Badon Area, Lycia…
After nearly a day of travel, the mixed group of Lycians and Ylisseans found themselves just a short distance away from the port of Badon. As it was almost approaching sunset, they decided to stop for the day and set up for nighttime.
After dinner, Lyn found herself in the back of the mess tent. There, she found a young priest washing some dishes.
"Hey… uh, Brady, right?"
"That's me…" Brady responded without looking up.
"Do you know where Lucina might be?" Lyn asked.
"Lucina?" At this, Brady looked up at her. "Why'r you lookin' for her? ...Nevermind… that's none o' my business…"
"No… it's fine… I just wanted to talk to her."
"Well, I dunno where she is right now… but if she ain't with Robin, she's probably trainin' somewhere."
"Oh… All right… thanks."
"No problem…" Brady deadpanned, as Lyn made her exit faster than he could finish his two words.
Lyn went to go searching for Lucina, understanding that she couldn't be with Robin currently. Under her request, Kent was currently occupying the tactician's time, under the pretense of combat training.
After a little searching, Lyn found Lucina a short distance away from camp, swinging a practice sword. Nearby, Anna was perched on a low hanging branch of a large tree, watching over the bluenette.
Cautiously, Lyn approached the two of them.
Sensing someone approaching, Lucina turned to face her.
"Oh… Lyn… what brings you here?"
"I… uh… I wanted to talk to you."
"Well, why don't you spar with me a little first?" Lucina gestured to some of the practice swords lying on the ground nearby. "Anna's not exactly the best practice partner…"
To Lyn, it didn't seem like just a mere request. She nodded, and picked out a practice sword that was similar in length and weight to her Mani Katti.
In reality, it wasn't too much of a request for Lyn in the first place. Actually, she normally would jump at the opportunity of practicing with someone of a somewhat similar fighting style as her, but as it stands, she was more nervous about the potentially awkward conversation that they were about to have than excited about the sparring opportunity.
Still, she kept up with Lucina. It wasn't too difficult, as Lyn didn't need to go all out. Obviously, Lucina wasn't trying her hardest either. And so, the two of them began to test the waters a little, and Lyn gradually felt herself beginning to warm up.
"So what was it that you wanted to talk about?" Lucina asked after they took a break from their exchanges. She had a good guess, but it was better to hear it from Lyn herself.
"...I-I… I heard that Robin is a-allowed to take mistresses…" Lyn awkwardly stuttered.
"Mm… yeah." Lucina admitted. "What about it?"
"...A-and… I heard from Anna that you're the one… who decides… who… can…"
"You mean you'd like to sleep with Robin as well, is that it?"
"No, that's not-" Lyn protested.
"I'm just messing with you." Lucina admitted. "I understand what you're trying to ask."
"Then…"
"I refuse."
"...why?" Lyn clenched her jaw.
"Well, I've only just met you a couple days ago." Lucina pointed out. "I have no idea what you're really like, what your true feelings are, what intentions you have… as things are, you're asking a little too much of me, don't you think?"
"I suppose…" Lyn had to admit she had a point. "Then, does this mean you can reevaluate your answer once you get to know me?"
Lucina stared at the greenette for a few moments.
"Let me ask you this… what can you offer Robin that he wouldn't already have?"
"..." Lyn hesitated at the unexpected question. "Um… well… I… I can protect him."
Lyn knew as soon as the words left her lips, it wasn't a very convincing answer.
"Robin doesn't need your protection." Lucina responded. "That may sound harsh, but it's true. He barely could use mine. Though he's Ylisse's tactician, he can fend for himself just as well as anyone else… it's part of what makes him so incredible."
"Then..." Lyn bit her lip. "I'm… not sure…"
"How about this then? If you defeat me, I'll agree to let you marry Robin."
"I'm… sorry?" Lyn didn't think she heard Lucina correctly.
"You said you'd protect him, right?" Lucina asked. "If you can beat me, then you could protect him better than I can right? Honestly, it's a pretty good deal for you."
"You're on!" Lyn gave her a look of determination.
The two of them assumed a fighting stance once again.
"Don't worry about hurting me." Lucina told her. "Anna will be able to heal any of our injuries, as long as they don't immediately kill us. ...Not that you'll necessarily be able to land a hit on me in the first place."
Lyn directed her gaze towards Anna, who gave her a thumbs up to indicate that she had heard her liege.
"Got it.." Lyn took a deep breath, before lunging at Lucina.
This time, the two of them didn't hold anything back.
Lyn was hoping to use her agility to earn herself an early advantage. However, to her chagrin, it seems that Lucina could easily match her speed. Even as Lyn felt herself approaching her limit, she still pushed herself harder and harder, in hopes that she could land a lucky and decisive blow.
Lyn threw a chest-high swing at Lucina, which was blocked, just like the dozens of times before. Wary of the imminent counterattack, Lyn dodged backwards, narrowly avoiding the retaliating strike from Lucina.
In the blink of an eye, several exchanges had passed, and there was still no sign of victory or defeat from either of them.
Lucina had just blocked another jab from Lyn, and returned a heavy swing towards the greenette. Lyn, reacting in time, dashed backwards a couple steps and avoided the strike
Both girls were panting heavily. Though they didn't have any physical injuries yet, it was clear that both of them were beginning to tire out. Lyn wiped away a bead of sweat from her brow while Lucina did the same to her neck with the back of one hand.
Both of them had a determined look in their eyes as they refused to back down.
Lyn knew that she didn't have much left in her, so she had to decide everything in the next couple of exchanges.
After another exchange, Lyn felt she had a small opportunity. Remembering what Lucina had told her at the beginning of their fight, Lyn decided to take a risk and swung her practice sword upwards, towards Lucina's head. As she was doing so, Lyn instantly regretted it. If the blow connected, it was possible to knock her out permanently…
In her slight moment of slight hesitation, Lucina was able to react in time and dodged underneath Lyn's swing. With a swing of her leg, Lucina knocked Lyn off her feet. Before Lyn could get back up, Lucina was already standing over her with the tip of her sword at her neck.
"All right… I lost." Lyn admitted.
Lucina offered her a hand and helped pull the greenette back onto her feet.
"That was really close." Lucina smiled. "I haven't had a sparring partner that was that close to my skill level in a long time…"
"But you still won…" Lyn had a dejected look on her face. "...I'll leave the two of you alone…"
"Wait…" Lucina gripped Lyn's arm as she tried to leave. "Give me a few days to think about it…"
"...You mean…" Lyn turned to face her.
"Well, it really could've gone either way." Lucina admitted. "It's only fair… what was it you said? Ah, yes… I'll give you an answer once I get to know you better…"
"...Thank you…" Lyn nodded. After receiving a smile from the bluenette, Lyn left with a sigh.
"...You looked like you were struggling back there…" Anna hopped off the branch she had sat on. She glanced at Lyn's retreating figure as she made her way over to Lucina.
"Yeah… she's faster than I expected…" Lucina admitted as she leaned on her sword, out of breath.
"I honestly couldn't tell who would be able to hold on longer…" Anna nodded in agreement. "But I guess your endurance won out… this time."
"I don't get it…"
"What do you mean?" Anna turned to Lucina.
"The only time I've ever seen someone fight like that… was before Naga sent me back in time…"
"You're… gonna have to elaborate on that…"
"She fought that battle like she was fighting for her life." Lucina explained. "And did you see what she tried to do at the end? If I wasn't fast enough, she could've killed me… it would've at least given me a wound that probably only Aunt Lissa could treat."
"You, don't seem very upset about that…"
"Well, I think that might've been partially my fault too…"
"So what's the final verdict?"
"I think she truly cares about Robin… but maybe it was just desperation..." Lucina sighed. "I'll continue to observe her for a little longer…"
The Next Day, Port of Badon…
"Are you sure this is all we have to do?" Kent asked a Ylissean Paladin. His name was Stahl, Kent remembered.
"Yup… not much to it." Stahl replied lazily.
"You… aren't concerned for their safety at all?" Kent inquired. "This area is known to have all sorts of thieves and pirates…"
"Don't worry…" Stahl chuckled. "Frederick and Gaius are with them… and every one of them is capable of holding their own if a fight were to break out. Our job is to just be ready to move out at a moment's notice."
"Yeah… I got it."
"Well?" Wil asked once Kent returned from his inquiry. "What did he say?"
"He's not worried at all… none of them seem to be worried at all." Kent shook his head. "I guess we're just anxious for no reason…"
"Well, Robin's there… and in the worst case scenario, Florina can fly her to safety… I think Lady Lyndis will be just fine." Wil shrugged.
"Maybe it's just me then…" Kent sighed.
"You worry too much." Sain nodded in agreement. "She's in good hands."
"Speaking of which… that knight…" Wil cupped his chin.
"Who? Stahl?" Kent asked.
"Er… yeah… he kind reminds me of the two of you… like if someone combined the two of you into one person…"
"You mean the overwhelming strength of Sain combined with the practiced skill of ol' Kent?" Sain asked with a smug look on his face.
"...I was more thinking along the lines of the carefree personality you have combined with the dependableness of Kent…" Wil sweatdropped.
"Well, that's fine too." Sain smiled triumphantly.
"I don't think he meant it as a compliment…" Kent chuckled.
"Sure he did… hey have you two noticed anything about Lady Lyndis recently?"
"No... " Wil narrowed his eyes. "Why?"
"Doesn't it seem like she's been wearing a tense expression lately? Like something is troubling her?"
"Hm… now that you mention it… she did look a little frustrated during the march today. Maybe she's just been a little stressed recently? ...What do you think, Kent?"
"I'm… not sure." Kent shrugged as he shook his head helplessly. "Maybe she just needs a good night's rest… I'm sure if she has a problem we could help her with, she'd tell us. I know you mean well, but sometimes, it's best to leave a lady be."
"Yeah… perhaps you're right." Sain nodded.
Meanwhile…
"Huh… I didn't realize it'd be this hard to find someone with a boat that's willing to ferry us over to Valor…" Eliwood sighed after a couple hours of searching.
"Yeah… and it's not because they're all busy either…" Lyn frowned. "When I asked one of the fishermen, he thought I was crazy… is this place we're going really that dangerous?"
"Don't worry… I'm sure we'll figure something out eventually…" Florina comforted her.
"I really hope Hector and the others had better luck than us…" Lyn sighed.
"Well, speak of the devil…" Eliwood chuckled. "It looks like they're coming this way."
"I think we found something!" Hector waved at them while being closely followed by Chrom, Robin, Frederick and Anna.
"You found a ship?" Eliwood asked?
"Er…"
"Not exactly." Chrom responded. "More like a tip."
"Most of the locals are scared to sail to Valor." Hector explained. "They call it the Dread Isle for a reason… but if we hire some pirates, they'd be willing to take us there."
"Eh!?" Lyn looked shocked. "Pirates!?"
"Yup." Anna responded. "We all split up to search, but not a single local is even entertaining the idea. The only option is to hire some pirates."
"Huh…" Eliwood cupped his chin. "It looks like we have no choice…"
"Are you serious Eliwood!?" Lyn exclaimed. "Working with pirates!? That's unbelievable!"
"Well, who else can we turn to?" Hector asked. "None of the locals will do it, even if we offered them all the gold in our coffers."
"Unfortunately, it looks like we'll have to take what we can get here." Robin nodded in agreement.
"You too Robin!?" Lyn gritted her teeth.
"Lyn… calm down…" Eliwood tried to coax her.
"Given the current situation, it's the best chance we have." Chrom also tried to persuade her logically.
"I've misjudged you!" Lyn declared. "I've misjudged all of you! It's foolish to trust the goodwill of pirates! I'm finding another way!"
Lyn stormed off, with Florina following after her once she gave an apologetic look to the others.
"What's wrong with her?" Hector asked. "Why's she so angry?"
"Yeah… I'm confused as well…" Chrom frowned.
"Lyn's family was slain by bandits." Robin sighed. "And pirates are basically bandits of the sea… To Lyn, they're all the same… Lawbreakers and murderers…"
"I see… My parents died of illness…" Hector sighed. "But I can appreciate her feelings. Shall we abandon the pirate plan then?"
"No." Robin shook her head. "I know she doesn't like it, but in times of conflict, sometimes we're forced to compromise or make decisions we don't like. I feel like she'll calm down once she has some time to vent."
"Well… let's find the pirates then." Eliwood suggested. "Any idea where to look?"
"Gaius found some in a local tavern." Robin offered. "He's already gotten on their good side… at least, that's what he tells me."
"That fast!?" Hector asked.
"Well, with his background, I'm not that surprised." Frederick chuckled.
"Yeah, you're right about that." Chrom nodded.
"Well, lead the way then!" Hector gestured with his hand.
With Chrom and Frederick in the lead, the group made their way towards the tavern.
"...You know, you didn't have to come with us…" Robin whispered to Anna, who was clinging onto his arm. "You could've rested with the others…"
"Yeah, but what would be the point?" Anna responded. "I wouldn't be doing anything else anyways. And it'd be a waste of my day with you."
"But isn't this more tiring?"
"Maybe… but it's definitely worth it." Anna leaned her head against his shoulder. "Just think of it as a date!"
"Uh… if you say so…"
Anna giggled in response. "You know, this place is pretty calming… it's a very scenic place as well."
"Well, maybe one day we can come back here… when we're not in the middle of a conflict… we'll be able to go on a real date then."
"...I'd really like that." Anna whispered in a voice so quiet that only Robin could barely hear her.
As the group entered the tavern, they heard a whistle from the interior as Gaius waved them over.
"Ah, you whelps are the ones that wanted to see me?" A muscular old pirate asked.
"This is Fargus, Captain of the Davros." Gaius introduced them.
"None of you are my mates." Fargus waved them off. "Just call me Fargus. Now what is it that you wanted?"
"We want to book passage to Valor." Eliwood got straight to the point.
"The Dread Isle!?" Even Fargus looked surprised. "What do you want to go there for? ...Nevermind, it doesn't concern me. How much are you paying?"
"We… don't know the current rates." Eliwood hesitated as he turned to his companions. "Tell us how much you want."
Fargus stroked his beard as he pondered the question for a moment. "100,000 gold." He finally responded.
"Wait, 100,000!?" Hector didn't think he heard Fargus correctly.
"Well, are you payin'?" Fargus chuckled.
"We… don't have that much with us." Robin spoke up. "We'll return once we have the money."
"Take your time…" Fargus didn't seem all that disappointed.
"Come… let's go." Chrom, reading Robin's gestures, convinced the two Lycian Lords to leave as well."
"100,000?" Gaius asked. "That's pretty harsh, and I think even you know that."
"That's why I'm glad with their response." Fargus smirked. "A couple o' rich brats might've agreed right away and kicked the bucket on that island. A refusal means they've at least got somethin' useful in their noggins."
"Well, they're my employers, so I'd better follow them." Gaius finished his drink and got up. "It was nice talkin' to you, gramps."
Fargus grinned and raised one arm in acknowledgement of the sugar-loving thief's departure.
"Anna, do we have 100,000 gold?" Chrom asked once they've regrouped outside.
"Well…" Anna sighed. "Yes… but the real question is, do you really want to pay a pirate that much gold? It's not whether or not we can afford it… but if we really pay them 100,000, we'll be left with not much."
"It's not worth it." Robin shook his head.
"We can't ask for you to empty your treasury for my sake." Eliwood nodded his head in agreement.
"Well… maybe we can sell some of our stuff… didn't Merlinus bring merchandise with him?" Hector asked. "Also, I swear I saw an arena in this town… perhaps we can earn some gold?"
"An arena, huh?" Chrom grinned. "That sounds fun…"
"But at the end of the day, we'll still have to shell out 100,000 gold, right?" Robin asked. "I think there's a much more direct way."
"And that is?" Hector asked.
"We force them to take us." Robin replied. "And if they're not willing, we can just kill the pirates and take their ship."
"Er… isn't that breaking several laws?" Eliwood chuckled nervously.
"Well, they're not exactly giving us many options." Robin shrugged. "10,000 gold, I would've given them. 100,000 is robbery in broad daylight. I'm sure the locals won't miss them if a crew of pirates suddenly went missing…"
"Hm…" Chrom thought for a moment. "I suppose we'll have to make a few exceptions here and there, right? Well, no matter. Let's regroup with everyone and if that's what we decide to do, we can come back and storm the tavern with everyone in tow."
"Yes, no matter what we choose, it's probably best to return…" Eliwood nodded. "We don't want everyone to begin worrying about us…"
"Ahoy!" Just as they were about to reach the edge of the town, a voice called out to them. "Hold you ground, boys!"
"What now!?" Hector asked, clearly annoyed. "We don't have the money yet."
"Of course ya don't!" The pirate who ran after them snorted. "I know that. The captain's got a message for you."
"A message?" Eliwood asked.
"All my mates in this village are gonna attack ya." the pirate informed them. "If you win, he'll give you passage."
"For free?" Eliwood asked in shock. "No gold?"
"Er… the captain's a tad off-kilter." The pirate explained sheepishly. "He'd rather have a bit o' fun than take your gold."
"What are the conditions for victory?" Robin inquired.
"You win if someone makes it alive to the captain." The pirate pointed at them. "You lose if you run away. We'll make an effort to avoid fatal wounds, and it's expected that you'll do the same. However… sometimes, accidents can happen."
"What about the civilians?"
"Don't worry about them." The pirate waved him off. "They're already used to it. If they hear the noises of fighting, they'll stay put inside their houses. As long as we don't barge in, no one will get hurt… The captain doesn't want any needless casualties either. After all, you can't make money from a corpse."
"I see… got it." Robin nodded. "Thanks, er…"
"Dart." The pirate told him before leaving. "Smooth sailin' to you."
As they watched the departing figure of Dart, Lyn dejectedly made her way to them with Florina in tow.
"I… couldn't find a ship either." She sighed. "It looks like I'll have to endure some pirates…"
"Good timing." Hector chuckled. "We might have found a solution…"
"...we're battling pirates?" Lyn asked after receiving the explanation.
"Yes." Chrom nodded as he turned to Robin. "What should we do?"
"How much did you reveal to the pirate captain?" The tactician was busing talking to Gaius.
"Er… not much… I did tell him a few stories of my old days… y'know, before when I was still sneaking about."
"Interesting… perhaps…" Robin furrowed his brows.
"Perhaps what?" Gaius asked.
"Nevermind…" Robin shook his head. "So… what do you think? Can you reach the captain safely?"
"Easy." Gaius smirked.
"Then go ahead. We'll rely on you for this one."
Gaius nodded before darting off.
"So…" Anna tugged on Robin's sleeve. "What do we do now?"
"The captain is testing us." Robin explained. "Or rather… testing Gaius. So really, there's no need to worry… we just need to entertain the pirates for a little bit."
"Entertain?" Chrom asked.
"Yup."
"Well, if you say so." Hector shrugged. "Sounds easy enough."
"I can definitely do that." Chrom smiled. "I've been itching for a fight today."
With Gaius…
"Hm… it seems the festivities have started…" Gaius peeked his head over the rooftop he was currently hiding on. The loud clamoring indicated to him that Robin and the others had begun 'clashing' with the pirates.
No matter how many pirates Fargus had on his crew, he couldn't afford to keep an eye on every alley and every road in the town, especially since no one wanted to miss out on the fun.
Gaius had already scouted ahead and found a promising path to the pirate captain. He began weaving his way across the rooftops, and stealthily made his way towards a small road just outside the wall lining the northern portion of the city.
From there, he ducked behind a couple houses, avoiding the eyes of the patrolling pirates. Moving within the shadows, he sneaked his way towards a local pharmacy.
Gaius waited inside for the pirates to pass by before making his way over to Fargus.
"Hey." Gaius greeted the pirate captain from behind. "Did ya miss me?"
"Hm... " Fargus had a look of approval on his face when he turned around. "It seems you weren't spouting nonsense from your ass earlier... getting here without alerting any of my men, even when I specifically told them to look for you… I must say, it's very impressive."
"So will you grant my liege passage to the Dread Isle?" Gaius asked.
"A promise is a promise." Fargus nodded. "But first…"
"Don't tell me… you're not gonna want to fight me, are you?" Gaius deadpanned.
"No, no… it's not that." Fargus shook his head. "It's just… it's been a long time since my boys have had any fun… let them enjoy having some real competition… just for a little while."
"Ah… well, no harm, no foul I guess."
Nearby…
A group of shady people stopped their horses just outside of the town.
"Sir!" A man reported. "It would seem our targets have begun skirmishing with a group of local pirates!"
"Interesting…" The man in charge chuckled. "Perhaps we should join in… Lord Eliwood of Pherae… You don't yet know to fear the Black Fang… Start grieving, for I will teach you that fear…"
He turned to his men.
"Slaughter every last one of them, do you hear me?"
He received a chorus of bloodthirsty proclamations.
In Town...
"Thank you…" A purple haired man wearing a monocle handed over a sack of coins and picked up the books he had just bought. "Thank you for all of your help today."
"It was my pleasure." The elderly shopkeeper smiled. "I always look forward to discussing literature with a frequent customer like you, Canas."
"Hehe, well, I'm sure I'll be back in a few days… I'll talk to you later!"
"Take care!"
"Sounds like there's something going on outside…" Canas muttered as he pushed open the door of the bookstore. "Is there a festival today... I don't remember it being a holiday or anything…"
Canas turned the corner and almost dropped the tomes he was holding.
"W-what the hell is that!?" He pointed a shaking finger at a wall of dark spikes that blocked the path in front of him. Without even a closer analysis, Canas could tell that it was the result of a dark spell. However, what shocked him was that he had absolutely no clue what spell could have resulted in the spectacle in front of him.
He scanned his surroundings only to find several other walls like the one in front of him blocking a few other blocks.
Canas took a deep breath. "Perhaps I should look for the mage that this spell belongs to? There's some noise over there… I think I'll take a look."
After moving silently through the streets, Canas peeked around the corner where it seemed to be the noisiest. He witnessed several armored soldiers beating back a gang of pirates.
"Wait a minute…" Canas adjusted his monocle. "Beating back? It looks more like a spar…"
"Excuse me..."
"Gah!" Canas, upon being spoken to, panicked as he turned around.
"Did I startle you?" A red-haired girl asked. "Anyways, it's not really safe here, so you should probably find a place to hide until this is over."
"Er… what's going on right now?" Canas asked. This girl didn't seem to be hostile towards him.
"That!? Oh, it's a long story… basically, we're trying to go to Valor, but the pirates will take us there only if we entertain them for a bit… something like that. But don't worry, it doesn't concern you at all."
"You're planning to head to Valor!?" Canas asked excitedly. "C-could I come with you?"
"Eh?" The girl looked puzzled. "Why would you want to go to the Dread Isle?"
"I'm a scholar… and going to Valor will help me further my studies in elder magic." Canas explained. "Actually… I've been seeking passage there myself, but no one would take me. Don't worry… if you run into conflict, I'll be happy to lend a hand. I'm quite familiar with elder magic, after all."
"Uh, well you'd better talk to Chrom then… or maybe Robin, since he's busy right now." The girl turned the corner and beckoned for him to follow. "Hi, I'm Anna, by the way."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Canas bowed in greeting.
Anna led him to a white haired man watching the battle.
"Hey Robin… There's someone here that wants to talk to you. Canas, this is Robin."
"Hm?" Robin turned.
Canas quickly introduced himself, and explained his reasons for wanting to go to the Dread Isle.
"Elder magic?" Robin asked. "Uh, what's that?"
"Ah, forgive me… it's more commonly known as dark magic." Canas explained. "Although, I dislike this term. It seems to assume that all users of elder magic have evil intentions. This introduces unnecessary bias against practitioners."
"Oh…" Robin shrugged. "Well, you're welcome to join us if you want."
"Th-thank you!" Canas exclaimed, clearly excited about the prospect of finally finding a way to go to Valor.
"Robin!" Someone called.
"Hm? Chrom? Are you guys done?"
"It seems the situation has changed. A group of riders have charged into town, killing anyone on sight and destroying property."
"Pirates?" Robin's eyes narrowed.
"Don't lump those people in with my crew." Fargus approached them with Gaius in tow. "I've never seen 'em before. And according to your friend here, he doesn't know who they are either."
"So a third party then?"
"It would seem so… You've won the game already, so I'll ferry you over to Valor, but before that, could I ask you for help in driving back these landlubbers? We may be pirates, but we're not murderers. I'd prefer if my home stays intact… I hope you understand."
"We'll be happy to lend a hand." Chrom nodded.
"Excellent." Fargus laughed. "Then let's consider this our first battle as allies!"
Just outside of town…
"Sumia!" Cordelia's pegasus descended, and she hopped off her mount as soon as Aurora's hooves hit the ground. "We've got trouble!"
"What is it?" Sumia, though slightly annoyed, looked up from her book. After all, work came before pleasure.
"A battle's started in town." Cordelia explained.
"Didn't Robin tell us they were going to be sparring with some pirates?" Though Sumia had been initially surprised, it did sound like something that he, and her husband for that matter, would agree to.
"No, this is something different." Cordelia shook her head. "A group of horsemen of unknown origin have charged into town. It seems that Robin and the others have teamed up with the pirates and are driving them back."
"I see. Then we'd better get moving as well." At this, Sumia got up and stowed away her book. She'll have to save it for another time. "Let's let the others know."
"As you command!" Cordelia replied before flying off.
Shortly after, the remaining shepherds and their allies were mobilized.
Port of Badon…
Robin, as usual, was busy firing off a string of commands.
"Hector, there are some incoming enemies from the road to your right. Eliwood, please help him. Fargus and Chrom, if you could hold your current positions, that would be great. Anna… there are some more injured pirates… please take care of them."
"Right away!"
Though he had originally felt a little reluctant to take Anna with him into town, she was now proving to make the battle a lot easier. It was always more difficult to direct a battle without any healers, at least, if the objective was to win with as few casualties as possible. Seeing how much Robin was relying on her made a grin appear on the redhead's face.
A cry came from the backline of the enemy horsemen startled almost everyone, including Fargus.
"What the-?" Fargus directed his gaze at Robin, who didn't have any expression of surprise on his face. Seeing that, he turned to Chrom. "What's going on?"
"Well, it looks like reinforcements have arrived." Chrom smirked. "Looks like this battle's over."
As expected, once the other shepherds arrived, the battlefield was quickly cleared. Though Anna was doing a fantastic job making sure none of the pirates were dying, she couldn't fully heal all of the wounded by herself. It was clear that the battle was beginning to drain her, and she began to break a sweat. Fortunately, Lissa and the other healers were able to take over from here, and soon all the injured were properly taken care of.
"I gotta tell ya… you've earned my respect." Fargus laughed as he addressed Chrom. "I'll be happy to take you all to the Dread Isle."
"Thank you." Chrom smiled. "That's all we ask."
"Also… if any of your healers are lookin' for a job, I'll be happy to hire them. This scuffle made me realize just how valuable a healer's skills are."
"Uh… thanks, but not right now. But… I'll keep that in mind."
"Ah haha!"
"Are things all sorted out then?" Eliwood asked as he arrived with Hector and Lyn.
"Yeah… I'll take you to the island." Fargus nodded. "We can weigh anchor as soon y'all want to leave."
"Then let's start making preparations to depart as soon as possible." Eliwood nodded.
"Sure… hmm…"
"What is it?" Hector asked.
"I didn't realize you had so many beauties among your ranks…" Fargus chuckled as he made his way in the direction of his ship. "My lucky day…"
"...Look, I know how you feel." Eliwood whispered to Lyn once Fargus left. "But please bear with it… we've no other choice."
"I know that." Lyn replied with a hard expression as she clenched her fists. "I haven't said a word… have I?"
"We can finally go to the Dread Isle." Hector let out a sigh of relief. "We'll save your father, I know it."
"I hope so too." Eliwood nodded.
With Rebecca…
Rebecca was busy helping Merlinus and Anna handle some of the merchandise in their carts. They had to take most of it with them onto the pirate ship, after all. Things like spare weapons would come in handy in the case of a bloodbath on the island.
" 'Scuse me, miss!" A pirate, carrying a fairly heavy crate, moved past her.
"Oops, my bad!" Rebecca turned to look at the departing figure of the pirate.
"Hmm… why did that guy look so familiar…?" After thinking about it for a moment and not having any leads, Rebecca shrugged. "Might be a coincidence. Maybe I'll remember later…"
New Characters:
Canas (Druid, 26): HP: 70% Str: 15% Mag: 80% Skl: 60% Spd: 45% Lck: 60% Def: 30% Res: 65%
Author's Notes:
Unfortunately, it has been a while since my last update, and it seems that uploads will continue to be somewhat sluggish for the foreseeable future. However, I'm still here, and I'm still alive… just thought I'd let you guys know.
Canas was one of my favorite characters in the original games (Possibly because he's the only unit you get that can use dark tomes before late game), but he didn't get much screen time this chapter. Hopefully, he'll get a little more attention in the near future.
Thanks for your time and support as usual.