila's gaze eased slightly, probably done with her assessment.
"Then you are free to question anyone who you deem a suspect under the authority of the Wing Commander until you find our target. I shall grant you the necessary papers once we deal with planning over the Exalt's safety." Phila declared and I was surprised by the sudden gain of power.
Did it feel good?
I would be lying if I said no, but at the same time, it did make me a little uncomfortable. They do say that with power comes responsibility.
Well, time to get rid of our suspect.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
Finding the hierarch wasn't anything equivalent to an exciting detective thriller, more of an exaggerated game of cat and mouse. I won't bore you with the details, but through a simple process of elimination, interrogation, and knowing the potential threat through my forbidden knowledge, I was able to snuff out the hierarch.
The asshole had a letter with a foreign emblem stuffed under his bed and it was the proof I needed to detain him and bring him to the authorities, where he was probably having a trial right now. Emmeryn would never sentence anyone to death however and he will probably either rot in prison or be in a permanent exile.
But what did I know about the court system here, or what Emmeryn will do? It was just an elaborated guess at this point.
Oh yeah, I got ahold of horse riding finally, after falling from the beast numerous times to Frederick's amusement, but now I should have everything under control. I also finally was able to reuse the sheathe I had for Hielobjerg and now I have a spear frog on my back that allows me to have quick access to my spear, finally ending the frustration of constantly mislaying my weapon.
Shut up, I wasn't Vaike levels of bad, that guy rarely had his weapon with him whenever it was time for training.
Anyway, right now I was with Ricken and Stahl on my first patrol through the outskirts of Ylisstol and I have to say that seeing it on top of a horse was almost breathtaking. The vibrant colors of the plains and trees indicated that fall was coming soon and the slightly cool breeze felt heavenly, no signs of pollution whatsoever, it almost felt like a drug.
It was so heavenly in fact that I was called out by Stahl.
"Still ogling the plains?" He said in an amused tone.
"What can I say? I just like to admire vistas like these since there aren't many of them back home. Nor did the wind had such an amazing smell and feel." I explained while still looking at the plains.
"You know, whenever your homeland is brought up, you usually are quiet about it." Remarked Ricken, but his voice betrayed his curiosity.
"That's because I don't want to get homesick. Reminiscing about what I lost wouldn't be good for my mental health." I explained with an easy-going smile, but I knew that smile didn't reach my eyes.
"Oh, well… sorry for prying." Ricken apologized to which I only shook my head. I turned to Stahl since he was the 'leader' of our small group of three.
"So, where are we going anyway? I knew we were put together but didn't look where are we heading." I said a little sheepishly. Sometimes I was happy I wasn't the tactician. Being airheaded sometimes could be a detriment.
"We are going to the east-south coast of Ylisse. Supposedly, there were several small groups of Risen seen there coming from a cave of sorts and they are attacking nearby villages. Our job is to get rid of the Risen and find the probable source that is coming from the cave." Stahl summarized our mission which was quite lengthy.
"Ok then, I guess we will pass Southtown on our way there, right?" I asked to which Stahl nodded.
"Yes, on a horse it shouldn't take us more than two days to get there, and then it just a half a day march towards our supposed target," Stahl answered.
Well, that meant that I could meet Diluc again. That tavernkeeper will be a sight for sore eyes once we get there. Man, how long has it been since I was in that inn? Four, five months? I lost track. I still remember how I wiped the floor with them in that little contest.
Ah, I could really go for a pint right now.
"Um… Radko? Everything alright?" Ricken said, trying to bring me from my trance.
"Yeah, I just haven't got a pint of beer in a while. Maybe that's why I have been feeling a little down lately." I contemplated while answering Ricken's question, to which he raised an eyebrow.
"I always wanted to ask on how can you people drink that stuff? It's so bitter and bland." He said in a disinterested voice while doing subtle movements with his face that further indicated his point. Creasing eyebrows, scrunched face, or ready to spill the words 'yuck' out of his mouth amongst other things.
"You will appreciate what alcohol offers once you get older," I said in a matter-of-fact tone to which Ricken glared at me.
"I am not a child! You think I am not old enough to drink!?" He exclaimed while almost falling out of his horse from his sudden outburst. It seemed I touched a nerve, unsurprisingly.
"Ricken, I didn't say anything about you being a kid because there is no shame in being young. Enjoy the youth while you can because you will miss it once you get older. Alcohol is just a way to get that youth temporarily back." I explained and Ricken's sudden glare morphed into one of bewilderment.
"Where did that come from?" Ricken asked. I was a little surprised by the sudden question until I realized I rambled nonsense again. I forgot I do that often when alcohol was either being mentioned or consumed in large quantities.
"Oh, I spouted some nonsense, didn't I? Sorry if the inner wise man I have creeped you out." I apologized with a smile.
"Wait, how old are you again?" He asked again. Why did my eyebrow suddenly twitch? It was just a normal question; I never entertained the idea that I would become crusty about my age.
"Twenty-one." I curtly replied and both Stahl and Ricken looked at me funny.
"Wow, that means you senior both of us." Stahl contemplated and I had to do a double-take.
"Really?" They both nodded to my question, a sudden "Huh." escaped from my lips. I didn't know how to feel about that one. Now that I thought about it, I was probably older than most Shepherds and the idea that they were younger than me and were battle-hardened and ready, made me internally grimace.
They have it so much harder than any of us back on Earth.
With that train of thought gone, the conversation continued to common topics such as the aforementioned age, food, magic, and other stuff. Ricken and Stahl were both nice to be around in all honesty and we got to Southtown in two days, as Stahl said. Having them as companions made the travel a lot more fun and less stale.
I was able to spot the city on the horizon, thanks to the slight boost the horse gave me and the afternoon sun shined upon Southtown. In a way, it felt nostalgic, coming back to this city where it all started.
We arrived in the town and brought our horses to the barracks of this small town meant for the town militia. They also offered us to stay inside the barracks for the night which we gladly took. We were inside one of the rooms meant for four people with two bunk beds.
Ricken was on top of one while I and Stahl remained on the ground level. Ricken was reading one of his books he brought along and I and Stahl were simply laying in our beds, waiting for the night to come.
Oh, who am I kidding? Of course not, we left the room immediately once we settled in and I and Stahl went to Diluc's tavern immediately, leaving Ricken behind. We didn't kick down the door like Vaike would, however. We simply entered the inn we little flare, took seats on two stools, and waited for Diluc to come.
The brown bearded bartender that roped the entire pup to give me roughly ten silver coins came to take our orders. Once he spotted me with my trademark coat, his eyes flared with recognition and a big smile graced his burly features.
"Well, well, well, if it ain't Radko. Took ye long enough to come back." He bereted in a bemused tone. He then eyed Stahl to my left side "And you brought some company this time, your loyal retainer finally found ye or somethin'?".
I was struggling to keep my laughter down, but the expression Stahl had on his face that was filled with confusion broke me, and started to laugh.
Ah, that felt good, I knew coming to this place would be worth it. After my laughter died down that no one joined in, I explained to Diluc who Stahl actually was.
"As much as I would entertain the thought, no. This is Stahl, Diluc. One of the Shepherds under the command of prince Chrom." Stahl then waved a little awkwardly while saying "Hi." and then it was Diluc's turn to look bewildered.
"Lad, what in the seven hells have you been doin' these past several months?" He questioned. I first asked him to give us a pint before telling him pretty much the entire story on what have been doing so far. Diluc was a great listener, although he got interrupted from time to time when he needed to refill any of the patrons a mug, but otherwise stayed silent and heard me out.
"Lad, ye have been a whole adventure while I was here, stuck with 'em meatheads, servin' 'em booze they can't handle." Diluc contemplated once I finished my tale while drinking another mug of ale. Stahl went to play cards with the patrons. If it was played with money or not, I didn't know,
"Yeah, and now I am on my way towards another mission. Need to kill some of those walking corpses before coming back to the capital." I said in a slightly sore voice from all of the talking I have done.
"Ye sure you doin' alright? I see the light in your eyes had dimmed a little." He stated and I would have never thought that a bartender would be able to help with what I was going through, but I might as well give it a try.
"I have killed people, Diluc, and I don't know how far I can hold on, honestly. I thought that I would be able to deal with it, only for me to find out it isn't that easy. Having blood on my hands disgusts me and I hate the guilt the killing brings." I rambled while bringing my head down on the wooden table. The more I drank, the more of these depressing thoughts resurfaced and I could probably drown from all the sorrow I was experiencing right now.
Damn, I thought some rounds could help me, but it was doing the exact opposite right now.
"Hmm, well lad, the best way to ease that guilt is by openin' up and talkin' with others 'bout it," Diluc advised, making me bring my head from the countertop to look up at him.
"I don' look like it but used to fight for this land during the last war. Killed a few soldiers and innocent people, too. The only way to live with that guilt is to accept it, talk 'bout it with others over booze, and move on. If it weren't for my wife then I'd probably in the gutter right now." He reminisced and he looked me in the eyes, piercing through my very being, not unlike Phila or Frederick would "Don't keep it bottled up in there, ye hear me?".
The sudden wise words from him almost brought a tear to my eye and I smiled at him. I didn't think that he could help with my problem, but he did. I should heed his words, shouldn't I?
Very well, when I get back to Ylisstol, the first thing I will do is to open up to more people once I get the chance. If it will be over tea, beer, or anything else, I don't care. Keeping all of the guilt bottled up won't help anyone, especially me.
"Thanks." I thanked him for his wise words, and he smiled back at me.
"Ye're welcome, lad. Now, let's leave the sappy talk for a different night. I want to see some fire in yer eyes, so I am uppin' the stakes!" He loudly proclaimed "I got some Feroxi fire wine from the north, I wager ye can't drink a whole mug of that stuff. Half a gold coin." He eyed me with a glint in his eyes while preparing a mug of some fine Feroxi fire wine.
"Are you ever going to learn your lesson someday?" I boasted with a deadly smirk in place since I already knew how did the wine taste. His hearty laughter filled the entire pub and I had a strong sense of déjà vu. The patrons started to yet again gather around, betting if I could do it or not.
"Now that's the fire I like to see. Don't matter however, I think I like my chances today!" He barked during his laughter.
Well, time to put the old man and this entire inn in their place.
{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}
"Tsk, weaklings. They never saw it coming." I declared with a smirk once we were on our way to our targeted location on the map. Beating Diluc in his wager was easy and I earned me some coin, but I immediately gave it back to Diluc, since the patrons broke one too many stools and tables once a bar fight broke out.
For the record, I had zero clues as to how that bar fight started, so instead, we left the inn before it got out of hand. You could say that since I was a Shepherd that I should have tried and kept a peaceful atmosphere in the inn but quelling over twenty drunkards to calm down would be equivalent to trying to do two Frederick's Fanatical Fitness hours in one day.
It's impossible.
Don't ask me how I know that.
"Man, I don't know who started that fight, but I was ready to win the game back there." Stahl slumped his shoulders while a sigh escaped from his lips "At least the food was good.".
"How do you not have a hangover right now, Radko?" Ricken contemplated because he heard from Stahl just how much drank back in the tavern.
"Strong liver and lots of water, Ricken," I answered curtly to the surprise of Ricken and Stahl. They eyed me funny, probably having no idea how water could make things better.
"Just keep it a secret, ok? I don't need Sully or Vaike suddenly beating me in drinking contests." I loudly whispered to them through my smile.
Our slight banter ended there and we quietly made our way towards our target, we didn't want to attract too many Risen with our talk. Surprisingly, the things could hear to some extent, so the only things that could be heard from us were our footsteps and the sound of hoofs banging against the ground.
We met a few Risen here or there, but they were mostly stranglers that could have been easily picked off with Ricken's wind magic. I would rather not use mine, since Miriel still hasn't found anything yet, so I was mostly in the melee, but the Risen were more of a nuisance.
Their attacks were predictable, their weapons were rusty, and had no attack plan other than charging us.
The only problem was their numbers, the more we got the supposed cave, their number increased from single pairs to almost half a dozen, but thankfully it was still manageable.
We were in the middle of a forest, close to one of the mountains and I unstuck my spear from one of the Risen blobs and grimaced at the smell they left behind. Stahl and Ricken were not far behind with torch in hand, lighting the way for us.
"There, that should give us some reprieve," I said, at least somewhat happy for a little break. As much as these monsters were easy to kill, they still took precious stamina away and we didn't have so many vulneraries.
I wish we brought a healer with us, but Lissa was with Chrom and Maribelle was in a different team, leaving us to rely on a limited supply of vulneraries. We must be careful about how we use them.
"We should be able to see the cave up ahead," Stahl said while being on top of his horse, looking at the direction we were heading. With only a few meters in we were able to spot the cave.
And we couldn't see far, now I was kind of happy we brought a torch, but that left the horses.
"What are going to do about the horses? We can't bring them inside the cavern since they are too big." I asked the obvious question to which Stahl just simply dismounted, brought his sword with him, and slapped his horse.
It immediately reacted and started to gallop in the general direction back to Southtown. I starred at Stahl slack-jawed from the sudden dismissal of his horse and Ricken had done the same. I looked back to my mount, wary of the creature, but if it was that easy then I should be able to do it too, right?
I hesitantly came close to my mount and slapped it at the same place both Ricken and Stahl did and lo and behold, the mount followed the two horses as well, leaving me completely baffled and without my mount.
"How the hell does that work?" I voiced my thoughts.
"It just does. They will wait for us inside the stables of Southtown." Stahl answered, who was probably used to it by now while bringing his torch "Come on, let's go inside. Just make sure we are always together, no splitting up.".
I and Ricken followed him, but before we went deeper inside the cavern, I stopped them.
"Bring the level of the torch lower, we do not want to suffocate in there," I advised, but I only got a questioning look from Stahl.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because fire burns thanks to oxygen and we breathe oxygen as well. If the fire burns out, then we burn out as well." I elaborated and Ricken nodded to that, humming his answer.
Stahl proceeded to shrug and brought the torch above our knees, still giving us enough light inside the cave. The dark stone color of the cave absorbed the light of the torch giving us little light, some rocks reflecting it a little, but still only enough to see at least a meter in front of us.
We stayed clumped together to make sure no one was left behind, but the most disturbing part was that there were no sounds of Risen coming from the cave. The only sound we could hear was the crackling of the torch and our surprisingly loud footsteps.
The air felt extremely humid and a sudden smell enveloped us, the same smell when you kill a Risen. The pungent odor of rotten flesh and iron permeated the air, and I could see broken and rusty weapons on the ground while some walls were smeared with actual human blood.
Once we spotted all of the signs of human struggle, we all looked at each other and nodded, bringing our weapons at the ready, and moved forwards.
We didn't utter a single word, not wanting to jinx ourselves and we continued to move deeper inside the cave. No branching paths, no deathtraps, just a single pathway that led us towards a set of stone doors.
"I was expecting a lot of things, but a door wasn't one of them," I remarked and once Stahl got closer; we could inspect the door better. It was made with the same stone as the cave, the only thing that betrayed the idea of it being a door was the dark outline of a rectangle, carved into the barely visible stone.
"Hold on, let me handle this," Ricken said while bringing one of his hands on the stone door. He seemed to concentrate for a few seconds, a small rune appeared under his arm until a scowl formed on his face once he was done, the rune disappearing inside the stone.
"It's locked, just as I thought." He murmured while pulling his hand away, but loud enough for us to hear.
"Is there any other way for us to break through?" Stahl asked while scratching his head, but Ricken shook his head.
"No, it would take too much time to decipher and I think we would just face more Risen on the other side anyway. Let's go back and report what we found here once we get back to the capital." Ricken urged us.
Was there really no way to open it? Instead of following Ricken and Stahl, I touched the stone door, hoping something would happen, but wishful thinking didn't get me far as the stone was just cold and lifeless, not making any motion whatsoever.
I glided my hand against the stone to find anything resembling a hole or something that would allow us to get in until I found a large groove, big enough to fit a hand in. In fact, it did resemble a hand.
"Hey guys, I think I found something," I said to the duo while still eyeing the groove. They both turned back to me and came to inspect the groove as well.
"Hmm, looks like the lock will only unlock for people with the exact hand pattern. Interesting… Stahl could you bring the torch closer, I need to make some notes." Ricken then pulled his notebook from his robes and a long coal stick wrapped in thin leather and started scribble down the pattern while Stahl gave him enough light.
"How about we try and touch it?" I suggested while putting one hand inside my pocket.
"I wouldn't suggest that. We don't know what defense mechanism the door operates on." Ricken said while still scribbling down the pattern of the groove.
"If you say so." I relented, but instead of just giving up, I used my tome to create a spark of flame in my hand and looked around the door to find anything other than the groove itself, and lo and behold, I found something that almost brought a chill down my spine.
Next to the stone door, there was one symbol carved on the wall of the cave.
And that symbol was my lion.
I looked at the spear I held in my hand and inspect the pin I had the blacksmith forge in, and it was pretty much identical.
What did that mean, however? Because I had no clue. But if the pin is exactly the same as the marking, then…
I snuffed the fire inside my hand and went back to the stone door, Ricken still scribbling and Stahl bent down to give him some light, but without giving a warning, I touch the groove with my right hand.
"Wait! What are you doi-?!" I didn't hear the rest of what Ricken said as I felt as if my vision was filled with white light, blinding me and I immediately put a hand to block the harsh light. A sudden wind blew to knock me down, but I kept my ground, thanks to my spear as I plunged it to the ground.
I held to the spear with all my might and once the wind and light died down, I open my eyes and I gasped, no believing the sight I was met with.
It was the Charles Bridge…
I was at the Charles Bridge! The statues, the lights, the river, everything looked just as I remembered them!
But it was empty, void of people, just like last time, not even Ricken nor Stahl was here. I franticly look around to find any form of life on this bridge, but I didn't found anyone. I slumped from the fact I was here alone, but once I tried to get off the bridge, I bumped into an invisible barrier, blocking me from leaving.
I touched it and my hand was surrounded by dense light, not letting the hand pass any further. The hope of finally meeting my mother after so long was immediately snuffed out, leaving me looking at the ground.
"Am I… really home?" I croaked out. This… this wasn't my home I longed for. This was just an illusion, a fake and accepting that was hard. There was always a part of me that hoped I would be able to get eventually home, but this foreign place was mocking that hope, never letting me experience the peace I once lost.
I shook my head and readied my lance, clenching it tightly in my hand, as if testing that the spear I had in my hand wasn't an illusion too, and with all my might, I stabbed the barrier. The screeching noise it made was overpowering, but I kept pushing the spear in. Cracks began to form around the barrier, and with one final push, it broke like glass, creating a hole big enough for me to fit in.
Pieces of the barrier were rapidly disappearing once they hid the ground into dust that was immediately swept away by a light breeze. The hole I made led towards darkness, in complete contrast to the bright place I appeared in.
I stepped inside while not looking back, and once both my feet were inside the darkness, the world I left behind disappeared. My footsteps made a sloshing noise and created an echoing sound, but I ignored everything around me. My being urged me to move forward as if answers were waiting to be revealed for me if I moved in said direction.
One step at a time I trekked forward and then I saw another tunnel of light amid this black veil. I moved from a walk to a sprint to get to the light as quickly as possible, until it engulfed me again making me shield my eyes one more time. Once the harsh light dissipated, I was greeted by yet another familiar sight.
The train station.
"This is just a bad joke at this point," I muttered under my breath, disinterested in the stuff the supposed stone door was pulling off. What caught me off-guard however was that this time, people were walking around the station without a care in the world.
None looked my way, as if I didn't have the spear in my hand that nor the visible holster I had for my tome. They were probably thinking I was only some kind of bad cosplayer.
I chuckled at my thoughts; I do probably look like one.
That was until I spotted one old man, hunched over a cane, bald head, and white long beard. I immediately recognized the outfit he wore as well. The scowl that appeared on my face was probably the deepest I ever created and I clutched my spear tightly, my knuckles turning white under my gloves.
I rushed at the old man, ready to knock him down. The beating heart I felt in my chest that seemed to respond to my urge to utter a beatdown on this asshole filled me with instant adrenaline.
"ALEXANDER!" I yelled out, the words echoed inside the illusion and not a single person turned to look at me, meaning they were fakes as well. The sudden yell brought the hunched man to turn around. Seeing me being ready to punch him in his stupid face brought a slightly concerned face, but I didn't care what he thought, this was justice.
Hello, face of the old bastard, MEET MY FIST!
I felt the impact vibrate through my entire body and the level of satisfaction I felt in that one punch alone almost made the entire journey through Ylisse worth it.
Key word being 'almost'.
The punch made Alexander fall on the ground, the illusion dissipating all the while, leaving only whiteness around us. I heard an audible groan coming from the old bastard, leaving me even more satisfied.
"I see your fist pack some punch," Alexander admitted through another groan after processing what happened to him.
"There is plenty more where that came from. Now, tell me one single reason why I shouldn't end you right here, right now." I said as I got closer to him and leveled my spear at his throat and instead of pleading for his life, he only smirked, his face being completely fine after I punched him.
"Is this how you greed your acquaintances? You point your spear at them?" Alexander asked, bemused by his situation.
"Don't be smart with me, old man. I have zero reasons to keep you alive, but I am giving you a chance if you will give me answers I want and need." I elaborated while getting ever so closer with my spear to his neck.
"Very well, you have at least earned that much, if that punch wasn't satisfactory enough." Alexander relented as I removed the spear from his neck. The scowl was still plastered on my face, but the thought of killing him made me disgusted at myself instead.
I felt like a goddamn serial killer.
After Alexander stood up and dusted his clothes off, from what I didn't know, since everything around us was white, he proceeded to sit down on… nothing. I knew Alexander was weird, but this was reaching new heights.
"Well, ask. We don't have much time if you don't want your comrades to be too worried about you." Alexander urged me and my face started to hurt from all of the scowlings I had done so I eased slightly.
"Why me?" That was all I said and Alexander raised an eyebrow, so I elaborated further "Why me of all people? I was just a student with below-average grades, no secret potential within me." I said while almost starting to tear up, Alexander was silent, letting me continue my rant.
"So why did you had to choose me!? I never wanted to be a hero! I never wanted to be special! I was content with my life but you just had to bring me to Ylisse and I immediately thought that I would die, yet somehow I knew how to cast magic, how to kill effectively, and you forced me to stain my hands with foreign blood, thinking that I was doing the right thing, helping the people there!" I yelled out, tears freely flowing from my eyes.
"So, I ask you! Why me!? Why do I suddenly have some stupid powers!? What have you done to me!?" I cried in front of him, questions spilling out like a broken faucet. The look Alexander gave me was one of sadness and understanding.
"Then why does it feel like you are trying to bear the world on your shoulders alone then?" Alexander asked but I immediately leveled my spear on him.
"You will answer my questions first," I said with a sneer, my eyes red from the crying. Alexander sighed, then cleared his throat and was ready to answer.
"I needed someone to correct the path of one unlucky individual who sadly went astray after some unfortunate events and you seemed to be the perfect someone that could help him." Alexander elaborated while I hooked my spear to my frog and let him continue "The number of similarities you both have, from your looks to the way you act is astounding and I needed that to perform a certain ritual."
"A ritual?" I parroted while crossing my arms.
"Yes, to bind the both of you into a single body and mind and it seemed you were more dominant in mind while Adrian was in the former." My eyes immediately bulged out after Alexander mentioned Adrian. I immediately took him by his shirt, pulling him up from his invisible chair. The name Lucina called me more than once, it all made too much sense now.
"And you have done this without mine nor his consent!?" I yelled at Alexander and the broody look from him confirmed it. I thought I couldn't get more disgusted with him, but this was too much. Not only it explained my sudden ability to cast, but also how quickly I learn the way of the spear.
I just had a different body. A body of a boy who didn't know anything about this nor did I.
I scowled again at Alexander and threw him to the ground, earning a grunt from him once he hit it.
"You have tried to hide it by giving Adrian's body my clothes and stuff, didn't you?" I didn't get an answer from him as he stayed silent "You should be happy you are not talking to him right now. No matter how connected he is with you, he would have killed you on the spot if he would act anything remotely like me." I said while spitting at him. He didn't even try to hide anything by pleading or begging, he knew everything from the start.
"You disgust me, Alexander. I wish I have never met you. Brood in your self-despair, because even if you pleaded for help, I wouldn't give you any, nor would you get some from Adrian." I resented while turning away from him. Once I found the end of this whiteness, I stabbed it with my spear and created another entrance.
I looked back at Alexander who was standing on the ground, leaning on his cane "If it weren't for Adrian's sake then I would have ignored your plea. I would have found the Outrealm Gate and left Ylisse immediately after the war with Plegia was done, but it seems that plans never last long once they get confronted.".
"I warn you, anything that tied with Adrian now ties with you. That world will see you as Adrian instead." He warned and that just made me smirk.
"I have already made a mark there as myself and if Adrian would somehow wake up and wanted his body back, then I shall give it to him freely. It's not like I belong in that world anyway." I said without turning back and left him. For the last time, white light filled my eyes and I closed them, my body acted on its own as it entered the same position as I left it, hand leaning on the groove.
My eyes were still closed, but the sudden shout from Stahl brought me back.
"Radko, come on! Wake up!" My eyes shot open and I jumped slightly, only being able to spot Stahl with his torch in hand and a concerned expression adorned his face.
"You alright? You were standing there for some time after you touched the groove." He asked, worried over me.
"Yes, I am fine. How long was I out?" I answered while turning to Ricken, aiming the question at him.
"A few seconds at best, but why did you touch it!? Something else could have happened to you instead of just a few-second trance!" Ricken bereted and I was slightly surprised by the suddenly concerned tone Ricken had. They really were worried about me.
"I am sorry, I guess my body acted faster than my thoughts did," I said sheepishly while rubbing the back of my head, but not mentioning what happened during the trance. Ricken sighed while pocketing his writing utensils.
"At least you are fine. Come on, we got everything we came for, let's report back to the capital." Ricken urged and I and Stahl nodded to that. We let Stahl take the lead with his torch to give us some light, but before we left, I turned back to look at the stone door again, a contemplating look on my face.
"I warn you, anything that tied with Adrian now ties with you. That world will see you as Adrian instead." Alexander's words echoed in my mind and I scowled.
Why did those words resonate with me the most? The amount of foreboding that brought made me almost shiver.
"Radko! Get a move on!" Stahl yelled and I immediately turned back and caught up with the duo, ready to leave for the capital.
AN: And I am back from my three-week hiatus! I hope you guys weren't too lonely up in here, but wow you guys blew it out of the water with the support. 80 follows while I was gone? You guys are mad and I love all of you.
Anyway, this one is a doozy and sets up a lot of the plot. Who is this Adrian? Why did Alexander merge the two? For those who like spotting little details and clues, there is one small clue that hints at what the potential plot could be. It's all the way back in Chapter 1! Good luck finding it!
As always, the support I get from the Fanfiction Treehouse is amazing!
Link to the discord server: gg/9XG3U7a
Also, I am moving from a one-week upload schedule to a two-week one. Getting these chapters is a little taxing and I want the story to be a good read in the future. So much for unfulfilled promises.
Have a good day guys! You all rule!
God's speed.