Finally getting this out. I had meant to fine tune the end half of the chapter a lot more, but I found that I disliked any of the drastic changes I made more than what I had started with. Maybe I'll regret it down the line, but the ending I'd written first just felt natural.
I feel two things I did in this chapter might be a bit controversial, but I'll bring those at the bottom. What shouldn't be controversial is this opening scene. It was very relaxing to right compared to the rest of an incredibly dialogue heavy chapter.
Enjoy!
Chapter 5: Home Sweet Home
A cat peeked out of its shelter, composed of forgotten boxes and a single torn blanket left by the side of the road by someone too rich to miss them. It proved a boon to the fortunate and well rested cat. A blood red gem sat within the cat's forehead. People had tried to pluck the ruby from it's head before, but found their efforts fruitless. Those who attempted often did not quit, and took this cat home under the pretense of caring. The cat would always escape, with their supposed owners worse for wear. The most recent had taken him from his home in the woods and dragged him into the forest of stone, leaving him more lost than ever.
The tired cat jumped from its shelter at the bellowing above it. The hairs on his back stood at attention and his ears flattened against his head as twelve times the bells tolled. Every single titanic pitch of the bell resounded in the open air of the city, echoing through the most refined stone and chiseled marble that made up the main road. The window just above the cat depicted a dragon in stained glass. As pure a blue as summer sky. The holy form of Naga at Her greatest overlooked the road. The depiction had taken years to complete, and for good reason. It was both the first and last thing Her most devout worshippers saw as they entered the temple's halls, and when they left it.
The cat had no way of knowing this. He was acutely aware when the doors beside him opened, and from the cathedral the Servants of Naga poured out. If the cat cared to, he could listen to the people passing him speak of the sermon. He would hear more than one of the worshippers pass along pleasantries to another, or polite farewells. He might even hear the young mother scolding her child for rudely calling the man that had spoken 'girly.'
But the cat was far more concerned with its own personal safety, which the presence of a crowd detracted from. Even at its most viscous it couldn't defend itself against this many people, if they decided to take him. It scampered away from the crowd and faded into an alleyway down the road. The alley was a narrow and forgotten sight where the street he had slept along was paved with an intricate, clean mesh of stone and gravel made wide enough for both people and transport alike.
The cat saw a pair of unkempt, unshaven men squatting along the roadsides. With his beige fur coat, he stood out against the otherwise stagnant coloration of the alley. The thinner of the two men elbowed the other and muttered something too quietly for the curious cat to understand. Not that he would need to, for the cat looked into the hungry eyes of these men. When the closest one edged nearer, the cat took a step back with its claws drawn. This did not serve to deter the thin man, who looked ready to pounce at him. The cat hissed at the encroaching figure, and the second man flinched.
"This beast is feral, it ain't worth it," the second man said. His friend was deaf to his warning.
The first man pounced at the cat, grabbing like a desperate beast all his own. The cat was nimble, and avoided the grasping hands. The feline let out a hiss, and his ruby began to glow. This gave the man pause, but not for long as he readied to lunge again. The second man shouted for him to stop, but it was too late.
The man did not see the shadowy claws that surrounded the cat's natural ones. As the creature retaliated the man let out a yelp. A bad sign for the cat, for people in pain often attracted the far more dangerous men covered in steel. The cat saw his salvation in the form of a windowsill above him. The second man ran over to his wounded friend, and the cat took his chance. He leaped onto the man's shoulder and catapulted himself to his mark. The second man was only a witness to his attack, so the cat only had his normal claws out, so that this man would not be so hurt. From the sill, he was able to make his way higher, jumping to a hung up potted plant and climbing up a vine onto the roof of the building.
The triangular shape of the roof was not so steep, and he was able to walk across it with ease. A few birds flew away from their perch atop the roof as soon as the first noticed him. To the well learned birdwatcher, half of these birds had appeared as if by magic five years ago alongside the cat who stalked the city and countless more animals across the continent. The cat, once known by men as a Persian, was not aware of this. He was aware of his new vantage point, though.
At the center of the city the highest tower of the Royal Palace presided, with the mid-morning sun rising at its side. The Persian, in spite of his vantage point, could only see the entrance at the end of the street he'd awoken on, and a grand tower that stood above it. Winged creatures the cat was unfamiliar with circled the tower, carrying what looked like people on their backs. Safe from danger, he tried to place what the creatures resembled for a brief moment, but lost interest shortly.
He turned away from the sight, instead focusing in on the cathedral. More specifically, the small Pidgey that was turned away from him. It was only one building over, and so the feline had his mark. He hadn't eaten since he awoke, and he had every intention of remedying that.
The Persian creeped down the incline, and stretched over the small gap between the buildings. The Pidgey hadn't budged, watching the tallest tower of the palace in envy. The Persian's soundless steps edged him closer to his prey. The cat's back wiggled as he prepared to pounce.
His patience did not pay off. The small bird took off quickly when a commanding shout echoed through the streets.
"Make way for the Prince! Make way for the Prince!"
The feline, peeved that he would have wait to eat, looked to the source of the voice below. A man covered in blue steel riding atop what the humans had been calling from atop his horse. The Persian had seen a few before, and he wasn't impressed by the creature. For all their size, they were far too patient with people.
Behind the annoying shouting man was more people, in plain blue uniforms and plain featureless armor. In the center of the column marched a blue haired man and what appeared to be a bird man beside him. Others trailed them, like the man in the coat with a Pikachu on his shoulder, but those weren't important. No, that bird man was a curious sight, as the feline had never seen before. He licked his lips hungrily, but his eyes trailed back to the other men of steel with weapons in hand.
Knowing he wouldn't be able to get at the bird man with that many people around, the cat prowled away. Maybe he could find a smaller pest on the ground that wouldn't get the chance to run.
Robin had no idea why he was here. He'd expected to be let go once they reached the capital. Instead, he was being led into the palace alongside the strangest King he'd probably ever heard of by Chrom. He was going to meet the Exalt, leader of an entire country.
Although, alongside wasn't completely accurate. He was told to stay a few paces behind Chrom and King Dedede. Frederick had been very clear about their marching order. Chrom and Dedede took up the front, with Frederick riding beside the Prince and Bandana Dee marching beside the King. Well, really it was a waddle.
Waddle Dee. Robin couldn't keep down his chuckle at the realization. It's a Dee that waddles, isn't it? The mouse on his shoulder gave him a curious glance, but he just shook his head. Pikachu glared for a moment before returning his attention forward. He must have spoiled the thing before he lost his memory. Pikachu had barely removed himself from Robin's shoulder since they departed from Bathoneo. Especially since the fight with... Whatever those things had been the night before.
Lissa was walking a ways behind him and probably barely gave him a thought. She walked alongside Meta Knight's carriage. Dedede wanted him to see a priest or cleric when they got into the city, but Meta Knight insisted on joining them.
'I'm going. You're not going to alienate another member of our host's family because I'm indisposed,' he had said. Neither of them seemed happy about it, either.
He was silently grateful that Chrom was also bringing King Dedede to the palace. Most of the Shepherds went to their barracks somewhere in the city, and Robin would've been terrified of meeting the Exalt alone. His amnesia story, true as it was, didn't exactly inspire the level of trust that he felt comfortable with. What if she decided he was a threat, and had him locked away? With Dedede and the Waddle Dees around, he did feel confident that his story was the less absurd.
Robin also caught a whiff of himself just before they entered the city. The only thing that kept him from gagging was the smell of a carefully crafted perfume overshadowing it when he wasn't sniffing himself. He'd asked Virion about it and he'd scoffed. The 'assault upon his nostrils,' as he'd called it, was emanating from Dedede. Robin's own offensive smell would certainly be camouflaged by the unwitting penguin when they met the Exalt.
Most of all Robin appreciated that Dedede took the brunt of curiosity from the passing Ylissean people. Turns out a strange man in a hood walking with their prince and a mouse on his shoulder caught less attention then creatures they'd never seen before. Who knew? It gave him the freedom to let his eyes wander without judgement. And by whatever God or Gods he'd worshipped - he didn't quite figure that out yet - did they wander.
Where what he'd seen of Bathoneo had been a clever mixture of various structural design and color meant to suit every individual home, Ylisstol was uniform. The blue equivalent to the open sky and a pure white accented every building in the forms of banners, signs, and flat lines of paint. It seemed as if the people around them were the only thing that didn't have the city's colors on it. Well, the animals too. Like the cat he saw skulking in the alley by the cathedral. That wasn't blue. He hadn't been able to avert his eyes from the window of the dragon until they had passed it, though. It was a haunting and beautiful image.
"Pi..." The squeak was hardly louder than a whisper from his shoulder. Robin patted Pikachu's head without facing him. Robin was getting the impression that Pikachu wasn't fond of the crowd. The mouse sidled up closer to his head.
It occurred to Robin that he hadn't seen this much life in one place since he awoke. Bathoneo had been ransacked, and it's people terrified even as they left. Chrom had assured him that the Knights would be deployed to keep order and aid in the reconstruction.
The capital hadn't been ransacked. The shouting merchants, the merchants calling out their wares, the children running around playing. The awed faces of the people as their party passed by.
It was new and exciting. Whatever he did once Chrom finally released him from his custody, he would love to do it in the city.
"Stand up straight and look forward." Frederick ordered. Robin perked up to find the knight staring at him. He did as he was told. When he looked past the front column, he saw why. Though the cacophonous clacking of hooves on the hard stone should have given it away first.
Two lines of cavalry marched toward them, led by a knight with armor larger than Frederick's. The armor shone a brilliant crystalline white, and was clean enough that the space around him seemed brighter just for his armor existing. The white helmet took the shape of a dragon. His presence humbled Robin. He doubted he could ever looked so grand.
The first two horsemen behind him looked much realer in comparison, in their simple red and green armor. Sully and Stahl looked forward with a stoicism Robin hadn't expected either to be capable of. Not that he really knew them well enough to be a fair judge of that. Both parties halted before each other, and all the life that Robin had been admiring stopped to watch.
"Knight Commander Belisar," Chrom said from the front of the line. The prince and the knight took a step toward each other, which was likely the only movement on the road.
"Prince Chrom. It is good that you have returned to us unharmed," Belisar responded. His voice was as friendly as a hard, gruff voice could possibly be. The knight dismounted, demonstrating his incredible strength simply by moving in the armor. "I wish I could have met with you on the road, but circumstances changed. The Knights could not make for Bathoneo until today."
"I believe the Shepherds encountered this circumstance on the road home," Chrom responded grimly. His posture seemed to lighten then. "But the capital is safe. We can talk of such things later, teacher."
A gruff laugh came from the dragon helm. "Indeed! You have other things to explain, and you have to report to your sister," the man grabbed his helmet and pulled it from his head. For all the grandiosity of his wear, Belisar's face was much plainer. A well trimmed beard straddled his face from ear to ear, but no hair connected it from atop his head. A scar cut cleanly across his nose, and another laid upon his cheek.
This face looked past Chrom and shot into the figure of Dedede. Robin felt second hand intimidation from the glare.
"I was going to ask you why your location was impossible to find after you left Bathoneo, but I'm guessing that was by design," the old knight gathered.
"Indeed," Chrom said. "It would not do for the Heroes of Bathoneo to have their reputation sullied by rumors before the Exalt met them." Belisar raised a curious brow at this praise.
"Heroes, eh?" Belisar stepped around Chrom and approached King Dedede. The knight looked down to meet the King's eyes. Robin was impressed that he didn't see Dedede flinch. "That is high praise from the prince, you know. He's never been one to look past merit."
"The credit is hardly mine to take," Dedede said, a humbleness in his voice that didn't sound right coming from him. "I was in the right place at the right time. Prince Chrom's party helped us first, despite... The obvious. I would be a poor guest if I did nothing to repay him."
Belisar nodded, pleased with the answer. "Indeed. Based on the letter we received, I have to assume you to be Dedede, then." The King nodded. "Ylisse is grateful for your help. The Exalt is expecting you and your people. She will be pleased to find the reports claim of your egotism were exaggerated as well."
Chrom snickered unceremoniously from behind the knight. Belisar frowned. Robin could feel the glower, even as Belisar's turned his back to him to face the Prince.
"I apologize, Knight Commander. My praise was earnest, but your report also rang true." With this new information in mind, Belisar returned a glare to Dedede. This time the penguin man flinched. The shrinking began there.
"Is that so, then?" Robin could see the sweat on Dedede's back. Then the knight's glare softened up. "So be it. The Exalt will surely forgive you your vice." The knight leaned in closer to whisper something that Robun couldn't make out. Dedede nodded.
"O-of course. Thank you for the advice," the King stuttered, adding a nod for good measure.
"Very good. Now, I believe we have left the Exalt waiting long enough," Belisar announced. The knight returned to his horse and with one great pull found himself on top of it again. With the click of his helmet, he turned behind him to Stahl. "You know the plan. I leave you in charge, Stahl. I'll meet you in Bathoneo."
Stahl nodded sternly, and called out the command to march. The cavalry, which had remained motionless as they talked, marched past them toward the southern gate of the city. Civilian life returned to the street little by little as they passed. Belisar gave Chrom's group one more glance before waving them on.
"Come, Prince. Dedede. I will escort you to the palace myself." They followed, with Belisar taking his place beside Chrom.
"How fairs Ylisstol, Belisar?" Chrom asked. Robin noticed Dedede's head perk up.
"Well enough, milord. Though it wouldn't be wise to discuss the specifics at this time," Belisar answered. Robin nearly let out a laugh when Dedede's head fell. The King didn't notice when Belisar's head turned to him. "Though I would like to ask about our other guests. I take it the one in the carriage is with you, Your Highness?"
"Ye- I mean," Dedede pounded his chest, as if to switch off his normal linguistics. "Indeed, Sir Knight. That is my closest friend and advisor Meta Knight. He was injured a few weeks ago, and lost use of his foot."
"Please, Your Highness, call me Belisar." The man in question requested. All the same, The old knight nodded. "In any case, I wouldn't deprive a visitor of his closest advisor. Would I be wrong to assume Princess Lissa has nursed him back to health?"
"To the best of her ability. Lissa has... Dreamland is in Ylisse's debt," Dedede finished.
"Ha!" Belisar laughed truthfully. "That is questionable, considering the reports. Besides, I doubt that the Exalt would force you to repay your debt, even disregarding your actions in Bathoneo. All the same, it is still good to know we have allies."
Dedede nodded stiffly. The group went silent, allowing the sounds of Ylisstol to soak in. It was fascinating, Robin thought. Even as Belisar, Chrom, and Dedede acted pleasantly to each other, he still caught wind of distrust between the parties. Was this politics? He'd be awful at catching these double meanings and subtle clues. Was Dedede following this? Bandana Dee?
Could Meta Knight even hear any of it?
Robin didn't even notice that he had reached over across his chest to pet Pikachu's head. An outside observer could call this action a nervous tick.
His thoughts of politics came to a grinding halt when the tower of the palace became clearly visible. Honestly, Robin couldn't figure out how he had only just now seen it. It towered over the outer walls of the palace as a beautiful blend of solid and serene. The highest room of the tower had an open wall, serving as a window to the world below. Around the tower, Robin could see a number of what almost looked like flying horses circle the tower.
Flying horses, though? That sounded surreal. This was the moment he noticed his arm, still extended across his chest to pet his bright yellow thunder mouse. He also looked on at the massive bird king walking in front of him.
Reality: two. Logic: nil.
Still, they might not be flying horses, Robin thought in an attempt to comfort himself. It didn't help.
The outside of the palace was impressive as well. The city seemed to have stopped in the last stretch of the capital before the palace. Long yards of soldiers drilled instead on the open strip that formed the outskirts. Balconies hung over the doorway to the palace. Archers, their armor bearing the same sigil as the one on Chrom's exposed arm, stared out over the scene. Seeing the approaching party, they turned away from the drills. Their eyes scrutinized the approaching party.
"I apologize, Your Highness. When we had heard of a foreign king freeing the survivors of Bathoneo, the report wasn't very specific on what to expect," Belisar spoke earnestly. He put up an open palm, and the archers nodded, looking back over the drilling soldiers. Looking around, very few soldiers turned as they passed.
Belisar put up the back of his hand, and the group halted. Belisar and Frederick dismounted from their horses, passing the reigns to the waiting stable boys. Robin heard a gentle knock behind him, and turned to see Meta Knight's carriage lowered. One of the soldiers nearby approached him when Meta Knight put up a hand, stopping him. Meta Knight stood on his own, crutch in hand, and nodded to the soldier.
"Please lead the Waddle Dees to the storehouse. Show them where they can store the carriage. Frederick has arranged for them to be retrieved from there," he told the soldier. The man glanced up at Frederick, who nodded to the soldier without looking at him.
"I trust everyone to be on their best behavior for the Exalt," Frederick announced. Robin nodded. Well, once more into the unknown. Belisar stepped to the double doors and threw them open.
"Great Exalt, I announce the entrance of Prince Chrom and Princess Lissa and their retinue. Great Exalt, I announce the entrance of King Dedede, sovereign of the foreign kingdom of Dreamland, and his retinue."
As Belisar's proud cry ended, the guards flanking either side of the greeting room's doors pulled them open in perfect synchronization. At Dedede's side, Meta Knight hobbled forward. Beside Meta Knight walked Bandana Dee. Out of respect for tradition, Lissa had rejoined her brother and the other humans. The Ylisseans, alongside that man Robin - whom Meta Knight had learned was not with the Shepherds - stood with a small space between them and the Dreamlanders. A clear divide between the parties. Meta Knight wasn't sure how to feel about that.
Chrom stepped forward first, and everyone else moved afterward. Meta Knight took a careful look at the hall around him. A red carpet made a trail for the door, up a single small step, before breaking in two directions to form a half circle. Enclosed in this half circle was the throne. Standing before the throne was a woman pale of skin with a crown hung over her head, resembling a halo. On the center of her forehead was proof of her heritage, the Mark of the Exalt, that Meta Knight recognized from Chrom's arm. Belisar stood beside her, as well as a woman that Meta Knight did not recognize. Frederick had warned him and Dedede beforehand of Wing Commander Phila.
Chrom and Lissa took two steps past the stair and bowed their heads respectfully. Frederick was a step and a half behind them and gave a much deeper bow.
"Sister, it is good to see you are well," Chrom said.
"And you as well, Chrom," the pleasant voice of Exalt Emmeryn replied.
"Hello, sis!" Lissa's casual greeting made Phila flinch. Belisar's expression was unreadable underneath his helmet's visage of a dragon.
"It is good to see you as well, Lissa," The Exalt said. She closed her eyes wearily for a moment, though the weariness never reached her smile. "Much has happened in Ylisse since you left on your investigation."
"And much happened during that investigation, Emmeryn." Chrom stepped to the side, as if he were presenting everyone he brought with him. Meta Knight watched the Exalt's eyes closely as they took in everyone before her. She never let go of the gentleness for an instant. "Sister, I introduce to you King Dedede and his closest men, the Heroes of Bathoneo."
The white haired woman that Meta Knight assumed to be Phila raised a curious brow and looked like she wanted to say something, but bit her tongue when Emmeryn stepped forward towards them. She looked to each of them with an unwavering smile.
"I am pleased to meet you. I know not why you have come to Ylisse, but you and your people are welcome here, Great King of Dreamland." She punctuated her statement with a deep bow.
"Your Grace! You can't-" Phila began.
"She can and she did," Belisar cut in. Phila's frown was deep, but she stood dutifully stiff and said no thing more.
"Your offer is generous and your gratitude appreciated," King Dedede said in a respectful voice that still seemed alien from his beak. Meta Knight was glad to see his relentless drilling bearing fruit. "But I cannot lie and say that we had no cause. Princess Lissa and Prince Chrom came to our aid first, not knowing who or what we were. If not for them, my close friend might never have awoken."
The Exalt kept her smile, but her raised brow gave away her curiosity. She gave Meta Knight a glance, and turned back to Dedede with a nod.
"I see. All the same, many Ylisseans live today because of your intervention. Perhaps it is the will of Naga that you have come to us. May I ask why you are in Ylisse?"
"Yes, of course... Your Grace," Dedede blundered after a pause. He returned her bow from earlier, obviously hoping to cover his misstep. Meta Knight would have sighed if it wouldn't make the situation worse. If anyone was offended, they let him continue on anyway. "Our flying ship crashed upon your shores a number of weeks ago. Your people near the crash site were too scared to help us. One of Chrom's men happened to save one of mine from a brigand, three weeks after our crash."
Dedede pointed to Bandana Dee, who nodded excitedly. The face of Phila scrunched up in confusion at the words 'flying ship.' Even Belisar's helmet quirked to the side.
"I had sent him out to try to find anyone who knew medicine or healing magics, commodities we found commonly across the sea. He came back with the Prince and Princess. What luck, eh?" Meta Knight couldn't hold back his sigh this time. When he looked up, though, he was surprised to see Emmeryn's smile brightened a bit.
"That is very much like them to help," she said, thoroughly engaged.
"Yeah... Anyway, we talked, and Chrom said 'I wasn't a threat to Ylisse,' and Lissa healed my friend. She made it safe to move him, and he did wake up that night, but the Shepherds had left by then."
"If the Shepherds left, how come you arrived in Ylisstol together?" Phila cut in. The question was an accusation, not just out of curiosity.
"We needed to make accommodations to move me," Meta Knight spoke up. "King Dedede prefers to have me by his side when he's meeting other leaders." It was a a half truth. He really couldn't be safely moved while he was unconscious, regardless of King Dedede insulting the Princess.
"I see. And who are you?"
"I am Meta Knight, the Kings close advisor, and the greatest swordsman of Dreamland."
"Peace, Phila," Emmeryn spoke up. She turned back to the King. "Everything I have heard speaks well of your character, Your Majesty. I take it you will need help with your ship's repairs?
"Yes, Your Grace. It is an burdensome task, but if you can provide the materials then we can fix it without use of Ylissean manpower," Meta Knight said for Dedede. Phila wasn't pleased with his intervention, but he didn't care. He was the most of the brains behind Dreamland anymore.
"Ylisse will do everything in its power to help you, then. Once we are done here, I'd like you to join me when I meet with the council. We can discuss what we can spare for you then," The Exalt promised. Dedede nodded. Emmeryn gave another bow, and could think that was the end of the meeting. This notion was erased as the Exalt approached the awkward hooded figure opposite of the Dreamlanders. Robin stood completely alone but for Pikachu beside him. "And what of you? I have met the other Shepherds before, and you are not one of them."
"Huh? Ah, well..." The man stumbled. His pathetic display of courtly manners made Dedede forget his own with a sharp guffaw. The Exalt closed her eyes and her smile became a frown for but a moment.
"This is Robin, Emmeryn," Chrom intervened, an act Robin was visibly relived for. "We found him and his companion, Pikachu, near the Dreamlander's crash site. We had meant to question him and let him go, but he took up the sword and provided great tactical insight while the Shepherds fought in Bathoneo. None of us would have survived to see Dedede's arrival without his help. I planned to ask him to join the Shepherds as our new tactician."
Robin's mouth hung open for a moment, before the Emmeryn turned back to him.
"Is that so?" Emmeryn asked, directing her question at Robin. The man nodded with a renewed confidence.
"Your Grace," Frederick spoke up suddenly, "we cannot throw away the possibility the man is a Plegian spy who used the attack on Bathoneo as cover." Emmeryn briefly considered this before turning to Chrom.
"Yet you let him in the Palace," she said without malice, "Do you trust this man, Chrom?"
"With my life," Chrom answered. Meta Knight smiled under his mask at the sweat visibly forming on Robin's brow. Some people just had no semblance of ceremony in their veins.
"Then he has my trust as well."
"Pika Pi!" The mouse cheered from ground level. The Exalt seemed caught off guard and took a step back. Her gentle smile turned further upward after a moment of uncertainty. Chrom was smiling, and the snickers from Lissa were clearly audible. The commanders were not so mirthful, as Belisar had his hand on his sheathe. They relaxed a bit once they were certain there was no immediate danger.
"And I guess I must trust your friend as well then, Robin," the Exalt stated. Her embarrassment seemed to be stowed away already. Meta Knight figured she wasn't caught off guard like that often. Pikachu nodded excitedly. Robin nodded stiffly.
"Regardless, he has journeyed far and done much. If there are no objections, I'd like to give him a spot to rest in the barracks for at least the night while he considers my offer," Chrom said. Meta Knight was quickly picking up on Chrom's complete inability to be subtle.
"I can show him where it is!" Lissa volunteered loudly. Meta Knight twitched at the sudden volume. Before anyone could object, she was pulling Robin out of the hall. Pikachu followed without protest. Bandana Dee tugged at King Dedede's coat, and pointed at the Princess pleadingly. Dedede nodded, and Bandana Dee ran out the door.
"King Dedede, Meta Knight. We were going to meet with the council to discuss a situation in Ylisse," Exalt Emmeryn said. "We do need to discuss your repairs. After that... Normally, this would be an private council meeting, but it sounds as though you have become stranded on our shores. Your outsider input may be appreciated in this circumstance."
"We would need to meet this council anyway to begin fixing our ship, right?" Dedede asked. She nodded in response. "Then lead on, Your Grace."
Bandanna Dee was excited to finally sleep inside again. In a really for real building, too! That's twice as real as the cabins that the Waddle Dees had built. Those didn't have floors. Just ground. It had to make the march through the city before worth it, he thought. All those staring eyes and then that dragon knight guy. Then there was that high strung meeting with the Exalt, too. He had no idea why he had even been brought! He just stood at attention while everyone else talked. Even Pikachu knew when to speak! Though he did get pointed at once, so that was neat.
It hadn't taken much for him to catch up to the Princess Lissa and that Robin guy. He could hear Robin pleading for his arm back from around the corner. Must have been a human metaphor thing, because Bandana Dee didn't think that the Princess was the kind of person to take a person's arm off.
Bandana Dee had come around the corner of the hallway to find them. Robin was rubbing his arm, and the princess was pouting with her arms crossed. Pikachu stood on his hind legs beside Robin, one ear quirked up while the other lay to the side.
"I appreciate your excitement, Lissa, but I'd still really like to have both of my arms when we get there," Robin said. The Princess sighed.
"You know, King Dedede has never lost his arms before. You could ask him for help!" Bandana Dee intervened, announcing his presence. The humans turned to him with unreadable expressions.
"I'll... Do that?" Robin questioned. Robin had stopped rubbing his arm when he said it, so maybe he was already very good at not losing his arms. Or maybe he was expecting something up front, before he asked the king! Bandanna Dee wasn't sure what he could say, though.
"I don't have arms like you two, so I don't know how it works. Maybe a massage will fix your arm problem!"
"Alright, nipping this in the bud. I was exaggerating. I'm pretty sure Lissa wasn't actually going to take my arm off." The princess's mouth twitched upwards in a less-than-friendly way.
"Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that," Lissa mischievously sang. "Imagine the things I could do with an extra arm!"
"Lissa, no," Robin stated. Bandana Dee found himself getting more and more confused.
"Aww, come on! We could have Miriel attach it and everything! It'd be great!" Lissa insisted, the thrill in her voice growing with every word.
"You have given me no reason to believe that. I vote that I keep my arm," Robin declared.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed from Robin's side. At least, Bandana Dee was pretty sure it was in agreement.
"Pft, voting? Puh-lease, Robin. This is the Halidom of Ylisse!" Lissa declared in voice equally playful and authoritative. "Therefore, as Princess, I order you to give me your arm!"
Robin raised a brow, before finally he sighed. It was a resigned sigh that Bandanna Dee actually knew very well. He lived it often enough. Robin stuck his arm out towards her.
"Fine, you tyrant. Do your worst." She giggled a bit in response. In all his time alive, Bandana Dee wasn't sure he'd ever seen something so diabolical acted out before him. It was at this moment that Bandana Dee noticed the guard standing watch in the hall. He was shaking his helmed head at what took place before him. Shouldn't he be...
"Nah, it's no fun if you are just gonna give up," she said. Robin lowered his arm, a relieved smile on his face. Lissa turned to Bandana Dee with a light smile, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away there. Did you need something?"
He was missing something and it wasn't worth trying to figure it out. Why was he out here...? Oh!
"Oh, yes! King Dedede is letting me join you in the barracks while he's at his meeting. But! I don't know where it is!"
"Well, come on, then!" Lissa waved Bandanna Dee over, and together the four of them moved through the great halls of the palace.
Bandana Dee was finding that he really liked the palace. Sure, it wasn't as big as Dedede's had been, but it sure made up for it in appearance. Most of the windows depicted other blue haired guys with a sword. One of the largest depictions, flanked by two marble pillars, depicted the guy with an army at his back fighting against a black dragon with six threatening purple eyes. The dragon was alone, Bandanna Dee noticed. That was sad. Then again, the dragon was probably the bad guy.
Bandana Dee was glad he was never the bad guy. He always had Dedede and his other Waddle Dees. He also remembered a time, before the Rebirth, where he fought alongside Meta Knight too! Yeah! He had helped that guy fix his ship alongside Meta Knight, King Dedede, and... The Star Warrior...
But then that guy they had helped was evil, and because he was evil he was alone and they beat him.
Bandana Dee missed those days.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Robin asked.
"No thanks, my thoughts aren't for sale," Bandana Dee answered, his revery broken seamlessly.
Robin frowned at the answer, but he didn't press on it. Despite how Bandana Dee found the princess and Robin arguing somewhat loudly, they walked through the palace in silence. Without the prying eyes of the entire city on him nor the judging looks of the Exalt's Commanders, he was feeling comfortable for the first time since they entered the city. The familiar feeling of long, empty palace halls made him even more homesick, though. Even if home didn't exist anymore.
Bandana Dee shook the thoughts away. That's no way for Dedede's servant to think. Especially not one so favored. He was tough! He was a hardened leader! He was...
He wasn't really sure when they had left the palace's halls, nor the palace walls. The long strips that had been filled by military drills and sparring rings not long before were now emptied. There was a mix of birds coveting the fields now.
"Lissa, where did the soldiers go?" Robin asked warily. He noticed too, Bandanna Dee surmised.
"Outside the city walls, if they're still drilling, or at their posts," she answered. "The fields strip will be full again within the hour. It happens a lot."
"Is that safe?" He asked. "Couldn't someone sneak into the palace if they knew?"
Lissa shrugged her shoulders. "Probably not. I don't know though. Tactics have never been something I've focused on."
Robin sighed. "I'll have to ask Chrom about that later, then. Since I'm working for him now."
Lissa gasped. "So you accept the position?"
"I don't think I have much of a choice, considering his rousing recommendation to Emmeryn. How could I say no after that?" Robin sighed.
"Yay! Welcome to the Shepherds, Robin!" Lissa said with a big grin. "It's going to be great!"
"Yeah, I'm sure it will be," he said in resignation.
"Pika!" Pikachu cheered. The mouse jumped gleefully at the new Tactician of the Shepherds, and he caught him without hesitation. He was getting good at that for someone who lost their memories a little over a week ago.
"Congratulations on the job, Mister Robin," Bandana Dee said. He stood on the tips of his feet ad wave for Robin to kneel down. The confused amnesiac did so, and Bandanna Dee whispered conspiratorially, "If you need any tips on becoming your boss's favorite henchman, ask me! I know all about it."
"Great... I'll keep that in mind."
The walk through Ylisstol had been long, and Robin's feet were aching in his boots. He hadn't sat down since the city had come into sight early that morning. A peek at the sky would reveal the sun's form near its peak. So when Lissa finally announced their arrival, Robin felt all the weight of the day thus far crash down onto him. Since he was a soldier now, he would really have to work on his stamina.
The outside of the barracks seemed standard enough. A stone exterior with a thatch roof. The grounds it stood on were separated from the rest of the city by a stone fence. The standard of Ylisse, the Mark of the Exalt, hung from the windows. Of course it would, it was everywhere else.
A ring was clearly outlined in front of the barracks, floored with dirt unlike the rest of the hard-stone and marble city. A stable sat beside the main building, where two horses poked their heads out. One Robin recognized as Frederick's, but the other horse was covered in a fine cloth. That one he did not recognize.
The three of them crossed the training yard together. Lissa grabbed the door's handle.
"Here were are! The Shepherd's garrison," she proudly announced, opening the way in.
When Robin heard words like 'barracks' and 'garrison,' the image in his head would be of an uncomfortable and cramped quarters. The long wooden table in the center of the room might have for that description, but not the rest of the room. A fireplace sat in the corner, with two inviting velvet chairs on a rug nearby which currently played host to Virion and two sleeping Waddle Dees. A few much more homely chairs dotted the walls between the entrance and the fire, where many of the rest of the Shepherds made themselves at home.
One of these Shepherds, a blonde woman in pink that Robin didn't recognize, had shot up as soon as the door had opened.
"Lissa, my treasure!" This woman yelled. She quickly circled the table and darted straight towards Lissa. "Are you alright? I've been on pins and needles!"
"Oh, hey Maribelle," Lissa laughed dismissively.
"'Oh hey' yourself! I've grown 14 gray hairs fretting over you!" The now identified Maribelle claimed. Robin couldn't see any of these supposed gray hairs from where he was. He didn't try very hard, though.
"I can't see one," Bandanna Dee mumbled quietly. No one else seemed to have heard the comment.
"Aw, you worry too much!" Lissa said in an attempt to wave off her friend's worry. "I can handle a battle or two."
"I know you can, Lissa. But citywide guerrilla warfare is not 'a battle or two.'"
"Ah, she was fine, Maribelle! Teach was there the whole time," a voice called from across the building. Out of an open doorway, Vaike walked in. He still didn't have a shirt on.
"Is that supposed to assuage my concerns?" Maribelle snapped. She didn't wait for an answer. "And then I heard that you were attacked by monsters on the road! Lissa, how can I trust you to go anywhere without me anymore?"
"Well, because our new tactician might need you elsewhere!" Lissa said, stepping aside and casting her palms out towards Robin. "Meet Robin! We found him down south, and we'd have never gotten back without his help!"
Maribelle squinted at him. Hard. She looked him up and down in scrutiny, and he felt very, very uncomfortable. He looked to Pikachu for help, and found no solace. Even Bandana Dee gave a shrug, and ran off towards the fire.
"I see," she said. By saying nothing meaningful, Robin felt like she had already cast her unfavorable judgement upon him.
"Cmon, Maribelle, Robin was great out there! You shoulda seen it," Vaike said. "Between his magic, his swordsmanship, and his pet, he might almost stand up to me!"
"I resent that," Robin said with a mock frown.
"Hey, I could prove it right now, if you want."
"Ugh, must you be such a barbarian, Vaike?" Virion cut in from by the fire, where Bandana Dee now lay as well. "Robin has exerted himself already for one day. The poor man needs to be off his feet, not wasting away during foot play."
Vaike looked to protest, but Robin couldn't help but agree.
"Sorry Vaike, but I need to stop existing for a while. At the very least, I need to somewhere to put my stuff. Could anyone-"
"I can," a voice interrupted from behind him. Robin jumped forward, nearly falling into the table. Pikachu jumped out of the way with a startled 'Pi!' Robin turned around to come face to face with the modest form of an armor-less Kellam sitting in a dark corner. He seemed much smaller without the comically large shoulder pads on. It complimented the meek, apologetic expression on the man's face
"Yes, I would..." Robin patted down his robe, hoping to wipe off his nerves. "If you could?"
Kellam stood up with a nod. He led Robin and a cautious Pikachu past the now mirthfully rolling form of Vaike into the hallway.
Weapons dotted one wall of the hallway, each polished around their scratches and dents. Opposite of them was a series of doors. Kellam lead Robin to the back of the Shepherds Barracks, stopping at the last door. Kellam gestured toward the door.
"This room's completely open. Unless recruitment for the Shepherds picks up, you should have the whole room to yourself for a while," Kellam said. Robin thanked him, and grabbed the handle. Deep breath, Robin. Time to see home. He turned the knob, and slowly pushed it open a crack. Pikachu decided this wasn't fast enough, and squeezed his head through the crack.
"Pika!" Pikachu joyfully cried from within. Something started bouncing on springs shortly afterwards, which ended with a significantly muffled "Pi."
The door ajar, Robin couldn't help but smile. The room was modestly sized, sure, but he could live with that. There was a desk in one corner of the room, bare but for an untouched candle. Most importantly, there were two beds with a bit of space between them, one of which Pikachu was already wearing down and melting into. It was a sentiment that Robin could get behind. In front of each bed was a footlocker, each hung open to reveal their lack of contents.
"All mine..." The words came from Robin as barely more than a breathe, drowned out by even the distant sounds of the city.
"Your bag's still in the cart, I can go get it if you'd like," Kellam offered. Robin nodded his consent. He assumed Kellam left at that moment, and crashed onto the closest bed, next to Pikachu. The mouse turned his head lazily toward Robin, lids half closed. The weight of the day thus far, of the fighting in Bathoneo and those monsters, and even the nights of sleeping off dirt slowly eroded alongside his consciousness.
What's a couple hours of rest, he wondered?
"Iron, for structure. Copper, for wiring..."
Meta Knight carefully watched each member of the council as he read off what his repairs would require. It was not a promising sight. The Exalt was the friendliest face in the room, and even she was looking overwhelmed.
"Wiring, sir... Knight?" One councilman questioned. Meta Knight had picked up on the man's pause, but did not mention it. He was used to the questioning stares of humans by now.
"It is a foreign concept in this land, I presume. Electricity, much like lightning or your mages thunder magic, travels through the metal. This powers mechanisms that help certain part of the ship run," Meta Knight explained. He wouldn't bother trying to explain electricity to another medieval society.
"And what of manpower?" One of the few woman councilors demanded. "Would you need Ylisseans to help with repairs too?"
"It will not be necessary. As I've said, we have more than enough hands to fix the ship ourselves once we receive the resources," Meta Knight answered, effortlessly keeping his tone level.
"If would be a more accurate term, Master Meta Knight," an old man said. Frederick had also warned him of the Hierarch. "You ask for much, but I am not certain I see much reason why we should provide everything you ask."
"Hierarch, I respect your concerns. I know it is much to ask of our hosts, but as I have told you, the Halberd carried many hands, which are capable of work. As I have also told you, we have friends in courts across the sea. Even forgetting the lives our King saved in Bathoneo, I have little doubt that Ylisse would benefit from this in the long term," Meta Knight answered.
"But what of the short term?" The Hierarch asked. "I'm not sure our gracious Exalt has told you, but our country stands on the cusp of war with our neighbors, Plegia. Will your farmhands calm the Mad King Gangrel? Will your kingdoms across the sea, if they truly exist, provide armies and protection in time?"
"Peace, Hierarch," The Exalt Emmeryn cut in. She stood up from the head of the table as all eyes turned to her. Her voice was grave as she spoke. "I am afraid, Good King Dedede, Meta Knight, that he is not wrong. If we're careful, it will not come to blows. However, the possibility cannot be ignored. The materials you require could save countless Ylissean lives. We need something more immediate if we are to even consider this deal. Otherwise, I could not accept."
Meta Knight sighed. This wasn't going very well. After the initial meeting, he dared to have high hopes, but now... He would be happy if he could get anything. Maybe they really were stranded.
"What of Regna Ferox?" Belisar asked suddenly. "Our military alliance with the Khans still holds. Perhaps we could pool our resources with theirs?"
"While that would lower cost to Ylisse, Commander, I still am not sure we can afford the losses," the female councilor claimed.
"Then how about this," King Dedede spoke up for the first time with the council. That was immediately alarming to Meta Knight. "Meta Knight told you that we have manpower, and we saved your city. Well, how about we fight with you if this war happens?"
The room was silent. Meta Knight felt himself leaning more heavily on his crutch. The whispers came next a s the councilors debated the idea. What was the life of a creature like the Waddle Dees to an Ylissean soldier, he practically heard them whispering. The Exalt was silent, however, her eyes closed in contemplation. They opened slowly, smiling, when she finally spoke up.
"I had not expected this, Good King. I had called you here, expecting part with a small surplus of materials in exchange for your efforts in Bathoneo. I had expected we would address the threat of monsters throughout the land, the second occurrence in a decade of such a change. Instead, you offer your help in a war that isn't your own. Are there any further objections from the council?"
There was silence. Emmeryn stepped around the table, her every step another heavy echo through the hall. She came face to face with Dedede, who looked very confused. And then she stopped. The room stopped breathing as she extended a single hand toward Dedede. After a moment's pause, he reached out his own gloved hand. They shook, one single, firm motion.
She broke her grip, and Emmeryn faced her stunned council.
"Good councilors, as of this moment, Ylisse has entered an alliance with Dreamland, it's people, and it's King. I expect every one of you to treat them as you would an Ylissean, lest the day comes that this alliance shatters."
Sure, they may have the materials, but Meta Knight felted damned all the same.
The dictionary is known to be an amazing doorstop. Some scholar can still remember its original purpose though. Once upon a time, the dictionary had served as a means to learn. It is filled from cover to cover with long, niche choices to make use of. There are words that define fears, and flaws, and fallacies. Agoraphobia, obliterate, eviscerate. Yet, in this expansive collection of vernacular filled with excruciatingly dreadfully and haughtily harrowing words, there were countless far simpler combinations of words that evoked far more dread than any of these revolting choices.
"Get up!"
Robin jolted up with a start. The open sky did not greet him, nor did the smells and sounds of nature. A wooden ceiling and stone-brick wall separated him from such things. Thankfully, the metal of someone's mask didn't greet his forehead either. It wasn't much solace. Slowly, as his vision gained focus, he remembered where he was. This was home, now, wasn't it? And Vaike was standing in it, with a cheeky grin on his face.
"Come on, get up! Chrom's back, and there's no way you're missing your first meeting," he said.
Robin nodded lazily and stretched out his arms. One arm fell onto the dazed shape of Pikachu. Pikachu stiffened, before stretching out himself.
"I'll be a moment," Robin said.
"Sure thing," Vaike stepped out of the room, only to turn back around with a grin as he added, "Might wanna do something with that bed head."
Robin quirked a brow as Vaike left, and reached for his head. To say it was staticky was an understatement. A thunder tome couldn't muster the current flowing through the absolute mess that Robin felt on his head. He glared down at Pikachu, who didn't look sorry in the least.
"Pika?" The mouse asked. Robin couldn't help but feel like he was being mocked. He answered his pet with the shake of his head.
"Any chance you could fix this?"
Pikachu shook his head. Robin sighed, and got out of the bed. His legs protested the action, but no one ever put them in charge. He found his bag at the foot of the bed, neatly placed next to the locker. He dug around inside, hoping to find something to alleviate his problem. He was surprised that he did find a brush in there. He pulled it out to find it was a prickly little thing with bright yellow hairs covering it. He glanced up at Pikachu with a frown. Pikachu looked back with excitement in his eyes.
"I really should sort this bag out, later, shouldn't I?" He asked Pikachu. The mouse didn't answer, all of his focus devoting to staring longingly at the brush in Robin's hand. "I'm afraid not, little man. No time. Mind if I use this real quick?"
Pikachu's ears perked up, and he hopped off the bed. The mouse personally dove into the bag face first, and emerged with another larger and more human-sized brush in his mouth.
"Ah. Well. That solves that," Robin said. He reached for the brush, and Pikachu pulled back. Robin frowned, and reached again, and Pikachu backed up more.
"Pi!" The shout was muffled by the brush.
"Pikachu, come on. I have a meeting," Robin insisted. "I'll brush you after that, okay?"
Pikachu considered this for a moment before dropping the brush.
"Pikachu!"
It was a couple minutes later that Robin emerged from his room, his hair at last looking presentable. Well, presentable in the same way that the aftermath of a forest fire is presentable if only half the trees burned to a crisp. He could hear the pitter-patter of Pikachu's footsteps behind him. Down the hall in the main room of the barracks, he could hear the voices of other Shepherds chatting away. Odds were they were just waiting for him. Smooth, Robin. First meeting, and you're late.
He turned the corner to find that the long table was occupied by all of the Shepherds, barring the two absent cavaliers. Bandana Dee was also at the table, which Robin thought was a bit curious.
"Ah, man of the hour," Chrom tutted from the head of the table, gesturing Robin to take a seat next to him. "I guess the road took its toll on you, Robin?"
"Fraid so, Captain," Robin answered with a coolness he absolutely didn't feel. The tactician scooted into the empty chair next to Chrom.
"I heard you accepted my offer. Feels like I was the last to know, too," Chrom said with a teasing glare.
"I meant to tell you, but you gave me a bed. Who am I not to make use of a Prince's gift?" Robin asked rhetorically, bowing his head dramatically. He was rewarded a few chuckles.
"He was out as soon as he got in the building, Captain!" The voice of Vaike announced from the far end of the table.
"Milord, I have to say that this will not do. I will take it upon myself to put together a training regiment to keep our new tactician in tiptop condition," Frederick offered from his standing position behind Chrom. Robin's eyes widened, and he felt his heart sink at Chrom's smile. The air got a little thicker around Robin.
"That's not a bad idea, Frederick. I'd hate for our newest Shepherds to fall behind," The Prince admitted. Frederick seemed to stand a little prouder, having born witness to Chrom actually agree with him. Of course it couldn't last, as Chrom added, "however, he needs time and energy to keep his head in shape as well. Go easy on him."
Frederick nodded, but didn't look particularly thrilled about it. Robin felt a bit worried himself, having seen how seriously Frederick takes his duty. A few chuckles came from around the table.
"Now, then," Chrom began again with a much more serious tone of voice. "I have received new orders for the Shepherds. It will be a volunteer only mission again, but I would rather have everyone for this. After Bathoneo, I don't want to take any chances."
The Shepherds faces turned grim, and all eyes were Chrom, Robin's included.
"First, I have news. I'll start with the good news. The Exalt has agreed to an alliance with King Dedede and Dreamland. As a part of the deal, Bandana Dee will be joining the Shepherds as a temporary member."
"Wha-?" Bandana Dee trailed off due to a friendly smack on the back from Vaike.
"Welcome to the team, squirt!" The man laughed.
"Oh, yeah. Well, if King Dedede says so... I can't say no! So, hi friends!" Bandana Dee stood up in his chair, and waved to everyone he could. Virion waved back noncommittally, still staring back at the Captain.
"Milord, forgive me my worries, but is the battlefield a safe place for him?" Virion wondered, his concern undercutting his normal composure.
"He killed the pirate's leader at Bathoneo, and I saw him fight against the Risen. He's perfectly capable of handling himself," Chrom confirmed, to which Bandana Dee nodded. Virion shrugged, his concern addressed. Robin couldn't help but speak up about Chrom's word choice.
"Risen?"
Chrom sighed. "Yes. Risen. It's what the council has agreed to call what attacked us in the woods."
"Is that the bad news?" Robin questioned, to which Chrom shook his head.
"No. The Risen can be dealt with down the road, if the Knights can't handle it. A letter arrived from Bathoneo. The merchants' men have found proof of the Plegian king's direct involvement in the planning the raid."
The room was in an uproar. Robin stared at the floor next to his seat, where Pikachu sat with his ear melancholically flattened. Voices overwhelmed each other.
"We've got to stop them!"
"We need to secure our borders! Themis sits near..."
"Forget the northern borders, we need to watch for more bandits down..."
The room was falling into chaos fast, the Shepherds in adamant disagreement. Maribelle in particular looked ready to throw something. Robin didn't know what to add, so he chose not to speak. Still, having met the Exalt, he was stupefied that another ruler could condone the slaughter he had seen.
It ended when Frederick stomped his foot. All eyes looked towards the knight, then fell on their captain.
"Thank you, Frederick," Chrom said. He turned back to the rest of the Shepherds. "The council has agreed that we need allies. Dreamland alone won't be enough, I'm afraid. In three days time, we will be marching north to Regna Ferox to ask for support from the Khans. King Dedede will be joining us as well."
"What? I can't serve you and the king at the same time!" Bandanna Dee cried in worry.
"Do not worry yourself, Bandanna Dee. If the need should arise, your king's orders come first," Frederick assured the Waddle Dee.
"Okay!" Bandanna Dee yelled back.
Robin let himself smile at the childlike display.
"Good. Now then," Chrom began, standing up from his chair. "As I said, this mission is on a volunteer basis. I'll just save myself some time and ask who isn't coming."
There was a sigh, and Maribelle stood up her seat.
"I have business at home, I'm afraid. I can't come," she said. Chrom nodded grimly.
"I understand. Anyone else?" Silence. "Good. We leave in three days, so we've got time to breath." The room relaxed a bit at that, but Robin couldn't help but ask.
"Why wait three days?"
"A letter has been sent for their border. We need to be sure they know we're coming," Chrom answered. His serious expression slyly slipped away. "Plus, we just got back home. We never did celebrate our victories."
Vaike let out a cheer, which was echoed throughout the room. The overall mood of the room seemed to lift around Robin, but he wasn't really sure he understood why. Robin looked around the table, and was only slightly comforted by the confused look on Bandanna Dee's face. Maribelle looked distraught by the proclamation as well.
"Tonight's on me, Shepherds," the Prince declared, to the roaring approval of the barracks. "Most of you know the spot. I'll meet you there. Someone make sure Robin and Bandanna Dee get there, as well."
"I've got it covered, Captain!" Sumia declared. Chrom gave her a smile and a nod.
"Shepherds, you're all dismissed," Chrom declared. It was fascinating watching how everyone treated their dismissal differently. Vaike jumped out of his chair and rushed out the door. Virion stood from his seat, offered a hand to Miriel to help her up, which she never even noticed before standing up herself. Chrom made his way out of the barracks calmly, with Frederick tailing him patiently. Robin sat and watched everyone else in their routine, and caught Bandanna Dee doing much the same. Sumia approached the Waddle Dee and whispered something, before circumnavigating the table to whisper to Robin.
"I'll be ready in a bit, wait for me, okay?"
Robin gave Sumia a thumbs up, and she made her way to her quarters. Robin turned his head back to the table. Pikachu say on the table in front of him with a brush in his mouth. He politely dropped it in front of Robin, before asking him a very important 'Pikachu.' Robin knew exactly what his companion wanted.
"I guess I did promise," Robin muttered. He grabbed the small brush, and Pikachu laid down on the table, the anticipation holding his ears high and his tail still. In a single, thankfully natural motion Robin brought the brush to the top of Pikachu's back, and gently brushed down.
He repeated this motion a few times until Pikachu made a noise, which made him immediately stop in concern. He wasn't sure what he did wrong until the mouse turned around with a curious look on his face.
"He liked it, he wasn't telling you to stop," Sumia's voice said came from behind him.
"Oh? Are you sure?" Robin asked, still examining Pikachu.
"Positive!"
Pikachu stood on four legs, walked a small step closer to Robin, and plopped down again, this time facing him. His wide eyes pleaded with him, so he shrugged and began brushing again. Pikachu made the same noise again, but this time he registered it as a cheerful sound.
"See?" Sumia asked with a subdued pride. Robin nodded.
"Thanks. I hope I'm not holding us up, but I did promise him I'd brush him."
"Oh, no!" Sumia denied. "He fought too, after all. He deserves his own treat."
Robin couldn't argue with that, which he admitted with a shrug. Pikachu certainly wasn't complaining. Bandanna Dee hadn't complained yet.
"So, where are we going exactly?" Robin prompted.
"Oh, it's a place in Ylisstol. The owner knows us," Sumia said. "It's pretty homely, considering how deep in the city it is. It's almost like an inn in the country, but with better spices. Drinks are better too."
"Oh?" Robin questioned. Sumia didn't get to answer before Bandanna Dee shot up from his seat.
"Ooo! What kind of drinks? Grape juice? Apple juice?" The Dreamlander's eyes widened further in in excitement. "Chocolate milk?!"
Sumia let out a giggle. Robin lost his mechanical concentration on the brush at the outburst. How does a Waddle Dee even drink?! Pikachu shot him a lightning-fueled glare, and he started brushing again.
"I know they have milk in there, at least," Sumia said before leaning in by Robin's ear to add, "Chrom and Frederick don't let Lissa 'drink' at all."
Robin guffawed and put down the brush, much to Pikachu's dismay. Bandanna Dee looked left out of the joke, but Robin waved it off. When he was older, maybe. How old was he?
Pikachu's upset glare was more important, anyway.
"Aw, come on, Pikachu. I need to celebrate, too," he claimed. Pikachu didn't look convinced until Robin rubbed his head a bit. Even after that, the mouse still looked a bit disappointed, but still he acquiesced. Pikachu hopped off the table.
"Pika!"
"Exactly. I'm glad you understand," Robin joked, patting Pikachu affectionately. "Alright, I guess I'm ready to... go."
For the first time since she entered the room, Robin looked at Sumia. Unlike at the meeting not even twenty minutes before, her armor was gone. It had been replaced by a much more casual outfit. It wasn't a particularly impressive outfit by itself, only a pink blouse and skirt, but Sumia wore it like a Queen. Her hair was brushed down in even curls, some of which hung over her shoulders freely.
"Robin?" She asked, frowning a bit. Oh, was he staring? Probably was.
"S-Sorry," he sputtered out. "Just wondering if I should change too. I'd hate for you to show me up."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about it. Vaike left without a shirt," Sumia tried to reassure. Her voice dropped a bit when she added, "Not like little me is going to show up anyone."
"Okay, there are things I strongly disagree with that you just said," Robin told her, calmly getting up from his chair. "First off, Vaike shouldn't be the standard anyone holds themselves too. Second, you look beautiful, and don't you say otherwise. I forbid it."
Robin's words had the promising effect of making Sumia's face change colors. He chuckled, giving the third party in the room a chance to cut in.
"I agree with Mr Robin! You look like a strawberry! And strawberry's are very sweet. Except you're in pink," Bandanna Dee trailed off and gave a 'hmm,' before nodding. "Yes, you're a pink sweet strawberry."
"What he said," Robin laughed. Sumia mumbled something he didn't catch. "What was that?"
"Thank you," she squeaked.
"Your welcome. I'm going to go take my coat off so I can hold myself to a standard higher than Vaike."
She nodded meekly, and Robin stepped around her. He went to his room, and dug around in his bag. He found a shirt that wasn't dirty. He thanked the universe for its convenience that day and began to change.
None of them heard the sound of Kellam laughing as he stepped out of the barracks.
The invitation said to wear something casual. It said there was nothing formal about the occurrence. The event was just a small get together to celebrate their victories. Food and drinks were going to be paid for by the Prince himself, even.
So of course, Meta Knight still wore his mask and cape, and King Dedede still had his crown on. He did leave his coat behind in his apartment, as Emmeryn had offered to send a tailor to patch up the hole properly. They had no idea where this 'the place' was, but the soldier escorting them clearly did. She was a young woman with scarlet red hair flowing down her back.
"You are a Pegasus knight?" Meta Knight asked her as the they walked. It was getting dark out.
"Yes. How could you tell?" The woman asked.
"The wing in your hair," Meta Knight answered. The woman reached up to feel the hair clip in in question. As they had left the palace, Meta Knight had noticed the sky above the palace was empty, so the rest of the Pegasus Knights were likely grounded for the evening.
"Of course. Not all Pegasus knights wear one though," she said.
"I had noticed Phila wasn't wearing one. Still, I wasn't wrong."
"No, I guess you weren't. Did you have a point?" The pointed question didn't phase Meta Knight.
"I wanted to ask how it is to ride a flying creature. I've never gotten a satisfying answer."
The girl considered the question for a moment, before she answered, "Just right."
Meta Knight closed his eyes contemplatively for a moment. The sounds of whispers surrounded them, nervous to speak up. When Meta Knight opened his eyes again, he nodded.
"I agree," he said.
"Oh? Have you flown before?" She turned her head to ask, a brow raised.
"Yes." She still stared, but he didn't say anymore. The silence didn't last long, as it was broken by the heavy outtake of hot air next to Meta Knight.
"Meta Knight, quit your flirting! Soldier, where is it we're going?" Dedede demanded.
"Didn't I tell you?" The woman asked rhetorically. "Colm's pub. It's the Prince's favorite place in the city, after the Shepherd's Barracks and the Palace."
"A pub? The Prince!" King Dedede's outburst caused the whispering and conversation around them to stop for a moment. "Low class..."
"Enough, Dedede. You're not helping," Meta Knight insisted. He was still a little peeved about the Kings brash offer at the council meeting. The King, to his credit, did stop. The worst he did was pout. Meta Knight shook his head and turned forward, catching the befuddled expression on their escort's face. "I don't believe I've caught your name, soldier."
"Cordelia, Sir Knight," the soldier answered.
"Well then, might I ask another question Cordelia?" She nodded. "Are all of the Prince's actions in the city so well known?"
"I beg your pardon?" She asked, suddenly a bit flustered.
"Well, you know his favorite places. It seems strange that someone outside of his close circle would know that, but I'm not from around here, as you know," Meta Knight clarified.
"Oh, of course... Ha. No, most of what he does is his business..." Cordelia still seemed flustered. What was her...
Never mind. It didn't matter, and Cordelia was clearly uncomfortable with his questioning. Meta Knight considered for a moment how to gracefully backstep, without upsetting the girl further.
"I'm sorry for the questions, Miss Cordelia," was all that he came up with. Disappointing.
"It's fine. We've arrived anyway," she told him. A building was next to them, with windows well lit by candlelight. Cordelia turned on her heels and faced the Dreamlanders dutifully. "You'll find them inside. You won't need to look very hard."
Meta Knight nodded his thanks, King Dedede gave no thanks, and the girl quickly departed towards the palace, her face still the color of her hair.
"Ready, Pinky?" King Dedede asked mockingly.
"Call me that again, and you'll enjoy the rest of your evening with a straw," Meta Knight replied. The king had no idea if he meant it or not, so he just opened the door. The sounds of laughter and general ruckus reverberated through Meta Knight's head. The king held the door as Meta Knight entered.
It was a simple place, Meta Knight thought. A few hunting trophies hung over the tables. A series of bottles were on display behind the barkeeper. Nothing the Knight would recognize. Two waitresses patrolled the room, which wasn't especially crowded near the front.
"Hey, over here!" An unfortunately familiar voice shouted. The blonde, still shirtless form of Vaike was waving at them from the back of the pub. The Shepherds were spread across the tables went from corner to corner, with a handful of people Meta Knight didn't recognize mixed in. From how they were dressed, he'd guess these others were just regulars.
"Hey guys!" King Dedede shouted. "Where do we sit?"
"Find a chair, sit anywhere!" Chrom shouted back. Meta Knight could feel the uncomfortable frown on Dedede's beak. Meta Knight didn't really care. He maneuvered his way around the tables one step at a time, and sat down at a mostly empty table by the corner. Dedede found an empty table, pushed it onto the end of Chrom's, found another chair, and sat down next to Chrom.
"Last chance to take back your offer, Chrom," King Dedede warned, a grin evident on his beak. "I will take full advantage of it."
"I believe you. It'll still be cheaper than the damage Vaike has caused," Chrom responded lightly. From the mug next to him, the Prince likely wasn't completely sober.
"Hey! Teach is right here!" Vaike shouted.
"I know. You're right there, where I can watch you," Chrom retorted.
Meta Knight heard the door open again, the last missing Shepherds walking in. Robin, Sumia, Pikachu, and Bandanna Dee. The Waddle Dee, as soon as he saw Dedede, immediately ran for his King, of course.
"Robin, my friend, and lady Sumia as well! It's good to see you've both made it," Virion cheerfully greeted. "Our gracious friend Kellam appeared long enough to inform us you both might have become otherwise occupied, and then you'd miss the celebration."
"Pikachu?" The mouse asked.
"Fear not, fair creature. I do not blame your master for his vices," Virion claimed.
"Wait a second," Robin requested, and so a second passed with a whoosh of an outside breeze. "What did Kellam tell you?"
"Why, he claims you caused our Sumia to swoon just as he was stepping out the door!" Virion explained. "I must say, sir Robin, I am impressed."
"I did what?"
"He did not!" Sumia shouted.
"Ah, my apologies, then," Virion slyly proclaimed. "Your absolute, fully forced denial surely paints our gentle friend a liar."
A red-faced Sumia 'hmphed' and made her way to the table the farthest from where Virion sat. Meta Knight's table. Vaike and Virion shared a hearty laugh that made Sumia cringe.
"Evening, Sumia," Meta Knight greeted plainly.
"Hi," she answered miserably. He turned back to the commotion, where a deeply frowning Robin was still being teased.
"I finished your book," Meta Knight told Sumia. This caught her attention.
"You did? Already? When?" She exclaimed.
"On the ride back. I didn't have much else to do." He didn't mean it as a joke, but she smiled a bit anyway.
"And?"
"It caught me off guard. I didn't expect much from the title," Meta Knight admitted. "The battle at high noon... It was a good pay off. I was impressed."
"Really? That's great!" Sumia seemed ready to jump out of her chair and dance. One would never assume she had been upset moments before.
"When I get a chance, I'll return it," Meta Knight promised. He had other things on his mind when they left the palace.
"Oh, great! Hey um, since you liked my book, then... Well, you remember that book you were reading before? The 'Legends of Hyrule' one?" She asked. Meta Knight nodded, prompting her to continue. He had a feeling he knew where this was going. "I know it's a gift, and I won't be mad if you say no, but-"
Meta Knight put up a hand, and Sumia clammed up. Not what he meant to do.
"You can borrow it if you want," Meta Knight said. "I trust you'll return it."
Sumia looked giddy again. He couldn't blame her for that, really. She'd be the first person in Ylisse to read anything from Hyrule, he wagered. And this book in particular was even rare in Hyrule. He really hoped he wasn't making a mistake, but he'd be far more disappointed in himself if he said no.
A waitress approached them, finally, and asked what they wanted. Sumia ordered two glasses of an unfamiliar sounding drink. Had the word 'Valmese' in it, though. Meta Knight asked for a salad. The waitress nodded, giving him a second curious glance, before she walked away. There wasn't any malice in the glance, though.
"Most people come in here for the soup," Sumia told him. That explained the look, then.
The food and drinks arrived promptly, counter to how long it took the waitress to ask. The waitress placed the two glasses on the edge of the table and slid the salad in front of Meta Knight. Sumia grabbed one glass for herself, and not-so-subtlety slid the other in front of Meta Knight.
"I couldn't," he said.
"Aww, please Meta Knight. Just one? You fought the Risen too. You deserve to celebrate just as much as us," she reasoned through a gentle, genuine smile. Meta Knight sighed. Some fight he put up.
"Fine," he acquiesced. He reached around his mask, and turned it a bit. It came off with a small clank against his shoulder pads. He placed the scratched mask against the wall on the table. The air in the pub hit him first, and the lively stench became livelier without any cover. He could feel the wind on the scars that Lissa couldn't close in time. He didn't blame her for it. A red line on the bottom half of his face, seemingly permanently stretched downwards, made up his small mouth. Unlike another of his kind, though, he lacked the permanent blushes on his cheek.
He tried not to think too hard about how a few heads turned, or how even Vaike stopped joking around to stare. Let them stare, he thought. Most of them won't see his face again, if any of them. Taking advantage of the silence, Chrom stood up from the next table and tapped on his own glass.
"Shepherds," he began soberly, "it's been a long couple of weeks. We've seen a city ransacked and we've been assailed by the Risen, a threat we've never seen the likes of before."
A few murmurs spread through the building.
"But it has brought us friends as well. When our city burned, these strangers risked their lives for the safety of our people. They offered friendship when we did little to earn it. Together we've fought, together we've won, and together we'll do it again. And so, I propose a toast. To King Dedede and Dreamland!"
The cry was echoed throughout the bar, even by the regular patrons. If nothing else, Meta Knight would drink to that.
For a time, he just enjoyed the sounds of the others. Sumia had left his table at some point, joining her captain at the next table. Virion and Vaike had given up making fun of Robin at some point, and the three seemed content chatting away. Robin, it seemed, lacked the insight to moderate himself, if the slight sway in how he moved was any indication. The Princess and Frederick sat against the wall, with Lissa staring scorn into her glass. Looked like milk, from where Meta Knight sat. Miriel was reading quietly, despite the noise. And King Dedede...
"Yo, Meta Knight! I need your help!" He shouted. Meta Knight sighed, grabbed his crutch from the wall, and limped over to the long table the king had made.
"Yes?" Meta Knight asked.
"This chump here," King Dedede said, pointing towards Chrom, "thinks he can outdo me! I need you to judge while I prove him wrong."
"Dedede... Why did you start trouble?" Meta Knight pointedly demanded.
"He started it!" King Dedede claimed.
"Indeed, he insulted my sister! I demand sh-atisfaction!" Chrom slurred. When did Dedede... Was it from when Meta Knight was still out, still? Meta Knight sighed, and his disappointment was written all over his very visible, unmasked face. Still, it didn't sound like this would take long
"Fine. But this better not turn out like that time at Telma's," Meta Knight warned. Nobody had the time ask what he meant before the competition began.
It turned into a longer and far more intense spar of the wills than Meta Knight had assumed it would. Chrom managed to keep pace pretty well, for a time. However, in the end Dedede's gut reigned supreme. Really, the real losers were the ones who ended up carrying them both back to the palace that night. Frederick wouldn't complain, though, and Meta Knight didn't hear a word from Kellam or Bandanna Dee as they brought Dedede back either.
Meta Knight was sure to grab his mask before leaving the pub, though. Vaike had stolen it whilst Meta Knight was judging royalty, and fighter didn't wear it very well. Vaike's skull was thick, but that didn't mean his face was large enough to hold up the mask.
So, Meta Knight's getting comfortable, isn't he? I mean, he doesn't even take his mask off willingly in any of his games, far as I can recall. It's one of the 'controversial decisions' I'd mentioned at the starting author's notes. I'd thought about it for a while though, and I realized that the Meta Knight I've been writing hasn't been incredibly closed off, though. I considered having him take his meal and leaving, but that seems contrary to how he's otherwise acted. He isn't acting with malice or disinterest. After spending five years with Dedede, he's had to become more than just the warrior we know from the games. Reader's may disagree with me, and I'm okay with that. I'd love to hear any alternatives anyone could think of.
On a side note, a review commended me on giving inklings of the person behind Meta Knight's mask. Whelp. Turns out he looks angry and adorable all at once under the mask. Like a pink puffball, except black with yellow eyes. Who knew?
My inclusion of a new character, Knight Commander Belisar might also be a bit iffy for some people. I could have probably done without him entirely. However, my biggest problem with Awakening the game is how empty the world feels compared to earlier games. With a few rare exceptions, everyone with a name is either a recruitable character or a boss. To make Ylisse feel alive, it needs more than just that. I don't have many plans currently for other 'original characters,' like Belisar elsewhere, if any others would appear at all.
Explaining aside, this was a hard chapter to finish. It's the first real breathing room we've had since the raid that started at the end of chapter 2, so I tried to take advantage of it. It wasn't entirely lighthearted, but compared to the Risen falling from the sky, it's a little more relaxed. Next chapter, most of the cast will be on the move again. It'll be a while before chapter 6 is out, though. I've hit a bit of a snag in writing the early part's of it, so I can't really give a projection for when that's coming out. I do have a name for the next chapter though: Snowman. Have fun with that.
That's my rant for the chapter, let me know what y'all think.