AN: Hey guys, back once again with another chapter. Whenever this gets out. Sorry for sporadic uploads, life's well... life. I hope you guys're enjoying the story so far. I know this chapter is a bit short, but I hope you guys like it. Also, as you guys can see, I changed my username. I had Ailing Loran as a username for a long while but if I'm gonna be writing shit, I figured I'd just use the username I use for most other things. Anyways, I don't own Fire Emblem, and I own Thom. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter.
More than often, I think God- or whatever deity has dominion over this bitch of a world, probably Naga- Hates me. Wouldn't be too out there of an assumption, would it? Life sucked before I came here, and then I die and wake up in this fucking place.
Don't get me wrong, I love Fire Emblem. But it couldn't have been an IP where they have showers instead?
Then again, I don't have to pay taxes or deal with feds anymore, so maybe this is God's way of rewarding me for my past life. Now that I think about it, is this my second life? I mean I died, but I'm still me. Same age, body, everything.
Not worth even thinking about. I'm just gonna... roll with it, I guess.
Lissa leads me and Robin into the barracks, and it looks exactly as it had in the game. (Imagine that!) Vaike and Sumia are standing there, shooting the shit about somethin' to do with training, I think. Lissa practically skips into the middle of the room, twirling. "Here we are! The Shepherds garrison!" She announces, as if it wasn't obvious. "Go ahead, make yourselves at home!"
Well, to me at least. Then again, they don't know what I know.
A brief thought of abusing all the power I have crosses my mind, but I quickly stomp it out. Even if I did, things would change so drastically I would lose all that power almost instantly. Look, it's not like I'm gonna try and do evil shit, I just have the ability to.
On cue, Maribelle comes storming in from another room, frenzied with worry for Lissa. "Lissa, my treasure! Are you alright? I've been on pins and needles!"
"Oh, hey Maribelle!" Lissa cries out, scooping Maribelle up in a big hug. A bit too hard, if Maribelle cringing is any indication. Damn, didn't think Lissa had the strength to hurt a fly.
"'Oh, hey' yourself! I've sprouted 14 grey hairs fretting over you!" Maribelle chides, wiggling free from Lissa's crushing embrace.
Lissa just waves two hands in front of her. "Aw, you worry too much. I can handle a battle or two." She giggles, trying to placate Maribelle. "...although I could do without all the bugs and meat full of metal bits..." She mutters.
Robin scrunches her face, and I just know she wants to argue about the bear barbeque remark. Kinda makes me wish I didn't skip dinner, so I could try some bear. Speaking of, fuck me am I hungry after all the marching. I haven't eaten since the night in Southtown. If I don't get no grub in me I'm liable to get hangry.
I give Robin a small dig on the arm, and mutter to her. "We'll talk later, 'kay?" She smiles, nodding. I strut around the others to Sumia, and clear my throat quietly. "'Scuse me, I'm new, names Thom." I take my hat off, smoothing my (all-too-long) hair back out of my face. I hold my hand out for a shake.
She smiles just about the warmest smile I've seen since I was dropped here. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You can call me Sumia." She takes my hand ever daintily, giving it a pleasant little shake.
"Likewise." I grumble out, feeling the pit in my stomach growl. I grimace a bit in discomfort. "Sorry to ask, but you guys got a kitchen 'ere? Ain't eaten for two days, I could go for a little grub if it's 'kay with you?" I ask. God, PLEASE have some apples or something. Anything.
She laughs. "Of course, right this way!" She leads me by the hand into a corridor, and we reach the end of hall. "Wait here." She commands, leading me to a bench at one of many tables in the dining hall. She disappears into the kitchen for a moment, before coming back out with a bowl of stew. She places it down on the table, sitting across from me.
"Here you go," she offers. "you arrived just in time, Stahl just finished making supper." She pushes the bowl closer to me. "It's venison stew with carrots and potatoes."
Damn Sumia and Stahl you guys are lifesavers. Talk about a perfect meal for a starving man. I tilt my head up at Sumia, taking my hat off and placing it off to my side. "Thank you SO much, you've got no clue how much I've been waiting for a good meal." I thank. specially since all I ate for the last three months back home was microwaved bullshit.
I grab the spoon, eagerly wolfing down the stew. My god, the smell of the venison, which is so tender it falls apart in your mouth is unbelievable. The carrots, adding just the slightest sweetness to the stew. The potatoes, making up the bulk of the meal. I haven't eaten like this since... well since ma and pa were around.
I lift the bowl to my mouth, pouring the warm, salty broth down my throat. Contented, I bring the bowl back down to the table. With a big sigh, I wipe a single tear from the side of my face. One which I hadn't notice until it ran down my chin.
Sumia just stares at me in awe. "W-wow. I don't think I've seen anyone devour something like that besides Stahl. Are you... okay?" Awh, man. Sumia is such a mom. It's sweet.
My vision is once again obscured by brown strands of hair, and I shake my head, flicking my hair to the side. Man, I really oughta' get it cut... "Yeah, it's just... like my ma used ta' make. Feels like a long time since I had a meal like that." My eyes get a little misty, but my lips curl into a contented smile.
She furrows her brow a bit, then they arch upwards. "I'm sorry. I can't even imagine-" "No, no." I cut her off.
"It's no problem. I'm just glad to have a meal, let alone one as good as one my ma could make. Who'd you say cooked this?" I ask.
"That'd be me." I hear someone speak off to the side. I look find Stahl, apron tied around his waist. "I take it you like the stew?" He questions. I give him a thumbs up.
"Yer damn right. Thank you for dinner, man." I stand, hat in hand. I lean back, cracking my back with a dozen loud pops. Bro I'm only like, 20. Why does my back sound like fireworks? I bow, placing my hat back on my head. "My compliments to the chef. Only person I met who could cook like that was my dear old ma."
"Glad to hear it." Stahl beams. "You can help yourself to seconds, I made plenty for everybody. Just make sure you save enough for the others, I was just about to go let everyone know supper is ready." He walks over towards the door, ringing a bell mounted on the wall. People begin filing in, first Robin, then Vaike, then some others. After a moment I bring my bowl over to the counter on the far side of the room, scooping some more stew into my bowl. I turn, and crash into somebody.
"Aah!" They shout, my food spilling all over us. I stumble back into the counter, and they fall back off their feet. I wipe some stew out of my eyes, attempting to shaking my head dry. In front of me is Maribelle, soaked in venison stew, vegetables littering the front of her dress.
Oh, God have mercy.
"O-oh, shit! I am so sorry!" I shout, grabbing her by her hands and lifting her to her feet. "I didn't mean-" She responds by clubbing me with her parasol.
"Unhand me you mannerless clod!" She shrieks, hitting me over and over with her little umbrella. "Do you have any idea how long it takes to get the stains cleaned from this outfit?! This is my favorite dress!" She yells. Over and over, she hits me. Again and again. It's nowhere near Robin stomping me, and it sure ain't as bad as a gunshot or an axe, but it's like someone smacking you with a stick.
Speaking of Robin, she grabs Maribelle's wrist, snatching the small weapon from her hand. "That's enough." She sneers, incensed.
"How dare you! Release me this instant!" Maribelle hisses at Robin. Oh, God I better fucking dip. Robin let's Maribelle go, but throws the parasol across the room.
"Thom said he was sorry. It was an accident. I am not going to watch you beat my friend. If you want to attack him, you can go through me." She insists.
Maribelle scoffs, hurriedly moving towards the door, grabbing her parasol on the way out. Robin watches her the entire way, only turning back to me when Maribelle is finally gone. She looks at me, eyes brimming with concern. "You alright? She didn't hurt you, did she?" She places her hand on my arm, comforting me.
I shake my head. "No, no I'm okay. Thanks for helping me, God only knows what would have happened if you hadn't stepped in." I cast my eyes down to my feet. "I'm not s'hungry anymore. I'm gonna go find a room. I've lost my appetite, I think."
"Okay," She speaks softly. "I'll come find you after dinner, okay?"
"Sounds good." I affirm, moving for the door. On my way, I stop by Sumia. "I'm gonna turn in for the night. Are there any empty rooms?" I ask.
"Yes, there are a couple on the second floor. Last two on the left." She directs. "Stairs are right down the hall, to the right. Do you want me to show you?"
"No, I'm ok. Thanks Sumia." That woman is a saint. No clue what I'd do without her.
I'm sure I could say that about Lissa and Robin too, and I've only been here three days. I need to stop puttin' myself in bad positions, don't I?
"Anytime." Sumia assures. "And I'm so sorry about Maribelle. She can be a bit... touchy. I'm sure her worrying about Lissa hasn't helped her either. But she's a good person, I swear." Man, what is it with so-called 'good people' hitting me?
I wave it off. "S'no problem, I'm battered, not beaten. Good night's sleep'll do me good." I tell her. I know I'm probably wrong. I remove my hat, shaking my hair around as I wander up the stairs. In a few moments I find myself at the end of the hall, opening the last door on the left. I see a large rucksack left on the bed. Besides that, all that sits in the room are a chair, desk, and a single candle.
'Wait,' I think. 'am I in someone's room?' I wonder. I move to the bag, tugging at the strings keeping it tied closed. I look inside, shocked at the contents.
First was a small photo. One of me, my brother, and my parents sitting by the Christmas tree. In the photo I'm holding my cat, Mona. My brother holding out Dog, Frey. A photo from the year before dad had passed... mom wasn't far behind. Her heart just couldn't take it.
After staring at it for what feels like too long, I place the photo off to the side. I can cry about it later, when I'm not too damned tired to feel.
Next in the bag is an old book. A leather-bound journal. My journal. That and a pencil. I place those off to the side by the photo.
The last things I notice are a few folded clothes. Namely some jeans, some of my flannels, and my dad's old flannel-lined tan jacket. His favorite. A couple tees, boxer-briefs, socks, the essentials.
I'm not even surprised anymore. Whatever. Maybe God doesn't hate me as much as I thought.
Either way, I'm a few worldly possessions richer.
The last thing to catch my eye. Tucked in between two shirts is a small box. I reach for it, cracking it open to see a small silver ring. 'This Too Shall Pass' Inscribed around the band.
Man, my dad's ring. He wore this everywhere. I remember them burying him with it, he loved it so much.
I sniffle a little, holding back another salty tear. This time it was one of happiness. I might've been thrown into this mad world, but I got some things to hold me close to home. No matter how far I really am.
I slip the ring on my finger, fitting perfectly as though it were always meant for me. I shrug off my poncho and tank top, replacing it with a green flannel, and chance into a fresh set of boxer briefs and jeans. I fold all the old clothes and place them on the chair. I place my socks on the desk, and my boots by the bed, placing my knife under the pillow. I'm about to lay down and rest my eyes when I hear a knock. "Come in." I speak.
The door creaks open, and in walks Robin. She closes the door behind her quietly. She looks my up and down, noticing my change in clothes. "Oh, those are new. Did someone lend you those?" Man, I don't even know if I care to explain where these clothes came from.
"Nah," I start, "Take a lookit this." I reach under the bed, pulling out the rucksack. I tug it open, revealing the changes of clothes. "I came in and this was waiting for me. These are my clothes." She looks into the sack, puzzled. "Know what's even weirder? This. You want proof I'm from the Outrealms?" I offer. She nods.
I pull out the photo, showing it to her. "That's me on the left, with the cat. The others are my family." She looks awed by the small photo.
"Wow," Robin gasps. "such an intricate little piece of art." She reaches out, before hesitating. "May I?"
I hand it to her, and she takes grasp of it carefully. "It's not made by hand. It was taken by a camera. I don't really know how to explain how it works, but it copies exactly what it's pointed at and imprints it on a special piece of paper. Ain't nothin' you'll find in Ylisse, Plegia, or anywhere else."
She stares even more intently. "That's fantastic." Her eyes downcast just a bit. "I'm sorry, it must hurt, being away from family." She hands the photo back to me.
"Hey, it's nothin' I ain't used to. Ma and Pa passed a while back. I've gotten used to being without 'em. I'm just sad that my brother is alone now..." I trail off. I forgot about that. We were all we had left of our family. And now he's alone. Fuck, how could I be so selfish?
I slump back down on my bed, arm coming down over my eyes. I peek out from under my forearm to see Robin standing there, looking conflicted. "Y'know you can sit, right?"
"Thank you." She says. I feel her weight settle on the edge of the bed. For a moment we share the silence, before she speaks up. "Are you okay? After the Maribelle fiasco, I mean."
Fuck, such a small thing but the dam breaks regardless. "No." I laugh, bitter tears welling in my eyes again. "No not really. There's so much gone wrong with my life. All I can really do I try and make a better life. That's more than my brother can say, right? Or anyone else." I sniffle, sucking the snot back up my nose, wiping my hot tears off my cheeks.
I sit up, leaning against my bed. "The better question is are you okay? I mean I can weep bitter tears all day about my bullshit, but I'd rather hear what's up with you."
She takes a deep breath, jaw clenched. Okay, maybe I shouldn't try to get her to spill her guts to me just yet. "You don't ha-" "No, it's okay. I appreciate it." She cuts off. "I just- my situation isn't so complicated, but I definitely have questions, you know? Like where did I come from? How did I end up in that field? Why can't I remember anything? Will I ever remember?" She takes a shaky breath. I place my hand on her back.
"It's ok, alright? What'd I say back on the road? Everything'll be good. Look, I don't have any answers for you. But I'll be here for you, okay? Birds of a feather fly together." She laughs a little at that.
"Was that a bird joke?" She sniffles.
"No, but if it works it works. I'm never gonna stop making fun of the fact that your name is Robin now." I wink. She chuckles. "But you get what I mean, right? We're strangers in a strange land. I'd say we're already thick as thieves. So come what may, I'll help you get the answers if I can. Just let me know if there's anything I can do, okay?" She nods, then launches at me, trapping me in a hug.
"Ach! Tight!" I choke. She loosens her vice grip on me, and I return the hug. We separate, and she stands up.
"Thanks, Thom. For the talk. I came here to check up on you, and here you are making me feels better." She giggles. "I'm glad you're okay though."
"Yeah, me too Birdy. Me too." She cocks an eyebrow, half-amused, half-ready to continue where Maribelle left off.
"Did you just call me Birdy?" She asks.
"...No." I mutter, unclipping my gunbelt, laying it next to my boots on the floor.
"I thought so." She drawls. "I'm gonna turn in for the night. If you need me my room's next to yours."
"Right, goodnight..." She steps out into the hall. Just as she closes the door, I raise my voice. "Birdy!"
I hear her cackle in the hall, and I feel a smile fill my face and I lay my head on the pillow, pulling my covers over my body.
Maybe, just maybe God doesn't hate me that much.
…...
My good night's rest is interrupted by the bright summer sun eye-fucking me. Not at all helped by the sounds of someone banging on my door. "Rise and shiny you dusty bastard!" A woman shouts. I think it's Robin, but considering the fact that I'm still half-asleep, all I can muster is a half-hearted "Mmmcomin'!"