Chapter Eleven

It was going to be several days travel back to Ylisstol. Flavia and Basilio already left to Ferox, saying their good byes. Tents were pitched in the grassland by the main road, but this time, it seemed there wasn't as many as usual. I caught a glimpse of Stahl and Olivia going into a tent together holding hands, so I assumed the Shepherds were beginning to pair up. I went to go check up on Chrom, expecting to see Fredrick or Sumia. I draw back the flap and found only the prince sitting on the ground, perhaps reflecting on the last few events.

"This a bad time? I can come back later if you wish."

Chrom turned around, as if I spooked him, "Oh! It's you. Come, Phil have a seat."

I sat next to him. "So, how are you feeling, friend?"

"I'm doing well…I think." Chrom was lying.

"Chrom, come on. You can tell me. What is bothering you?"

A glare came my way, "Everything. I'll to be the new Exalt and I'm not sure if I am ready. I have big shoes to fill in after…"

"I understand."

"How can I live up to Emm's ideals? She was special and inspiring. People followed her, Phil."

"I can't say I knew her well, but I do know you are a great leader in your own right. The Shepherds trust you. I trust you. You'll make a great Exalt and we have your back."

"Thank you for the kind words, Phil. They comfort me."

I nodded. A time of silence came on us. I thought of what the immediate future would bring and I would guess Chrom was thinking the same.

"Say, have you considered the reception we will have when we arrive home? I have. People in the streets cheering, dancing, laughter. Hopefully 'normalcy' to all the folks."

"Hm. I have not. I expect a crowning and ceremony for me, but beyond that, I have no plans." Chrom shook his head.

"Really? No plans? That's odd."

"How so?"

"Don't tell me you haven't seen the Shepherds coupling up. Vaike and Sully aren't so subtle. Heck, even Panne seems to show interest in a certain merc. And there's probably – "

Chrom laughed and gave a side eye, "Ha! Enough, I get the picture. I try not to notice, but I have."

Glad to know he is not totally blind to love.

"And…well, what about you?" I coughed.

"There's no one that has shown interest in me, Phil."

I stared open-mouthed, "Excuse me? You are Chrom! Exalt of Ylisse! Anyone would be so lucky to have you!"

"Perhaps, but I am talking about true interest. I don't want someone in my life that wants me so they can be the queen of the halidom…I want someone special and supportive. And to laugh and listen with me. Someone…truly talented at these things."

When Chrom mentioned "truly talented", I lost my nerve. Anger took over because there was someone who does love him for him. Someone that will fulfill his dreams and wishes of a wife and queen. I yelled at my friend.

"Chrom, listen to me! I actually am aware of a 'truly talented' individual that would give her life for you…and she has! In case you still don't understand, she sighs every time she is nearby. Obviously, she is infatuated!" I stood up, towering over the future king for once.

"I – I never realized that…oh. Oh. You are talking about – "

I really lost my cool. "Don't speak her name to me! You know who she is! Go to her, now! I am positive she is probably doing some menial chore now around camp. Good day!"

I left Chrom's tent weeping. I couldn't remember the last time I did that, even back at home. I felt ruined and wrecked yelling to a dear friend of mine. My anger overtook me for not long, and I blew up.

I'll have to apologize to Chrom, later.

I had my head down the whole time as I marched back to my tent. Huffing and puffing, I probably looked more like Kirby from another fictional game than myself. I thought I made it to my corner, but when I pulled but the curtain, two screams woke me up.

"Gah!"

It was Sumia and…Gaius.

"Um, Bubbles? Can you give us a moment?"

"S-sorry!" I left embarrassed and red-faced. I ran back to the right direction this time, but along the way, I saw a woman with a spear in her hands near a cliff.

Cordelia.

I debated whether to go talk to her or not, but before I made a decision, she looked my way and smiled.

"Cordelia, what are you doing?"

She looked down at the weapon then looked me in the eyes. "I'm going to see how far I can throw my homemade javelin!"

"From the top of this cliff?! You'll never see it again!"

"That's the idea. Seeing it only reminds me of my fallen comrades. If I'm ever going to be the knight they hoped I'd be, I have to let go of the past." She stared out into the valley below.

I swallowed. "I daresay, you're right."

Cordelia clutched the javelin and made a throwing motion. "So, here it goes…one, two, three!" The lance sailed high and far, then dived down until we couldn't track it anymore.

"Wow, what a throw! That javelin sailed like the wind! You really are a genius— eh, you are skilled at many things." I corrected myself.

"Oh, it's all right." The redhead faked a look of disgusted, which then became a smile. She giggled, "I'm not going to get upset about that word anymore. And I promise not to collapse weeping into your arms ever again!"

No, don't say that, Cordy. It was a lovely memory.

"Oh, um…right. Ha ha! I'd forgotten about that." I rubbed the back of my head.

Cordelia noticed my redden cheeks, "Phil, are you blushing? Don't tell me you've fallen for me!"

"Oh, actually…"

This is now or never. Tell her how you feel. A different sensation poked at me. A voice, telling me to reveal everything to the Pegasus knight. However, it wasn't out of love or companionship. It was more like lust and greed, and it didn't feel right. I knew I had to let go, especially with memories from home, my home. Not Ylisse, not Plegia. Home. Back in my time and soil. I need to go home.

"Heehee, it was just a joke." Said the crimson beauty.

"I know but…" My eyes shut and thought deep, conflicting thoughts. Don't do it…Do It, YoU nEeD tO cOnFeSs!...

I jumped back and opened my eyes. Did I just hear a hiss in my head? Time's up. Decision is made.

"Phil?"

"I know you were joking, so I figured to play along, too. Did you think I would propose to you or something? Joke's on you, haha."

I let her go.

Cordelia made a stern face, but gave up the act, "Haha, good one, Phil!"

I grabbed her on the shoulder, knowing I have a small "debt" to pay to a certain blue hair man, "Cordy…"

She winced and I thought I killed her parents by that stare, "Y-yes? How did you know my nick– "

I sighed, "Cordelia, I have something very important to tell and I want your attention." The world could have been burning and she wouldn't have noticed. "There is actually someone for you. He is…he is the man of your dreams…listen, I know how you stare and sigh at Chrom. He is a fool for not acknowledging you earlier. But if you don't go to him now, you may regret it later. You won't know until you try. Go, tell Chrom how you feel about him."

Every word I spoke drove pain in my heart, but the healing process will take over soon enough, I told myself.

"Phil! Are?... Are you certain I should do this?"

yOu ArE mAkInG a MiStAke, TrAiToR!

"Yes. Go, now." I let down my hand from her shoulder and watched as the knight left with tears in her eyes. I didn't move until I saw her enter Chrom's tent. I turned to stare into the horizon and let out a sigh. I grasped a gemstone that Cordelia gave me a while ago and tossed it over the edge. Minutes past, but it seemed like hours when I drudged back to my tent. Unfortunately for my sanity, that meant I had to walk by Chrom's tent. I attempted not to eavesdrop, but it couldn't be helped. I heard those words…

"Cordelia, will you marry me?"

"Yes! Oh yes, with all that I am! I accept with all my heart!"

"Truly?! That's wonderful! Oh, Cordelia, you've made me so happy!"

"Not half as happy as you've made me!"

I walked by with a smile and a tear roll down my cheek, leaving the couple alone.

Good job, Chrom. Love her well.