"Alex, c'mere! Arm wrestle me!"

"No."

"Why not!?

"Because you would win, Vaike."

We left Bellator the day after the Arena match. The alliance between Ferox and Ylisse had been forged, and we were even traveling with a few Feroxi soldiers. We'd gone through the same mountain pass we used to get to Bellator and were about a day out from the Longfort. Ylisstol was only a few short weeks away.

In game terms, we were between Chapter 4 and Chapter 5, which meant that Emmeryn's death was drawing closer.

I tried to not think about it, but my conversation with Lucina dragged it kicking and screaming back to the forefront of my mind. I didn't think I'd ever make peace with the fact I'd let an innocent woman die because of my own fear of changing events.

Why are you even here, then?

Foreknowledge was a bitch.

On the march back to Ylisstol, things were quiet; besides the daily training, exercises, and marching, nothing much happened. No burning villages, no hordes of Risen ambushing us, nothing. It was making me anxious and left me too much time to think, and when all you can think about is the imminent suicide of your friend and boss' sister, that tends to lead down grim trails of thought.

That meant I was happy for any interaction. It was Vaike's turn, apparently, and a couple of other Shepherds who just so happened to be toiling around the camp at that late at night.

"Eh, can't really blame you for that. Hehe. I mean, have you seen these muscles!?" Vaike leaned back in his chair and flexed his arms, showing off his admittedly impressive guns. "Don't blame ya for being a scaredy cat. Who wouldn't when they look at this?"

"Scaredy cat?" I echoed incredulously, "Apparently you're still in second grade, 'cause I haven't heard that insult in a literal fuckin' decade."

"Have no idea what a 'second grade' is," Vaike said, leaning back forward over the temporary table. "But yeah, you're a scaredy cat all right. Or a chicken. Whatever floats your boat, Alex."

I almost said something, but I backed down when I realized what he was doing. "Oh, I see. Yeah, you're not gonna goad me into-"

"Nah, it's okay, buddy," Sully said, coming out of the darkness like a phantom. She threw an arm around my shoulder. "I already beat your ass enough during training. Let off of him, Vaike, he ain't got the strength in him to go on!"

Vaike covered his mouth with a fist as he barked a laugh. "Yeah, that's true, huh? Poor guy probably can't even walk over here!"

I sputtered. "W-where the hell did you even come from!?" I shook my head. "Whatever. If I do this, Vaike will twist my arm like a pretzel. Ain't doing it. Fuck off."

That only made them laugh harder. I could feel my face turning red from embarrassment even then.

"Fascinating," A cold voice said, coming out of literal nowhere. "Judging by your body language and general lack of genuine indicators of annoyance in your voice, you are currently enjoying what is going on at this moment."

I turned around, seeing Miriel walking towards us from one of the tents. She had a book and quill in hand, already furiously taking notes.

I groaned as the situation only got more ridiculous. "Okay, now she's here too. Is there anyone else who wants to come out of the shadows like they're Batman?" I looked around, my arms spread wide. "Anybody? Annnybody?"

Silence reigned for a few moments.

I narrowed my eyes. "Well, good. I guess that-"

"I'm here too."

"Jesus fuck!"

Three guesses as to who I slammed my face into. The first two don't count.

"Fuck's sake, Kellam!" I shouted, rubbing my nose and making sure I wasn't bleeding. "I'm starting to think you're doing that on purpose!"

"O-oh, Gods, Alex, please, I can't keep doing this; you're gonna kill me!" Vaike gasped, holding his stomach as he nearly fell out of his chair laughing.

"Yeah, you're really out of it, ain't ya?" Sully chided, taking a seat next to Vaike. "Can't even notice old Kellam standing right next to you! What on Naga's green earth did they teach you back in that U.S. of yours? How to be a scared pussy?"

"Them's some fighting words, Sully."

"I kick your ass on a daily basis. You can't do anything to me! Ha!"

I snarled as I stomped over to the table. "You know what, fuck it. Come here, Vaike. I'm gonna arm wrestle the shit outta you."

"Har! If you can beat me so hard that I start shittin', then I'll give ya my axe!"

"I hope you're ready to lose it. Think I'll get it gold-plated and then hang it on my mantlepiece. I won't even use it; I'll just rub your face in it!"

"What an interesting social interaction. Group hazing in an attempt to goad the outlier into a test of strength," Miriel observed with a clinical eye. "I await the outcome of this event."

"Oh, this is getting good!" Sully said, watching eagerly. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on ya. Make sure you don't break any bones and such."

"Keep talking like that and I'll- Kellam, I swear to fuck if you're behind me-!" I looked around for the armored giant.

"Sorry about earlier," I heard him say, just to my right. "I tried saying something, but you looked right past me."

"Yeah, don't worry about it, man. Just don't do that again please."

"Ya done talking to nothing over there, or are we gonna do this?" Vaike said, putting his arm up.

"Vaike, you're gonna wish I'd just walked away when I'm done with you," I replied, a vicious smile on my face.

"You boys done talking?" Sully asked smarmily.

"Yeah, I think so." I put my own arm up and grabbed Vaike's hand. "Let's do this, meathead."

Vaike laughed. "Ready when you are, pasty face!"

"Alright alright alright! Ready…" Sully held her gauntleted hand out in a chopping motion. "Steady…" I braced. "Go!"

What was expected was for me to lose instantly. Vaike would slam my arm down onto the table within an instant, and I would leave humiliated and disappointed in myself. However, that was not the case. Once we began, I fully expected to be crushed. I still put my full strength behind my arm anyways, but I didn't really hold out hope.

I was surprised when, while I was steadily losing ground, I was actually able to fight back effectively. Me and Vaike visibly struggled to get the other's hand down, although it was clear he was the stronger of both of us, considering my hand was going down. It just wasn't happening as fast as I thought it would.

I could feel the muscles in my arm tire, and it promptly found itself on the table shortly afterwards. Not an unexpected conclusion, by an stretch.

"Phew," Vaike whistled, rubbing his forearm. "Didn't expect ya to put up so much of a fight, hah! Still beat you though, huh?"

"Fucking told you you would win," I grumbled, feeling my arm a bit to make sure nothing was broken. "Don't know what else you were expecting."

"Oh, quit your bitching," Sully said, walking around the table and sitting down. She put her feet up. "You did a lot better than you would've when you first came here. 'Spose your training ain't going to nothing, huh?"

"I mean, yeah," I replied slowly, "Turns out getting your ass kicked on a daily basis is a decent work-out routine, huh?"

"Uh huh," Vaike grunted, "When you first came here, you had a little muscle sure, but now it's gettin' bigger. You're swelling up!"

"An eight-percent increase in muscle mass, to be exact," Miriel added, adjusting her glasses as she closed her book/journal. "Not an insubstantial gain. I have been studying your progress."

"Uh, yeah, what she said," Vaike agreed awkwardly.

I began to laugh but stopped. I'd seen that dynamic before, long before I ever ended up outside of Southtown. It reminded me of that little group I found myself a part of in high school; just sitting down, doing stupid shit, and hanging out.

The wave of homesickness that followed that thought felt like the emotional equivalent of being run over by a dump truck.

In the end, we made it to Ylisstol with no incidents; not a single bandit or Risen attacked us on our way back. In a way, I was both relieved and anxious. Relieved because that meant no combat, and anxious because it left me little to do except march. I did talk with the other Shepherds, but there's only so many times you can talk to people before they start thinking something is wrong, and so I let up a little on that.

Reports came in from Phila's scouts that Bandit raids were still happening all around the Ylisse-Plegian border and were still attempting to travel farther into Ylisse. Specifically, the south, where the Feroxi troops were at their lowest. Chrom immediately resumed his patrols, and we were preparing for another excursion. The Shepherds would split off into the many villages in the south, just to make sure everything was as it should be, prevent raids, and to reassure the people living there.

It was better than doing nothing until Maribelle got captured. Speaking of whom, she had returned to whatever the hell Themis was to attend something noble. I wasn't really paying attention, but I heard that much, at least. Everything was drawing closer and closer. Of course, considering the interim between in-game chapters by that point, I wasn't holding out hope that it would happen quickly.

I threw myself into training just so I'd have something to do while we waited, so I wouldn't have to think. The day before we were supposed to leave, however, I finished early. Sully kicked my ass, I got a few more pointers from Frederick, and then we were done. I was at a loss at what to do with myself. I tried to talk to somebody, but everyone was either busy preparing for the patrol, or I couldn't find them.

Eventually, I found myself in my room in the barracks. I just looked around for a few moments.

It was a bit of a mess, but nothing serious. Sunlight shone through the curtained windows, lighting the room nicely. I just stood there for several seconds, taking it all in. It had been a while since I'd been in there for any meaningful length of time. Not awake, anyway. Since I'd joined the Shepherds, I mostly spent time outside of it, doing stuff so that I wouldn't have to think about stuff. It was a pretty successful coping technique, but it could only go so far.

In the end, my predicament was an inevitability.

"I need to decorate," I mumbled to myself, taking a few steps into the room. I turned towards the desk and my eyes focused on an object near the edge.

Phone.

It was a dinky little thing. My mom gave it to me when I was seventeen to replace the shitty black one I'd had for almost three years. It had a grey rubber case, with a hole for the camera. I picked it up, studying every contour and detail. My thumb felt over the power button.

I pressed it.

Nothing happened.

Its battery died months ago; the day after we made it to Ylisstol. I had spent its last week of life just looking at my games, my apps, and, lastly, my texts. They were all still there. Predictably, it didn't have service, but I could still see them. All the things my friends and I said to each other. All the things I texted to my sister, and even my parents.

I spent the last few percentages of power it had going over them. I could remember clearly the last thing I said to either of my parents. For some reason, I made sure to burn it into my memory.

Wednesday, May 1st, 2019. 7:09 AM. I'll see you when I get home.

"Huh?" I saw a drop of water fall onto the black screen. My fingers traced my cheeks and came back wet.

If you stay here, you'll never see them again. If you go back, you'll never live out your dream. What a conundrum.

Blinking away the tears, I looked to my right. Leaning against my bed was my old backpack. I did not hesitate to walk towards it and open it. Inside were the rest of my belongings from my old world, the psychology textbook among them. A class I hated so much now seemed like such a distant thing, just on the edge of being forgotten. The blue binder I kept all my papers and notes in was a little crushed, but I pulled it out and opened it. For the first time in months, I read.

I'd had a couple lessons with Sumia, but it would still be a while before I could read Common with any sort of proficiency.

My handwriting was messy, more than I remembered. The pages were crinkled a bit but still legible. The papers from classes almost completely forgotten to me looked alien compared to what I'd seen in Ylisse and Ferox. Everything was still there, it was all the same, it just felt different.

It was like looking into someone else's life.

Lastly, was my wallet. The leather was still the same as when I arrived outside Southtown: smooth and ever so slightly stretchy from use. 10 dollars US, a bus pass for the 1st of May, and my Learner's Permit were all that was within.

The face that stared back at me from that piece of laminated plastic looked foreign to me, for some reason. I didn't think I looked very much different from what I used to. It'd only been two and a half months, after all. I still could not shake that feeling off, though, no matter how hard I tried.

I put all the items back into my backpack, content to let them rest forever in it. My phone, the glorified paperweight it was, remained on my desk. I didn't touch it again.

They were such small things, those items, and yet they held large significance to me. Relics of a different life, the artifacts of a distant civilization, the last pieces of home I'd ever look at or hold ever again.

Once more, my assumptions of myself were way off the mark. I thought I'd successfully pushed back those feelings, the feelings of homesickness and nostalgia, all the way into the back of my mind. No matter what, though, they always came back. I'd never be rid of them.

A part of me never wanted to be.

I shouted as my sword slashed against Frederick's shield. The knight gave no indication that he felt it even as he rushed forward, attempting to push me back, which succeeded. I tried to get around him so I could slash at a weak point in his armor. This failed, to no surprise, and I was nearly sent to the ground as Frederick still came at me like a charging bull. This time with a sword out, he was ready to take me out for good.

He stopped.

"It is clear you have poor compatibility with armored infantry," Frederick said, backing off. "That is something we will need to work on in the future."

"Nah, actually, I think that's just you," I mumbled, stumbling a little before straightening out. "You're very intimidating. You know that right?"

"So I have been told," Frederick replied, his armor clinking a little as he relaxed his stance. "Nonetheless, my advice should be heeded, Alex. I acted no different from what you would face on the battlefield. Remember that."

Sully was sent to another village on our little patrol, which meant I was short a sparring partner. Luckily for me, Fredbear decided it was time he faced me himself. The first time, I predictably got destroyed. He then mixed his style up; sometimes he'd come in as his usual self, and other times he was in heavier armor, like he was then.

All in all, just as hellish as I imagined.

The little clearing we were in was just a short walk from camp, and at least it gave a good view of the rising sun. Little rays of light flowed through the leaves of nearby trees, so I at least had something nice to bask in as I got pounded into paste.

I snorted. "Frederick, there is not a single word of advice of yours I've not taken into consideration. If I just ignored even some of the stuff you say, I'd already be dead."

And the people you kill would be alive.

"Indeed. That is a good mentality to have," Frederick said, nodding. "Most soldiers I have trained needed to learn that the hard way."

"You've trained other soldiers?" I asked, awkwardly confused for a second. I rubbed the back of my neck after realizing what a stupid question it was to ask. "I mean, I guess that makes sense."

"Did you believe that you were the only one I have trained?" Frederick queried pointedly.

"Leave me alone. I'm tired."

He sighed, "I have trained many knights and soldiers who now serve the crown. You are not the first, and likely not the last. If you were the first soldier I ever trained, your regimen would not be what it is now, and we would not be seeing the results of it this early."

I slapped a hand on my stomach, feeling muscle instead of flab. "I'll say. I haven't looked or felt this good in a while."

I still had a few squishy bits, but nothing compared to what I had when I first arrived. It was really astonishing what a good diet and constant exercise could do to you.

"Yes," Frederick agreed, "You did ask of me to turn that into muscle. I trust that you will keep it that way?"

"Hell, at this point I don't think I could go back to what I was even if I wanted to," I said truthfully, looking up and taking a deep breath. "But yeah, obviously not the first person you've trained. How many have you trained?"

Frederick folded his arms behind his armored back. "As Knight-Commander of Ylisse and milord's retainer, it is my honor and duty to train those who would serve with him and alongside him. I have trained more than I can count so that they may be worthy of the tasks that are doled out to them."

"Well, I asked for a number, not a speech. I guess that works, anyway," I mumbled, twirling my sword around a bit before getting back into position. "Knight-Commander, though? First time I've heard about that."

"A rank I wear with pride," Frederick replied, holding up his shield and sword. "That is enough talk. Our break is over. On your guard!"

I returned to camp that afternoon with no small number of bruises. Honestly, I'd've been disappointed if I didn't have any.

Southern Ylisse was hot and humid. I didn't make note of those traits back during those first few days, but I sure as hell was then. Sweat dripped down my brow as we marched forwards to the last village we were to check on. All the other Shepherds who were still with us pushed on like the air wasn't so thick with moisture you could swim through it.

The closest thing I could compare it with was southern Maryland in early-mid Summer: rain, thunder, and humidity all the time. Minus the rain and thunder. At least, for then. Of course, I felt another pang of homesickness, because I was doing something instead of just standing around, however, I was able to ignore it for the most part.

What I could not ignore was the black-haired swordsman marching nearby.

Lon'qu.

It was a while after we left Bellator that I finally noticed him around. He was always so quiet that I sometimes forgot he was there. Almost like Kellam, but unlike him, Lon'qu probably did that on purpose. I hadn't even spoken to him once, mostly because it looked like he really didn't want to talk to anyone for any reason.

In a way, he reminded me of my early high school years, only less edgy and more badass. A lot more badass.

Chrom and Frederick led our little caravan, and Robin was around but out of sight. Basically, once more, I was alone. Unless I wanted to talk to tall, dark, and murderous. If I wanted a short conversation, that was the way to go. Luckily for me, we didn't have to wait long for something to happen.

I saw him before I heard him. He was running up the road straight towards us, his iconic pot atop his head. I almost stumbled as my eyes widened in surprise.

Is that motherfuckin' Donnel!?

"Shepherds, hold!" Chrom ordered, grinding our little caravan to a halt. Donnel tumbled up to us, out of breath.

"H-Halp! I'm beggin' ya! You gots to help us, milords!" Donnel shouted, nearly falling to the ground.

"Slow down," Chrom replied, "What's happening?"

A big brute of a man ran down the path, an axe in his hand. "There ya are, ya wee little piglet! Thought ya could run 'way from me, did ya!?" He laughed savagely.

"…Oh, brigands. Great" Chrom said, unsheathing Falchion.

"Aheh, what's this?" The bandit sneered, looking at Chrom. "A little lordling barely off his mother's teat come to save his peasants-"

It was almost like he didn't notice the small army behind Chrom. Seeing everyone else walking towards the front all intimidating, I tried to copy them. I went forward slowly to the front of the caravan, my hand on the hilt of my sword, ready to unsheathe it at a moment's notice.

The others looked suitably intimidating. Me? Not so much, in my opinion.

I swear I almost saw the gears turning in the bandit's head. He went as white as a sheet after a moment and took several steps back. "Aw, damn it all ta hell! The S-Shepherds!"

"That's right," Chrom confirmed, pointing Falchion at the bandit. "So, what'll it be, brigand? Fight and die, live and run? The choice is yours."

…That was actually pretty cool.

"D-damn it all!" The bandit shouted cowardly, turning tail and running off into the distance.

"Smart man," Chrom said, sheathing Falchion and gently hauling Donnel back to his feet. "Now tell me, lad. What happened?"

"A-at once, milord! Right away, milord! Er, if it pleases Your Majestyfulness." Donnel stuttered.

"Let's set aside the titles for now," Chrom said, "What's your name?"

"D-Donny, Your Lordfulness!" Donnel replied breathlessly. "Er, that is Donnel, sir. I live in a village just down yonder!"

Chrom nodded. "I guess that'll do for now. Tell me, what's going on?"

"It's just terrible, Your Lordliness!" Donnel exclaimed. "That rotten, pig-stinkin' bandit ya just ran off attacked us! E-Er, if you'll pardon my manners, Your Graciousness. I was the only one what got away! They were roundin' the others up and haulin' 'em off to their camp… Please, sir! Ya gots to save them! My ma's one of them… She's all I gots left in the world! Please, sir, I'm beggin' ya!"

I felt a pang in my chest at Donnel's words. I did always like Donnel, along with most of the Shepherds. If I could help him, I would with no hesitation.

That sounds like something Chrom would say, boy scout.

"These bandits grow more brazen by the day. I need to talk with Emm when we get back," Chrom muttered bitterly, "Alright, Donny, we'll help you get your ma back. Can you lead us to where they're being held?"

Donnel's expression instantly brightened, as a small number of tears fell from the corners of his eyes. "Aw, thank ya! Thank ya Your Sirness! They was takin' them up to the old Farfort! Just follow me!"

We marched with Donnel leading us until we came upon the ruins of an old fort, half overgrown with trees. Sumia scouted ahead on her pegasus, noting that the bandits were hauling worn and beaten townsfolk into one of the less ruined buildings. Robin took these reports and formulated a plan to both free the townsfolk and eliminate the bandits within.

It was agonizing waiting for him to explain it to us. And when he did, it seemed a bit… unorthodox.

"You know, fishing line as a tripwire makes sense. I didn't even think about that until just now," I whispered, as Donnel tied the fishing line to another small wooden post. It was about a foot off the ground, very hard to see unless you were looking, and went across the entire doorway.

The night was young, with only the rays of the moon and the harsh yellow of torchlight so far away to light up the world. The sound of crickets was the only thing I heard as I stared at Donnel making a trap like he'd been doing it his whole life.

"Wha?" The muscle man opposite of me grunted quietly, "Ya don't think too outside the box, do ya Alex?"

I glared at Vaike. "What's that, Vaike? Like you even knew you could do it. I saw your face when Robin was explaining the plan to us. Bonehead."

"Oho, ya keep talking, bud, but yer not saying much, are ya?" Vaike replied, "Once we get back to camp I'll show ya what kinda bonehead I have!"

I cringed as those words left his mouth. "Vaike, what the hell kinda comeback was that? Phrasing, dude!"

"Wha…? Ooooh… Oh, gods, Alex I didn't mean-! I mean, the Vaike is only interested in the ladies, ya understand? Big, thick 'uns!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, I don't wanna hear it!" I hissed, covering my eyes for several moments before looking down. "Donny, how's the tripwire?"

"Just abouts got it, sir!" Donnel replied, cutting a bit of stray wire off before standing up. He wiped his forehead and turned to me. "All done, Mr. Alex! Gots to say, that tactician of yers is a right smart fella huh?"

"You can say that again," I replied, turning to Vaike. "Okay, stay close to the side of the wall, I'll be here. Donnel, you got your spear?"

He nodded, brandishing said weapon. "Gots it right here, yeah!"

"Right, just like Robin said, then." I took a deep breath. "You stay back, we're gonna lure whatever guards are coming this way, dispose of them, and get to that building holding all the hostages, and then we're getting the hell outta dodge. Got all that down, Vaike?"

"Why're ya asking me?"

"Just wanted to make sure it got through that thick head of yours," I grumbled, flattening myself against the cold stone wall adjacent to the trapped doorway. "Ya know, just in case my words couldn't get through all that muscle."

"Ohoh, big words coming from ya! Just you wait, Alex, I'll get more kills than you in this, er, stealth mission."

"Fuck, I hope you do," I whispered.

"You fellas are the strangest bunch o' people I ever did talk to."

"Yeah, yeah, get next to me, Donny," I forced him against the cold stone wall, shushing. "If they haven't heard us already, they should be-"

"Gods damn, those villagers don't got no coin or gold or nothin' do they?" A deep voice began, starting out quietly before it sounded like it was coming from just beyond the wall. "By Grima's fat scaly ass, they don't even have a nice pretty lass to throw around!"

Oh, I don't even feel bad for what I'm about to do anymore.

"Know what ya mean, friend," Another voice, just as guttural as the last, replied, "A shame, that. We shoulda moved on to the next village long ago. Ain't nothin' here but farms and pig shit. 'Sides, heard the Shepherds were not but a day's trip from here, did ya know that?"

I looked at Vaike, who readied his axe and nodded at me. Slowly, I picked up a pebble from the ground.

"Yeah, heard 'bout that," Moron #1 answered, "Boss was all in a tizzy 'bout that, so I heard. Just blowing hot steam, I say. Like one of them noblelady's teapots. What say we cut our losses and just run for greener pastures? Like them Twins up north?"

"Ya didn't hear 'bout that?" Moron #2 asked, "Them Shepherds killed 'em! Entire gang almost down to the last man, jus' gone. I know them Twins weren't the most normal a folk, but they-"

I tapped the pebble against the rock wall, causing both bandits to go quiet.

"Ya hear that?" One whispered. "What was that?"

"Bird, or somthin'? Wait, maybe them Shepherds are around! We gots ta-!"

"Shut up, birdbrain!" Moron #1 murmured harshly, "Probably just that one farmer boy, ya know? One that got 'way. I say we go and welcome him to his new home."

I had to forcefully keep my face from scrunching into a snarl. I could almost feel Donnel shiver next to me.

"Ya sure? What if it is one of them Shepherds? What we gonna do then?"

"Then we ask 'em politely to leave- What in Grima's name do ya think we're gonna do? We axe 'em before they can go back to all their little sheepy friends! Now, c'mon, I ain't goin' out there alone!"

The sound of two footsteps rang in my ears hollowly as my pulse quickened. What happened next only took a few moments, but it felt like it was an eternity.

Like a bunch of lemmings, they both came out of the wide doorway at the same time. Both of them got their foot caught by the tripwire, and tripped. One fell to the ground with a yelp, while the other only stumbled before ripping out one of the wooden posts with his movement. Vaike and I instantly went into motion. I plunged my sword down through the back of the bandit that fell down, while Vaike's axe found its place in the other's meaty neck, nearly severing his head cleanly from his shoulder.

The bandit on the ground moaned before I roughly stabbed him again, silencing him. I was just thanking whatever god that would listen that they were both stupid enough to leave at the same time.

I let out a breath I was holding. "Alright, let's just get in there, get the prisoners, and get out. If we see any guards, we take 'em out. Everyone good?"

"Hang on, just gotta get this blood off my axe… and, yeah, we're good."

"I'm 'bout ready to go when you are, Mr. Alex!"

I laughed a little when Donnel said that. "Eheh, now I feel like I'm in an office or some crap. I'm only nineteen damnit! Whatever, let's go."

The building the villagers were being held in was at the corner of the Farfort, surrounded by walls. I wondered why the hell they did that, because if they were being held at the center of the camp, they'd be easier to corral and capture if they escaped. Although, considering the behavior of the ones we'd seen so far, I should have expected it; they didn't seem like the sharpest tools in the shed.

We went through the stone hallways, the only light coming from torches and the occasional oil lamp. We were coming upon the room with the villagers inside when we heard footsteps.

I stopped moving, Vaike and Donnel doing the same.

"Gods damn it all, 'ave me guarding these Ylissean cow-humpers, huh? Just my luck," Said the apparent bandit, grumbling under his breath.

The moment he stepped around the corner, I struck. My sword impaled him through the chest as he gagged in surprise. Another quick stab and he was done. I was splattered lightly with blood, but otherwise I was fine so far.

Hell, maybe I should be a thief with all this sneaking around and shit I've been doing.

"Gods, brutal," Vaike commented, "The Vaike approves!"

"Yeah, well, guess it's better to have your approval rather than disapproval." I noticed Donnel. "Hey, Donny, you doing alright?"

"Aw, shucks. Mighty nice of ya to worry 'bout me, Mr. Alex," Donnel replied, "Doin' fine, though. Just hopin' we get to my ma and get outta here right quick!"

"Don't worry; we will," I said, smiling slightly. "We should probably hurry up before-"

It began with a shout, and then the buildings nearby exploded into sound. The familiar sounds of battle rang out in the night, ringing in my ears like tinnitus. I looked at Vaike and Donnel.

"Well, before that, but whatever, we still got time."

"All that noise is gettin' Teach's blood pumpin'! Wish I was out there with everyone else!"

"Aren't I just lucky you got stuck with me, then," I mumbled sarcastically.

"Damn right ya are! Wouldn't have even got half as far as you are now without ol' Teach to back ya up!" Vaike responded, pounding his chest.

"I've got one more kill than you, though. What were we betting on again?" I asked, brow raised with a smirk on my face.

"Wait… one, two, and… Ah, gods. Just ya wait!"

"Fuckin' whatever, man."

"I don't mean to be all rude-like, but my ma and-"

"Yeah, don't worry, Donny."

We went down one more stone corridor, taking out another guard. Finally, we found the door to the room with all the villagers in it. It was easy to pick out, what with the chains around it. That, and the chattering of those within.

"Shit, if only we had a Door Key," I murmured to myself, "Ah, to hell with it!"

I kicked the door. A moment later, I was grabbing at my knee, cursing and hissing under my breath.

"I don't reckon that'll work, Mr. Alex." Donnel said.

"Maybe you should let Teach get through this door?"

"Guys, shh, I got this," I hissed through clenched teeth, limping a little farther away from the door. "Alright, just you watch, I'll get this door down!"

I ran-limped towards the door, attempting to bring it down with the full force of my body. I crashed against the door, causing the chains and wood to rattle but nothing much else. I cursed again as my shoulder throbbed with agony.

"Fucking... cum-dumpster… jackass motherfucker goddamnit!" I swore with the fury of a sailor, limping away from the door as the sound of battle only grew louder.

"Are ya alright?" Donnel asked, concerned. "It don't look like this door is gonna give up, huh."

"Fucking telling me?" I rasped, "Alright, Vaike, just cut it down. I can't take this shit."

"Shoulda just asked me in the first place, bud, before ya went and nearly killed yourself trying to knock it down!" Vaike replied, "Don't worry, Vaike's got this one!"

True to his word, with that absolutely massive axe of his, Vaike swung at the door. The wood splintered and cracked after several chops. The villagers inside, who had gone from chattering among themselves to whispers once my first attempt at breaking down the door failed, started to grow louder as Vaike became visible to them.

I hollowly watched as Vaike did what I couldn't. I swore I felt tears at the corners of my eyes. I forced myself to walk normally, much to the displeasure of my knee, as I looked into the dark room. Not a single light was inside, and the light from the hallway reflected off their scared eyes.

"Alright, folks, cavalry's come to save you," I announced to the group of villagers.

"W-Who… Who are ya?" One of them asked, along with a few quieter repeats from a several others.

"The Shepherds. Well, two of 'em. Name's Alex, this brute over here is Vaike-"

"Hey-! Wait, were ya sayin' something nice or-?"

"Point proven. And you already know Donny. We're getting you all outta here," I finished.

There was only a small amount of people inside, way less than one hundred. Apparently, the village had been losing people for months, what with all the bandit attacks and deaths. A good portion of people just moved out. At least, that was what I was told while we were moving them all out of the cesspit they were all crowded into like cattle.

It sickened me.

We moved the villagers out as quickly and quietly as we could, although even moving them was difficult considering some of them were injured. It took over an hour, with the constant sound of battle literally only a few buildings away, but eventually we got everyone out.

The grateful looks I got from some of them made me smile a little.

I sat down on a crate a short distance away from the Farfort. The bandits put up a helluva fight, as evidenced by the many wounds that some of the Shepherds had. Vulneraries and healing staves all helped the wounded get back on their feet, but we only had a small amount of healing tonic, and one healer; a lot of the healing would have to be done on the way back home. After we made sure all the villagers made it back out safe and sound, of course.

I was silent as I watched a scene play out in front of me.

Donnel was near me, apparently trying to come up and talk to me when a portly woman came upon him and wrapped him a bear hug.

"Oh, Donny!" She squealed. "Thank Naga you're safe! I was worried near to death 'bout you, boy! "

"Aw shucks, ma!" Donnel said, teary-eyed and hugging her back. "I'm just happy I could help!"

Chrom walked up to them after finishing talking with Frederick nearby. "Everything alright over here?"

"Your Lordliness!" Donnel's ma gasped. "I can't thank ya enough for saving us! Donny, where are your manners? Take a knee and thank Your Majestyfulness!"

"Er, y-yeah! Thank ya so much, Your Graciousness! I can't begin to repay ya!"

Chrom smiled. "The glory is all yours, Donny. You're the one who saved your friends and family. We just served as a distraction. Use that experience to protect your village."

"W-wait a moment if it pleases ya, milord! I have a request!" Donnel asked, looking nervous but determind. "T-Take me with ya! I wanna be a Shepherd, like you and Mr. Alex and Mr. Vaike!"

"Hush now, foolish boy!" His mother scolded.

"I wanna get some… what, experience, yeah! I wanna get some experience and come back and protect ya'll, ma!" Donnel said. "I ain't thought I was good for nothin' but shovelin' dirt and feedin' livestock. But ya'll showed me what I can do! There's more I needs to be doin'!"

…Huh… That sounds a bit… familiar…

"Whatcha need to be doing is knowing your place! People like us ain't got no place with royalty-!"

"Actually, we'd be pleased to have him," Chrom said, "The Shepherds could use every able-bodied man and woman we can find."

"Y-you're kind to say as much Your Lordshipness but…" She sighed, "Well, alright. I 'spose you're a grown man now, Donny. You can make your own mind up."

Donnel smiled, looking nearly on the verge of tears again. "Aw, ma…"

"You just come home safely, ya hear me? I'll see that the village be standin' when ya come back a hero. Well? What're ya waitin' for, boy? Off you go! Glory's waitin' for ya!"

"I ain't fightin' for glory, ma, I'm fightin' for you!" Donnel said exuberantly, pumping his fist. "But if I find some glory along the way, I'll be sure to bring it back to you."

I looked down, barely hearing Donnel's ma utter a prayer for her son to return home safe. For a few moments, all I heard was the talking of the Shepherds and townsfolk around me. In other words, I was left with my own thoughts. I would've tried to find someone to talk to to get my mind off stuff, like usual, but I was just too exhausted to do that. I was barely able to keep awake.

"Er, Mr. Alex! Ya awake over there?"

I looked up, finding Donnel standing before me awkwardly. I smirked a little looking at that pot on his head.

"Donny," I greeted, "Need something?"

"Aw, shucks, I forgot. Naw, wait, I remember! Just wanted to say thanks to you and Mr. Vaike! Ya helped me get my ma back! I can't thank either o' ya enough!" Donnel said quickly, almost to the point I couldn't discern what he said.

I blinked, surprised. I pulled my collar up to try and hide the small smile that was forming on my face.

"Eh, you're welcome, Donny," I replied awkwardly, looking away from him. "I-if you wanna say thanks to Vaike in person, I think I saw him by the wagons." I pointed towards a nearby wagon that was being loaded.

"Oh, yeah! I'll go do that. Thank ya again Mr. Alex! See ya 'round!"

Donnel walked off, leaving me alone again.

Huh, maybe I am doing something right…

Aaaand we're back. But what's this? A fairly lighthearted chapter with little at stake? This is supposed to be GRIMDARK. What am I even doing?

Not much for me to say, as this chapter was a detour in terms of plot. Still, it did introduce Donnel, which is good. He and Alex are going to be the best of friends!

I'll see you all next time!

Edited on 2/10/21. This chapter was actually kind of funny.