Chapter 10: Birds of a Feather
When Ylisstol finally came back into view in the distance, Robin felt overjoyed. Weeks of marching and fighting had taken its toll. He had only spent four days in the city before, but he couldn't remember a time he'd spent more than a day or two anywhere else. He looked forward to having a bed, a roof over his head, and a room just for himself Pikachu.
The Cathedral bell tolled in the distance thrice, a deep bellow which signaled the third hour since noon passed.
He hazarded a glance at the newest Shepherds. Lon'qu kept his distance from the others. At any time he wore a unsmiling glower seemingly permanently etched onto his being. Except for his discomfort around members of the fairer sex, Robin didn't know much of anything about the man. He hadn't been with Robin's team when they rescued Dedede, and all he really knew about the man besides his attitude was that the Khan of the West vouched for his abilities. When Robin had asked, Chrom couldn't speak for the man's tracking abilities either, since he had been sent the wrong direction when they hunted for Dedede's kidnappers.
Anna was the opposite of the stern man, and Robin actually had the chance to get to know her a bit better. She was incredibly outgoing, driving her personal wagon alongside anyone who would talk with her, and anyone who wouldn't talk to her, and anyone at all if she thought she could talk them into a purchase, as Lon'qu was dreadfully learning. Pots, pans, weapons, and antiques alike, - all legally acquired, Anna had assured Chrom, which was suspicious since he hadn't asked - clattered around behind her as the donkey drove on. Beside her sat her delivery bird, with a tail that doubled as a pouch. Delibird reminded Robin so much of Pikachu, what with her magic and only saying syllables of her name.
"Delibird!" Delibird confirmed. Anna giggled, causing the Khan's swordsman to flinch.
"Come on, even she gets how good of a deal I'm offering you, big guy!" The merchant pushed. "How often do you find such high quality Valmese craftsmanship over here?"
"I still don't need your toys, woman," Lon'qu snarled.
"Ooo, test-y," Anna singsonged through her amused smirk. "And I thought you gallant heroes were supposed to respect woman."
Lon'qu didn't answer her. Though his face held strong, Robin could still see how tense the rest of the man was. His nerves carried in the rigidity of his muscles, and his eyes reflected those of a trapped animal. It was sad enough that Robin had to do something. He had the perfect excuse riding on his shoulder. He petted Pikachu's head for good luck, an action that the mouse never begrudged him.
"Hey Anna," he called out. She turned her attention to Robin. He also thought he saw Lon'qu mouth 'Oh thank the Gods.' "Your bird, did you train her?"
A sly smile crossed Anna's lips. "Why, of course I did! And she's just a beauty, isn't she?" She started, as though she were beginning a song.
"Delibird!" Her companion scolded, having evidently gotten the same feeling. The merchant sighed.
"Of course, I'm afraid she's one of the few things I can't sell. Too much profit in keeping her around, I'm afraid," the merchant lamented. Robin waved it off, duly noting how Lon'qu slipped away as quickly as he could.
"That's just fine with me. I wanted to ask how you did it." He grabbed Pikachu off his shoulder and cradled the mouse close. "I'm having trouble figuring out how I even tamed this guy to begin with."
"Pi~." Pikachu agreed, his head upside down. Robin scratched at his tummy,
"Forgot how you..." Anna's eyes widened momentarily, before she bit down her embarrassment as best she could. "Oh right! Amnesia." She let out an awkwardly forced laugh, before shaking her head. She hadn't been told until they were heading South again. "Anyway, I'm not sure what I could tell you that you don't seem to already know about keeping a pet. Love, attention, feed it at least two times a day, exercise it..."
Robin sighed. He supposed it had been too much to hope he might remember something.
"Thanks Anna. I guess I still don't know how I met you, Pikachu," Robin apologized. He answered Pikachu's solemn stare with a strategically placed scratch behind the ear. "I hope you can live with that a while longer."
"Sorry. Wish I could've helped more," Anna offered. Her face scrunched up for a moment when something seemed to have struck her. Like Delibird's wing. "Ow, what'd you do..." And her eyes widened. "Oh, of course! I do keep you around for a reason." Anna turned back to Robin. "Hey, I could tell you how I met Delibird here if you'd like."
"That sounds great, actually," Robin said with his smile, one which was returned by the merchant. Anna shifted a bit in her seat towards Delibird and patted on the newly freed space beside her.
"Well, hop on! I'll be finished before we get to the city." She offered. Robin didn't see a problem with it, and his aching legs agreed. He put a confounded Pikachu on the seat next to Anna first climbing up beside him. Pikachu immediately climbed onto his lap, glaring warily at the woman beside him. "Well, he's just adorable, isn't he?"
This did nothing to make Pikachu any less at ease. Robin could feel how tense the mouse was in his lap. He was no better than Lon'qu had been, really.
"Pikachu, are you alright?" He'd asked.
"Pika." The mouse answered without looking. Robin could feel his hair starting to stand up as electricity built up in his friend's rose-colored cheeks. Pikachu's glare didn't leave Anna, who was starting to fidget under the scrutiny.
"Cmon, she hasn't done anything to us, you can calm down Pikachu," Robin insisted patiently. Pikachu glanced up at him, saw his master's gentle smile. Pensively, the mouse let the electricity fizzle out from his cheeks. Confident that it had worked, Robin offered an apologetic smile to Anna. "Sorry about that, he gets defensive around people he doesn't know well. And those he does. Honestly, it still surprises me when he lets Sumia watch him. He'll warm up to you soon enough, I'm sure."
Anna waved it off. "Ah, it's fine," she said. Robin didn't believe her. "Anyway, I promised you a story, free of charge for the little guy." Her offering failed to make the mouse any friendlier towards her. Anna didn't seem to notice.
"Where to start..." Anna drew out the silence for a moment. "Okay. You know how the roads of Regna Ferox were when we were up there, right? Snowed over in the middle of Summer, with only other people's footprints marking where it was?" Robin shivered involuntarily, getting a chuckle out of the merchant. "Well, that doesn't compare to how the Winters get."
"It was three years ago, and I really needed to get to the capital. Autumn hadn't been good for business. Lost a few things, got held up in one town a few days too long over a sale that didn't pan out." A frown passed her face for an instant. "Hey, don't look at me like that. It was not my fault at all."
"Okay, okay. Sure it wasn't," Robin tried to assure her.
"Uh huh. So it was Winter, and I was trying to drive my wagon through a storm. Wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, but I had needed to get there to sell what I could. I mean, food costs money. I didn't get to the next town. My horse was lost to the cold on the path. I tried to walk. I thought I saw a woman in the woods by the path, and I tried to follow her. Shouted for help. Might as well have been a ghost, or a trick of the eyes. I couldn't find her."
Robin shivered again at the thought. He remembered the bandits they had captured talking about one of their guys disappearing like that. The larger of the bandits seemed terrified of anything magic, especially magic creatures like Pikachu and Delibird, because of whatever happened.
"I passed out not that long after that. I figured that was the end for this Anna. Kind of sucked, and it was way more careless a way to go than how I'd expected. I might well have died out there, if Delibird didn't find me. I'd awoke a few hours later in a cave with a dry blanket thrown over me and a fire going. This weird bird was watching me."
Robin quirked a brow.
"Wait, the bird started a fire?" He asked dubiously.
Anna shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. She hasn't done it since then. I have no idea what happened. But I do know she got me into the cave, and that she found the blanket. At some point in the night, while I shivered in the cave and failed to sleep, she brought back snow, and one of the pots from my wagon. She melted the snow, cooked the illness out of the water. I almost burn myself holding the pot, I was shivering so much. Never thought water would taste so divine."
Anna let out a giggle.
"It's weird, I know. I don't know how she did a lot of the things she did for me nor why. Can't really ask her about it either."
"Delibird." The bird in question agreed. Robin hadn't noticed that the creature had scooted closer to Anna, and had a wing on her lap. Almost like she was trying to comfort the merchant.
"I just know that she saved my life, and that she hasn't left me since. Over the past few years, I trained her to help with my business. Fed her. Treated her like another one of the Anna family."
Robin leaned back and nodded. Pikachu had calmed down at last, listening to her story intently. Robin was surprised when the mouse crawled out of his lap and moved over to Anna. Cautiously. Curiously. He pulled back a bit when she offered her hand to him, but when she didn't move it otherwise he smelled her hand.
"Huh. Guess you said something right, if he's actually willing to give you a chance," Robin said.
"Pi?" The mouse asked. He looked past Anna at Delibird, who looked back at him with curious tilt to her head.
"Delibird," Delibird answered.
"Pikachu. Pika Pi. Pika?"
"I feel like I'm missing something here." Robin stated flatly.
Anna shrugged. "Beats me. I don't have any way to understand them." Her free hand covered the other. "I think I'd be able to afford better transport than just a wagon and donkey if I figured out a way to understand them. Maybe my sisters wouldn't think I was crazy, then."
Robin chuckled. Being able to talk to Pikachu seemed... rather ludicrous an idea. While he, and Delibird as well, were both smarter than an average pet, they weren't human. Well, neither were the Waddle Dees, King Dedede, or Meta Knight, and Robin talked to them just fine. This was a confusing line of thought.
He looked back to the path ahead of him. A few merchants were riding past the Shepherds, leaving the city of Ylisstol. Others were trailing behind them, traveling with them to Ylisstol in every way but officially. Latching onto them just like the merchants of Qashliq latched onto the leaving tribes for protection. He almost asked Anna if they should start to charge them as well, but changed his mind. He had a feeling she would actually do it if she got the idea in her head.
"We're almost in Ylisstol, and Chrom's probably going to want me with him when he meets with the Exalt. I'm sure someone will be showing you and Lon'qu to the barracks as soon as we're in town."
"Barracks? I didn't realize we would be staying in a barracks." Anna moaned as though the fact she joined a military group was hitting her for the first time. "How stuffy is it? Oh, let me guess, it's made of stone and colorless. No color at all, no luxury of any kind."
Robin just smiled at her as he hopped off the cart. Pikachu was on his shoulder an instant later, and he waved his goodbye to the merchant.
Chrom was at the front of their caravan, as he expected him to be. At his side was his sister, who was chatting away happily at Sumia. Sumia seemed unable to keep up with whatever the Princess was saying. Robin wasn't sure he'd ever seen the two of them talking before, actually. Opposite of them to Chrom's right was Frederick, tall on his horse. Seated in front of him was a spot of brown fur, one that still baffled Robin entirely. One that he could smell, even before he'd gotten near.
"Swinub?" The ball of fur questioned.
"You know, Frederick, Popo is gone. You can get rid of the creature, and no one would think less of you for it," Robin offered as he approached.
"I am fully aware of my options, Robin," the Knight countered. But then, he said nothing more.
"So, you're keeping it then?"
"No one has begrudged you Pikachu, nor has anyone told Anna that she couldn't keep her bird."
Chrom let out a laugh at that. "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Robin, you heard it too, right?"
"I think I did," Robin answered with a smile.
"I fail to see what you both find so amusing," Frederick said, dour as always. The visage somehow lost its effect when the creature poked its head out from under the reins.
"Swinub?"
"Frederick, you do have a heart under that armor and ice!" Chrom announced. The Knight cringed, and said no more. Sumia and Lissa had turned to them curiously, having been alerted by Chrom's laugh.
"What are you naming it?" Robin asked. Frederick sighed, and his desire to be elsewhere was visible on his face. He made no effort to hide it.
"I believe the naming convention thus far has been whatever a creature repeats, has it not?" Frederick pondered. "It is rather dull, but Swinub fits the creature well."
"Swinub!"
"Welcome to the team, Swinub," Robin said, extending an arm to it for dramatic effect. Swinub sniffed at him curiously, and backed off disappointed. He turned back to the Knight. "Remember to feed it when you get the chance, Frederick."
"And bath it," Chrom added cheekily, causing his sister to snort. A sound that found its regality lacking. "If we're going to turn the Shepherd's barrack into a ranch, we can at least try not smell like it."
"I will take your advice into consideration, Robin. M'lord." Frederick gave a bow before he pointedly rode ahead of them.
"That was an order, Frederick!" Chrom called after him. Even Sumia laughed at that.
The meeting with the Exalt hadn't taken long. It helped that she received them alone. Her Knight Commander was apparently on border patrol, and her Wing Commander was in the midst of drills in the sky. Only some guy the Exalt introduced as the Hierarch was by her side. Dedede had a hunch that he might have seen the man before, perhaps during his first stay in Ylisse, but he didn't remember him. Must not have stuck out much.
"And you are unharmed?" Emmeryn asked gently, concern edging through her otherwise controlled features
"I've gotten worse bruises than this before," Dedede answered proudly. In reality, his eye still hurt. About a week earlier, when he was first rescued, Princess Lissa had told him that while she could make it heal faster, the bruise could heal wrong. Considering how he still had a crick in his neck from when Anna healed the bruise to the back of his head, he believed her. It was only a bruise and a bit of swelling, anyway. Lissa had told him to keep his eye cold if he could. He hadn't really understood why until they got south of the Longfort, and his face started to swell up around the bruise.
He had been wondering why that hadn't happened earlier. Some kind of science thing that he didn't need to understand. He had people around to understand it for him.
"If that would be all, Your Grace," King Dedede started, his dark eye twitching at the words. The words tasted funny in his mouth, those referential words of respect towards another. Meta Knight was always very clear on the necessity of their use, though, so in this at least he bit down his beak. At least no one else took his title of 'Your Greatness.' "I would like to see Meta Knight. I haven't heard any word from him, and I can't see him anywhere."
"Your Greatness," the Hierarch addressed. The words made the King smile every time, even while he was putting on his 'polite' act or when said so bitterly. It still put him above the speaker where he belonged. "Meta Knight has been joining Lady Phila in her drills. As soon as they are finished, we could send for him."
"Why not now?" Dedede asked impatiently. He didn't snap at the Hierarch, for he knew that he had done enough of that for a while.
"I'm afraid the Palace's couriers don't fly, Your Greatness. I also don't believe a pigeon would have much success asking for him either," the Exalt said, almost teasingly. "If we can do anything for you, do not hesitate to ask. Commander Phila has asked to meet with the Prince when he returns, so we can send Meta Knight to you at the same time we send for her."
So Dedede took the time to find his room instead. While they had been away, the Exalt had prepared the King of Dreamland his own room, down the hall from the one he had shared with Meta Knight his first time in the city. There wasn't much in it, just the bed and a desk off to the side. A fireplace was built until the wall and the floor was covered in lavish carpets. Sky blue, of course. Just like everything else in Ylisse but the grass and the stone.
The room was certainly larger, a fact most exemplified by the window which extended nearly to the ceiling. The view from it wasn't that great. If the room was on the other side of the Palace, he may have caught the sight of the Cathedral, or if he were along the middle he could have seen the central tower. As it was, the only really impressive sight was the flags on the sides of houses and mansions nearly melting into the sky.
It was a poetic and artsy thought, and Dedede didn't really care. He was just bored, and his mind was wandering. A little hungry too. He wasn't built to live off of travel rations, and they'd run out of baking goods and pastries days ago. He made sure that some of the Waddle Dees in the camp outside the city were devoting some free time to fixing that conundrum. Not all their time, though. Apparently, Meta Knight had arranged for them to start helping the locals where they could, and in return they got more supplies. Like they didn't already work hard enough for me that they needed to earn pay on top of it, Dedede thought.
Finally, there was a knock on the door.
"Get in here!" King Dedede shouted. The door opened, though Dedede couldn't see who by over his belly. Between that and the sullen silence, Dedede figured he knew exactly who it was. The pattering of small steel boots clattered against the rock as King Dedede sat up. From the floor, way below him, two yellow eyes stared up at him confirming his suspicions.
"Dedede," Meta Knight greeted plainly. He didn't need anything to support his weight, no crutch or cart or anything.
"Pinky!" Dedede greeted with a littler more excitement in his voice than he meant to show. Meta Knight winced a bit at the King's excitement.
"I haven't heard how things went up North. What-"
Dedede jumped off the bed and picked Meta Knight off the ground. Meta Knight's eyes went wide, and he struggled vainly to break free.
"It's great to see you!" Dedede pulled him into a hug. Meta Knight had gone stiff in his arms. After a moment, Dedede let go of him, and he fell lightly to the floor with his eyes still huge.
"Never. Do that again." The anger in Meta Knight's voice somehow seemed lesser than Dedede remembered. More shocked than anything. Meta Knight looked at Dedede's eye again, hesitated for a moment before asking anything. "It didn't go well, then?"
"It... Didn't go great up there," Dedede confirmed. "It worked out by the time we left, but some not so great things happened."
"Who did you get angry?" Meta Knight asked.
"No one!" Dedede answered adamantly. Meta Knight stared at him for a moment doubtfully. "Okay, I may have yelled at the reigning Khan."
Meta Knight brought his hand to his face and sighed. "It's like clockwork, how often you've insulted the wrong people. Did he blacken your eye?"
"She, and no," Dedede answered. He explained how he was kidnapped in the city later that night after he stormed out of the Arena Ferox. How the next day, he was rescued by the Shepherds and some of the Khan's men. That caught Meta Knight's attention, as he clearly thought the Khan hated the King. That was when he explained how he got them past the Longfort in the first place.
"You punched their Commander in the face, and they let you through?" Meta Knight asked, hoping for clarity.
"Uh huh. Even earned the Khan's respect for that," King Dedede said proudly.
"Lucky. Nothing but lucky, Your Greatness. That respect might very well be one of the only reasons they didn't attack you when you insulted the Khan," Meta Knight mused.
Dedede shrugged it off, and like that the weight of his mistake felt smaller. Deny, deny, deny. Once he denied enough, redirect.
"So look at what I got up there, Pinky," King Dedede said, reaching into his coat.
"Don't call me that," Pinky -Meta Knight!- warned coldly.
"Yeah, course not," Dedede agreed as he pulled his hand from his coat pocket. He struck his hand out open, presenting what he had gotten. A crystal glistened in his hand, star in shape. Light hit it from the window, making it shine brighter.
"What is it?"
"It's neat looking!" Dedede answered, all too happily. "I was gonna stick it in my tent, but I figured some of those Shepherds are poor, and might take it from me. So I didn't tell any of them."
"And where did you get this?"
"Bought it from the merchant that came back with us. Just before I got jumped. They never found it though."
"And why did you buy it?" Meta Knight asked pensively. Dedede's grin slipped a bit, and what he maintained felt forced.
"Home. Reminds me of Pop Star. I mean, it's a star that makes the room pop. Reminds me of our warp stars from back home. Also makes me think of the Star Rod and... Him."
Meta Knight absorbed the answer for a moment. At last, he backed away from the foot of Dedede's bed and took a seat by the desk. He stared wistfully at the crystal for a long moment, and Dedede did just the same.
"You think he's out there somewhere, Pinky?" Dedede asked sadly. "I know I never thought I'd miss him, but..."
"He's out there," Meta Knight reassured, his voice taking on a sense of wisdom in place of kindness. Meta Knight was never especially kind, Dedede knew. Only different levels of polite and angry. "Odds are, he just found a problem he couldn't eat. That's the only reason he hasn't come found us, yet."
Dedede nodded solemnly. He leaned forward on the bed, and passed the star to Meta Knight. The light bounced off it, forming bright, amorphous shapes on the walls around them as he stared into it. The sides that were carved into the crystal was smooth, leading up to the pointed ends of each of the star's limbs. Meta Knight turned in his seat and pit it down on the desk, leaning it against the wall.
"So, what have you been doing here, P- Meta Knight," Dedede asked, changing the topic with all the grace of a floundering penguin trying to fly.
"Training. Recovering." Meta Knight turned in his seat away from Dedede. "Making friends."
Dedede guffawed at the last statement. He didn't catch Meta Knight's scowl fast enough to stop.
"Chrom, I haven't had but three days of rest as long as I can remember. Are you absolutely sure you need me to do this?" The desperation in Robin's voice was palpable.
A table sat between Robin and the Prince, a map of Ylisse open before them. A few figures lay in the southeast part of the Halidom, sitting in for the bandits that were being reported in the area. Between them was the Wing Commander of the Pegasus Knights, Phila. Robin knew next to nothing about the older woman except that she treated him and King Dedede's people with cold skepticism the first time they met the Exalt.
"I'm sorry, friend," Chrom answered, a pitiable smile on his face. "We can't just ignore bandits, whether or not war is imminent. I'd go myself in a heartbeat if I could, but with Belisar out of the city, Emmeryn needs me and Phila here. We need to be ready to mobilize the Shepherds and the local forces in case Plegia makes a move officially while you're away."
Robin dragged his hand down his face. He silently weighed the punishment of insubordination against getting the order dealt with as soon as possible. Execution seemed possible, though it didn't seem likely to be either Chrom or Emmeryn's first choice of punishment. Banishment, imprisonment, public humiliation... None of those sounded restful at all. Lissa would very likely pout at him too, and he wasn't sure he could take that on top of it all.
"Alright, I'll take care of it. How soon do I need to leave?"
"A few days," Phila answered. "You've been busy, and it won't do Ylisse any good if you go out there exhausted. Tends to dull the reflexes."
"Agreed. Figure out who you want to bring with you. I know that we can spare a few of the Shepherds," Chom added. "Phila?"
The Wing Commander shook her head. "Sorry, Chrom. I don't feel comfortable sparing anyone right now. You could ask Meta Knight, he has been asking for any ways he can help."
"Has he?" Chrom asked. "He didn't seem very excited to help when he'd first come here."
"It isn't my place to say. Whatever is going on in his head, he has been a gracious guest, and it's been good to have someone else to push the Pegasus Knights. I'm not so sure I've ever seen them so frustrated and driven in all my years."
"That so?" Robin asked. "Could you tell me what his skills are? Strengths? Weaknesses?"
Phila told Robin and Chrom of the time Meta Knight had devoted to training with the Pegasus Knights, starting with the game he had challenged them to. How he had out maneuvered the best fliers in Ylisse, if not the world, with an awesome ease. When Robin asked if she noticed any gaps in Meta Knight's abilities, she answered that only his self-perpetuated coldness and unclear motivations kept him from being one of the most perfect fliers she had ever met.
From Meta Knight's motivations, the Rebirth was of course at the forefront of their thoughts. The supposed event seemed more plausible every time Robin heard about it, and Chrom already believed that it had happened fully. Beside the monsters, besides Dreamland, Chrom was adamant that no one had ever had such perfect control over pure ice magic as the Khan's adopted children.
Chrom cleared his throat. "We've gotten off track." Chrom leaned over the map again. He pointed to a small town near the southeastern coast. "This was where the last report came from. Small farming village. Can't say I know much about it, other than it mostly just grows for sustenance, and only really sells wool from its sheep."
Robin leaned over the map by Chrom's shoulder. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder, a weight that has become so engrained into Robin's consciousness that he forgot he was even there sometimes. How quiet he had been certainly didn't make it easier to remember.
There was quite a distance between the unnamed village that Chrom was pointing at and any real landmarks. The nearest one was Bathoneo, which looked to be a good three days due west and a day south from the village, if his sense of scale was right. There was the thinnest snake of a road nearby that Robin traced with his finger.
"You might want to avoid the road as you get close to the village," Phila interjected, her eye on his finger. "It's flanked by trees on either side until you get near the village itself, and the road is very exposed. They might have ambushes in place, or scouts. If they knew you were in the area, they might flee, and we'd have to find them again."
Robin nodded patiently. He could see the little tree drawings on either side of the road, and her entire suggestion seemed pretty obvious. She hadn't looked at him like a nuisance or a threat like she had when he'd first come to Ylisstol, so it seemed wise to let her speak. No need to make enemies in the Palace, since he was finding so many out in the fields.
Just as she said, the tree sketches did cease just a bit before the village itself. Fields for growing, if Robin had to guess. After a moment, Robin sighed.
"Would you happen to have another map? I'd like to take my thinking to my own quarters."
"Of course," Phila said. "A servant could have one brought out to you within the hour."
Robin smiled. "Then with your permission, Chrom, I'd like to go rest. Been a long few weeks."
Chrom dismissed him with a wave and an amicable smile. "I appreciate you doing this, Robin."
"Part of the job, I guess," Robin answered back. He lowered himself to a kneel by the table and Pikachu crawled back onto his shoulder. "Shouldn't be a problem."
Robin turned to leave, the route back to the barracks reemerging.
"Make sure Lon'qu's settling in too, if you can. He'll be sharing your room with you from now on," Chrom called after him.
Robin flinched. He hadn't thought of that. So much for his room.
Navigating through the city hadn't been difficult. He had explored some of the Southern part of the city during his first visit. He could find his way between the Shepherds barracks by the wall and back to the Palace well enough. The markets were the easiest path he'd found, as unlikely as it sounded. Safety by virtue of the crowd, and the merchants recognized Pikachu from when the mouse had threatened one of them that first time through.
Pikachu would have preferred he take the side roads and alleys to get between the Palace and the Barracks, he assumed. Just like in the Arena Ferox, and just like last time they were in the city, Pikachu stiffened every time the crowds grew thick. Like he saw a threat in every passing face. Robin didn't dismiss it as a possibility, but Pikachu's paranoia seemed... extreme.
When the barracks came into view, Robin felt... nothing. Tired maybe, from the walking. He didn't feel like he'd come home. One day, he hoped it might feel that way. Now, though? It was just slightly more comfortable than the room he'd 'shared' with Virion for half a night in Qashliq. He attributed that to the fireplace, and it's cushioned seats.
He'd barely made it through the gate when he heard the echo of sword meeting sword. A flurry of cracks that carried well over the open courtyard that the Shepherds made their sparring ring. He turned to the circle and saw two people he hadn't seen since Bathoneo. A knight in green light-plates, and one in red. One standing his ground, trying to hold the earth itself against the fire of his attacker.
Robin watched, keeping a bit of distance between himself and the ring. Wouldn't do much for his health to take an errant swing to the temple, regardless of if they were only using training weapons. Sully, that was the woman's name. Stahl was the one in green.
Sully let her guard down at one point, and Stahl was able to move under her defenses and swung at her ribs. The flat of his blade met her side, and she fell to the ground. Stahl backed off when she kicked at him, and Sully was back on her feet and fighting again. Robin could barely tell that she'd been hurt at all as she renewed her offensive.
Evidently, the swing did Stahl less good than he thought. His sword must have been damaged in the swing, as more and more wood chips flew off of it with every guard. The wood of Stahl's weapon cracked after a particularly hard swing from Sully, the weapon breaking in two. The wood of Sully's sword broke against Stahl's shoulder plate.
"Yield!" Stahl admitted after a pained hiss. He dropped the fragments of his weapon and began to roll his shoulder. There was an audible crackle.
"Not much choice there, Panther," Sully said, a proud smirk on her lips. Her free hand was rubbing where Stahl had gotten a hit. "That was better than when we started, though. I'm going to be feeling your hit in the morning."
"Yeah, well. That's because of what you said. The right mindset really does make all of the difference." Stahl wore a smile on his face as he said it.
"Yeah..." Sully trailed off, her eyes falling on Robin.
"Don't mind me. Just watching for a spell," Robin said.
"Hey there," Stahl waved between breaths, not quite ready to keel over from exhaustion.
"Robin, right?" Sully asked. "Step right on up, I need to give the Panther here a few to breath."
Robin put his hands up. "No, no, I can't. I've got orders to rest, and I fully intend to follow that order to the letter."
"Come on! Or are you scared?" Her voice carried her challenge across the yard, and she made herself look a large as she could.
"Terrified," Robin said with a smirk. It faded a bit as he rubbed his eyes. "And exhausted. I have been marching and fighting and working for the past month, with my only breaks being three days of drilling and catch-up on tactics and history, and about three hours of a mandatory party where anyone could have killed me, either by accident or on purpose. Oh, and a good four hours of sleep in a real bed. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sleep, and no, you can't do a damned thing to stop me."
Sully just stood there gaping as Robin rushed through the door of the main building. I'm going to be hearing about that later. Virion greeted him jovially as he entered, but one look in Robin's eyes cowed his dramatic side, and the archest of archers let him pass. He seemed to be trying to teach Bandana Dee Chess. Lissa also waved at him with a forced cheer that failed to hide how tired she was too. Vaike was talking at her about something or other, but Robin really just didn't care at that moment.
Robin pushed through the door to his room, his shoulders sagging as the prospect of real sleep overcame his senses. He paused for a moment when he saw Lon'qu on the far bed, sitting with his legs crossed and his sword on his lap. The man had briefly looked up when Robin entered the room, but returned to his meditation when Robin nodded at him and sat on his own bed. Pikachu took his own place on the bed, watching their new roommate warily as Robin took off his boots.
"Chrom wanted me to ask how you're settling in," Robin said, as he kicked his feet up and tried to get comfortable. Not enough to sleep before he got an answer.
"The barracks is more comfortable than I would have expected." Lon'qu answered.
"Working for the Prince himself has its upsides," Robin said, turning his head on his pillow to face the swordsman. "Unless you'd like to downgrade to wooden beds and straw blankets?"
"No, it is not that. It is... Strange. Different from Regna Ferox. Only the merchants had such things in their homes. Not even the Khans had much comfort outside of where they meet with guests. The city itself is a bulwark compared to home, though without the same defenders." Lon'qu turned to Robin at that point, his normally stern expression holding a hint of unease. "It shall not be a problem. I will acclimate."
"Good to hear it," Robin said. "If you need anything, anything at all, you let someone know. Anyone here would do what they could to help."
Lon'qu nodded. Satisfied, Robin closed his eyes. He could feel Pikachu climb up the pillow to take his spot just above Robin's head.
"Thank you," Lon'qu said suddenly. More confused than frustrated, Robin opened one eye and looked at Lon'qu inquisitively. Sensing his confusion, Lon'qu clarified. "You pulled me out of an uncomfortable position with that woman earlier."
"Wha... Ah, right. Don't mind Anna. I'm pretty sure she's like that with everyone. I don't think she bites, either, so I don't think there's reason to be afraid of her."
"Don't mock me. You know of my... affliction," Lon'qu accused plainly.
"Of course. Sorry. I'm tired, so I'm not thinking straight. I'm going to sleep, now."
Robin got a grunt in response before he finally caught up to sleep, and coddled it like a stuffed animal.
"You do not need to watch over me. I am fine," Meta Knight insisted.
"Orders, Meta Knight. Dedede was oh so concerned," Robin teased. "If he didn't like me, I'm sure he wouldn't have even let me ask you to come."
They had left a day earlier when the sun was first rising. Meta Knight had missed the road somewhat, away from the smells of the palace. With the archer Virion along, the smell of perfume still tainted the natural air, but it was far more bearable than Ylisstol. Perhaps it was just the feeling of no longer being stuck in one place, if just for a while.
The road was welcome, and so was the trip. Meta Knight had been mildly surprised when it was Robin, not Phila, who approached him to ask for help. It did not sound like a difficult task before them, only bandits. They had no training, and would not be as well organized as any military proper. Still, it would be a good test to see if he was truly recovered.
What he didn't particularly enjoy was Robin hovering over him. It didn't quite make sense to him that the tactician would take Dedede's orders so seriously. The King had mentioned that a Robin had taken to talking with him amicably, so perhaps the man thought to actually become friends with the king? A trying task, if it were so. Or perhaps he thought he had something to gain.
"I could cut you down without any problem. You have no need to concern yourself over me," Meta Knight tried. He truly did respect the tactician for actually taking to the field, but Meta Knight was fed up with the coddling. He knew that without a doubt. Phila didn't treat him as such, nor did Belisar or even the Exalt.
His threat did make Robin wince. Still, he did not back off.
"Might make me feel more comfortable knowing for sure I'm not marching a cripple to his death," Robin said bluntly.
The boldness of the comment did catch Meta Knight off guard. He couldn't really refute that logic. It was still frustrating to hear. He didn't answer.
"Hey, Robin?" The merchant Anna asked, mercifully. "It's starting to get late. Think we could find some place to camp out soon?"
Robin nodded. "Meta Knight, you and me will help Anna set up camp. Virion and Frederick will go hunting."
Meta Knight nodded wordlessly. If Frederick could deal with a bear alone, he will not need me as back up.
It was a familiar setting. The trees in every direction. The soft sounds of squirrels fleeing from hiding place to hiding place or baby chicks calling hungrily for their mothers. Alas, little in sight capable of feeding so many mouths.
Virion and hunting had a mixed history. He knew where his skills lie, on and off the battlefield. He was good with a bow, and he had hunted since he was young. There was a certain elegance to it all, one that befit his noble standing. And yet, he detested the uncleanliness of it. At least in a fight, smelling so natural is not a requisite.
It didn't help that the wildlife was being incredibly uncooperative tonight. He had yet to find any animal trail that hadn't gone cold on him. He climbed through the brush itself, in his nice traveling gear even. It had dirt on it, diminishing its royal purple coloring. Have I wronged the Divine, that they would curse me so tonight?
They answered with not words, but the hooting of an owl. Virion looked up and sure enough saw a magical bird, though not of the Pidgey-ing flocks that had become so trite a sight throughout Ylisse. It was a small and young looking thing, colored a light brown with a white stomach. It's face was angled downward at him, its eyes staring into him like the stars watched over the night. An odd quirk of its feathers at its neck resembled a green bow tie. Ah, nature itself is after my heart. Even should it not be our Goddess's nature, it is beauteous all the same... And far too small to feed us all.
It was with an easy conscience that Virion moved on from the owl. He wanted to find a deer, or even a hawk would do. Squirrels wouldn't be awful either if he could find a few. Whatever he lacked, he was sure Frederick would compensate for. Virion smiled for himself. An excuse to not push himself seemed rather enticing. Not because he wasn't capable nor willing of course. Just open to alternatives, such as reflection and enjoying the scenery.
Virion normally preferred to take in the natural world, but of late he had found himself reflecting upon other things. Home, for one, so far away. His position as a member of the Shepherds had grown more taxing and odd as of late as well. Learning of foreign lands, untouched by the divine dragon he had been raised to worship nor even her gods had been existential. Virion thought he and the other Shepherds were handling it well.
His tiny friend, the jubilant and naive Bandana Dee was an interesting character, and an amicable face that made accepting the revelation of the Rebirth easier. Not for some mystery nor quirk of personality -though he had no lack of those- but for his complete and utter absolution in his purpose. Bandana Dee made mistakes in plenty, and admitted to every single one. He never deterred from his goal of helping his King Dedede in any way. It was an envious trait. I do feel a bit the buffoon every time I must say his name aloud, but it is of small consequence for the company.
There was a sound behind him, and his thoughts disappeared at once. His pivoted around with an arrow drawn in an instant. Virion could make out the silhouette of the owl he had seen earlier, followed closely by a dark feline figure.
"Roo! Roo!"
The feline jumped towards the owl. It was on instinct that Virion loosed his arrow, grazing the cat's flank and throwing it off balance. It fled into the woods with a limp. The owl flew past Virion and landed on a nearby perch.
"And once again, the innocent is spared a grisly fate with the aid of the archest of archers," Virion smiled. He bowed with a flourish towards the owl. It stared back at him curiously.
"Row?"
"Ah, of course it was..." Virion shook his head. "Ah, I have once more played himself the part of the farcical mummer. Though the fair ladies Sumia and Sully have taken to talking to their horses, and even sir Robin his own pet, I am above such things. I bid you ado, fair creature, and safe travels."
Virion gave a quick bow. The owl tilted its head curiously. The archer turned away with a smile, despite his words. Truly it was a remarkable creature, and the world would have been lesser without it. Still, I must be wary if there are predatory cats abound. I am fortunate that that one was distracted, and likely a young foolhardy thing.
There was a flapping of wings behind him again. Virion turned around. The owl was sitting on a low branch, staring at him.
"Forgive me fair creature, but I cannot hunt if you continue to make such racket near me." His voice was ever under his control, and his temper more so. It was only the slightest bit of annoyance that struck him when the owl tilted its head at him.
But then it flew off, as if understanding his words. These magical creatures have proven rather intelligent. Perhaps they do have some grasp of language? He shook away the thought as his stomach growled. The light was fading fast. Virion groaned. I hope Frederick has had more luck. I can only take traveling rations for so long.
Virion took one last look, and started retracing his steps in hopes of returning to camp.
When he heard the a familiar flapping of wings behind him, his eye did twitch a bit. The perils of being a noble man. He turned to face the approaching owl. A squirrel was deposited before him, largely untouched. Two curious eyes were looking up at him.
"Row?"
"Is it healthy to eat that?" Robin asked, poking at the squirrel curiously. Except for the cracked neck and odd protrusions on its hind legs, Robin didn't immediately notice any extreme damage to the carcass.
"Likely not entirely, if the bird is diseased in anyway," Frederick answered. Noticing Robin preparing the fire, started to prepare the squirrel for cooking. He had not had any luck in his own hunt. They would still have to eat a bit of their bread, but at least they wouldnt need to sustain themselves on it alone tonight. A good thing, too. Once we're out of these woods, we'll be near the town.
"Ah, forget that!" Anna said. "Cook it up, that should kill the worst of it."
"And you would know this how, Lady Anna?" Frederick quirked his brow impatiently. Robin stepped away from the argument, deciding to just set up the spittle instead.
"Because birds know their stuff," Anna said. She turned to Virion, who wasn't looking at any of them. "Make good companions too, if you can train them. Deli's cheaper than a dog on top of it." Delibird playfully hissed at the comparison.
Virion wordlessly nodded, showing no signs that he was actually listening to her advice. I've never seen him so quiet. In front of him beside the fire was a little owl, the one that Virion claimed he saved and brought him the squirrel. Delibird was trying to get its attention. The owl was more focused on the mouse hiding behind Robin, peeking out from the safety of Robin's cloak to return the gaze. What a rarity, someone or something that doesn't immediately put Pikachu on edge.
"Frederick. You should have brought Swinub," Robin said. "Could've had a play date."
"Pikachu!""Delibird!" Frederick scoffed, insisting the creature was in better care at the barracks than on the field.
"As lovely a suggestion it is, I do not believe I am keeping him," Virion interceded. The owl turned its head to around its body to look at Virion. Thats ominous.
"Why not?" Anna asked for the owl.
"He is a wild creature, meant to be free!" Virion answered, gesturing to the sky. "It would find my life rather dull, I am certain, and I do not think I would make an acceptable caretaker for it."
"Roo?"
"I didn't know you could be modest, Virion," Robin stepped away from the fire, leaving Frederick to finish cooking on his own. "Can't say I completely agree with your choice, but I respect it."
"I don't!" Anna grabbed Delibird and pulled her into a hug. "She's one of the best things to happen to me, ever! And you won't hear me say that often about anything that isn't money related." Delibird wrapped her wings around Anna with a roll of her eyes.
"Good heavens, fret not lady Anna, nor unduly denote your qualities. That you would sell yourself so short baffles me." Gone was Virion's uncertain expression replaced with the lecherous smile that Robin had grown familiar with.
Delibird threw a rock at him. It made a clean slate of his face, wiping away the smile with a superb effectiveness.
"Roo."
"I made my desire for you to go home known," Virion sighed. The owl tilted its head, its perch on the wagon bringing it to Virion's eye level without any effort on its part. Even I have to walk. With a huff, Virion hurried ahead of the wagon to catch up with the front of the pack. Wings followed him.
Robin heard him coming, or perhaps he heard the owl. Either way, Robin turned slightly to acknowledge his approach, returning to his conversation with Frederick beside him.
"The village itself should be coming into sight shortly," Robin's eyes scanned the horizon. He had his sword on his hip just like Virion had his bow over his shoulder.
"What is the plan if the bandits are in the village?" Frederick's horse was kept in a trot beside Robin.
"Get them away from the village, capture or kill them," Robin answered. Frederick's expression remained cold. Robin sighed. "It's not a lot to work with, but once we know more I'll put together more. That's how this works, Frederick."
The knight huffed and said no more. The owl was making itself known behind them. Frederick scowled and rode away. Virion and Robin kept pace in silence for a few moments. The countryside was gorgeous this time of year. Virion was greatful that he didn't have the allergies others had, as even in the middle of Summer he was certain they would be torturous.
"So what're you naming it?" Robin asked suddenly. The owl flew between the two of them to hover in front of Virion. Pikachu squeaked in surprise, sparks flying from his cheeks. The owl took this in for a moment as Virion started his answer.
"Robin, friend, come now. I couldn't possibly-"
"Let?" The owl tried to perch on Virion's shoulder whilst the archer most archest was talking. He made an incredibly undignified noise as he jumped away from the digging talons.
"Good heavens! Robin, is Pikachu this-"
Virion shut up as he turned to his supposed ally. Robin's face was fit to burst in mirth. Pikachu looked impassive at the whole situation from his place on Robin's shoulder. Curious at most. It was enough to tell Virion he didn't have any allies in this.
Robin cleared his throat, turning away for a moment. Robin turned back with a more controlled smile.
"How about Rowlet?" Robin asked. "It fits the pattern. Almost"
Virion pinched the bridge of his nose, words lost to him for perhaps the first time in his life. Robin wore a grin that reached ear to ear. Virion could swear the mouse on his shoulder wore similar mischief on his face.
There was a boy running through the plains towards them, wearing a tin pot over his head and fear in his eyes. Virion could make out his pursuer behind him, a burly looking man brandishing an axe. Robin had immediately ordered the Shepherds to intervene, but Virion knew they wouldn't be able to reach the conflict in time if they just ran. He felt the wind in his hair, notched an arrow, and fired high above the boy. The wind carried the arrow into the brigand's shoulder, throwing him back in shock. It was then that Frederick reached him and finished him off.
The boy fell to his knees at Robin's feet, clearly exhausted.
"Please, you have ta help!" He cried. "They got my ma! They got everyone! Please..."
The boy looked like a mess, between the grime in his hair and simple farmers clothes that was covered in earth and blood. The boy had a pitchfork with him with a speck of blood on it. Robin kneeled down and offered the boy a hand.
"Deep breaths, friend. We're Shepherds. We'll do what we can, if you'll tell us what happened..."
"You're Shepherds?" The boy asked. His eyes drifted across all of them. It was then that Virion realized that most of them probably didn't look quite like a band of Ylisse's elite heroes lead by the prince himself. Truly, only Frederick and I truly look the part. Anna was dressed for travel, but looked a salesman, Robin had his strange and ubiquitous robes on him, and Meta Knight wasn't human. Add to that the pets and the owl that was stalking them, and they probably looked ridiculous!
Whatever doubts the boy had fell away as he realized they were still his best bet.
"Donnel... That's m' name. Or Donny if ya prefer," the boy answered breathlessly, taking Robin's hand. "My village got attacked hours ago. The bandits what done it rounded up everybody, and brought them t' this ol' fortress they're hiding in. I... I tried to get everybody out m'self but...
"Please, Shepherds! Ya gotta help my ma! Ya gotta help everyone!"
Robin nodded. "Okay. Can you lead us to their hideout?"
Donnel nodded, grim determination on his face. Virion felt for the boy but it didn't seem like the appropriate time to weep. It was too familiar a scene for his normal theatrics anyway.
"Robin," Meta Knight said, seconds after skidding to a halt in front of Robin. Robin nearly jumped out of his skin. "I could see the ruins from the sky."
"By Naga, I nearly just died," Robin breathed. Meta Knight didn't look impressed. "Sorry. Which way?"
Meta Knight turned, and pointed towards the hill that partially covered the rising moon to their East. Robin squinted, and he could indeed see the vague outline of a structure. Just like up the poachers in Regna Ferox. Robin nodded.
"Then Donnel has made this easier for us," Robin said.
"Indeed. You should send him to safety until we're finished since we don't need him anymore."
Robin cocked a brow. The other Shepherds were spread out in their patch of woods, an uncommon sight over the past couple of days since they left the woods proper. Mostly they had been crossing farmland and open fields.
"What do you mean? Why shouldn't he come with us?" Robin asked. Meta Knights yellow eyes visibly widened.
"He is not a soldier."
"He is able bodied, and has a weapon," Robin retorted. "We could use another weapon in there today."
The both of them looked towards Donnel. The boy was fidgeting with his tin pot helmet. Robin had almost tried to talk Donnel out of removing it, but Virion of all people had stepped in to say it could, in fat, deflect a stray arrow. They hadn't had any weapons to spare, so Donnel was still holding onto the he pitchfork they had found him with. Meta Knights shook his head.
"Fine. If he is willing to fight the boy will fight. His life is on you now," Meta Knight answered, and walked away. Robin sighed, unsure where this had come from. Let's get this over with and go home.
The bandit's watch on the outskirts of the ruins had been easy to take care of. Virion shot one guard through the heart, and Anna was able to close in on the other quietly enough to take him out at the same time. Virion was satisfied win the shot, considering he felt generally out of sorts. One reason for his discomfort was likely perched nearby, or even standing behind him with watchful eyes. The accursed owl has yet to even eat of its own volition! The divine dragon has forsaken me.
Frederick rode into the ruins first, with Robin and Meta Knight following close behind. Donnel and Anna were hanging back with Virion. Robin had designated Virion and Anna to support roles, while Donnel was meant to keep them safe. Not that Anna needed it the support, with her friend, the Delibird creature close by her side. So truly, Donnel was just there to support Virion. And the Naga damned owl. It acts as though having a bow tie qualifies it for my level of high society.
His thoughts were cut off as Anna nudged Virion in the side. The support unit moved forward into the crumbled remains of a corridor just behind the frontline. More bandits were charging without abandon at the Shepherd's front line. Virion notched an arrow, and loosed it. Sailing between Robin and Frederick, it landed in the chest of one of the bandits, but the man kept running. Robin cut through the man as soon as he was in reach, Pikachu jumping off his shoulder with a glowing tail. The tail hit the skull of the next bandit, throwing him off balance long enough that Robin could finish him as well.
Frederick served as a wall on his end as well, barely seeming to register the bandits before him cut the bandits down. The true spectacle was Meta Knight on the left. The bandit that approached him looked like he was holding back a laugh as he charged at the short warrior. Meta Knight held his ground, waiting until the bandit got close before jumping over his head and cutting his short sword through the bandits skull with practiced ease. He was on the next bandit before they registered what just happened. The hall was clear less than a minute after they had entered it.
"By Naga's Light..." Donnel gasped. Virion was impressed too. He'd expected this performance of Frederick, but the other two...
"No time to gawk, Donnel," Virion said. Robin was taking in the shell that had once been a hall now that it was empty of obvious threats. The hall they were in had once had two doors, one to their right and one straight forward.
"We can't leave one way unchecked," Robin determined. "I'll take Anna and Donnel and head through the offshoot. Frederick, you take Meta Knight and Virion forward."
Frederick nodded, and the groups split off without further discourse. The groups seemed unbalance in Frederick's favor, but certainly Robin saw something that Virion did not.
Then again, Virion recalled that technically Robin's group consisted of five members, whilst Frederick's was only three.
"Roo?" The owl killed the silence. Virion sighed. Five and four, then.
The next room didn't have a wall at all opposite of them. It was open to the elements entirely, the only cover from the plains being a light thicket of bushes. It was also suspiciously empty. Virion drew out an arrow, just in case, and followed close behind Frederick. There was a way into more rooms to their right. Elsewhere in the ruins, Virion could hear more fighting and unfamiliar shouting.
An arrow struck the corner beside them, coming from outside the ruins. Whoever fired it wasn't a good shot, as it didn't come close to any of them. From the thicket emerged another half dozen bandits, one with a bow. Meta Knight immediately flew at the rest of the charging bandits. And flew wasn't an exaggeration. His cape had become wings as he cut through the first charging bandit and brought most of the rest to a halt. Virion took the moment of shock to fire at the enemy archer, grazing the man's arm. Frederick was riding to assist Meta Knight in the chaos, a curse leaving his lips. Virion took another shot at the other archer, though he fired too fast to aim and missed entirely.
His opponent stopped gawking at the demon cutting through his friends and tried to run to cover. Frederick stopped him. Unfortunately, this left Meta Knight alone with two of the bandits and two bodies. The fifth melee fighter saw that Virion was exposed.
"Oh Naga," Virion cursed as the brute charged at him. His next arrow grazed the man's leg, tripping him for a moment and giving Virion an opportunity to retreat. He was cornered, so further into the corner was the only way Virion could go. The bandit continued to limp forward unopposed, his friends keeping Frederick and Meta Knight occupied. How come both of the frontline fighters abandoned me like this? The thought hit Virion as he reached for another arrow. The bandit was on him and grabbed his arm.
"No more o' that, little archer," the bandit grinned. He was missing teeth and his breath stank of drink. Not one of the finer drinks that Virion preferred either. The bandit headbutt him, throwing Virion to the ground with a groan. The bandit shook off the impact far faster than Virion, and raised his axe over his head. Virion was ready to die.
A flash of green hit the axe out of the bandit's grip, disarming him as he swung down. He hit Virion with air. He looked cconfused for a moment before several green quills struck into his side, throwing the brute off balance. Virion grabbed an arrow from his quill and stabbed it into the man's chest. That will ruin my suit for certain.
Frederick and Meta Knight had finished the rest of the bandits in the group, and were surprised to see Vrion next to the last corpse. An arrow through the bandit's chest, and green quills in his side. Quills that matched the color of the owl's bow. The same owl who sat on the wall watching Virion with unblinking eyes. It didn't make the archest of archers feel uncomfortable this time. It made him let out a laugh.
What was it Robin called him earlier? Rowlet? Yes, that will do nicely...
"Donnel, are you sure?" The woman wore a look of heart break that only a mother seeing her child leave could. The boy in question nodded, a confident smile on his face.
"You bet, ma. I'll be a Shepherd, and when I come home next, well you'll see! We'll never have ta worry 'bout no bandits again!"
It was a tearful goodbye the next morning for the newest Shepherd. Donnel had killed the bandit leader himself, stabbing his pitchfork into the man's chest when he and too many other bandits confronted Robin. It has given Pikachu time to incapacitate another bandit, and for Robin to break free of the corner. He lead them to where his people were being held, and had burst into tears when he saw his mother alive and well. She hadn't faired much better seeing her boy coated in blood fighting beside the Shepherds.
Donnel had definitely earned his place in Robin's eyes, and the training that was going to be coming with it. Robin had told the woman of her son's bravery as they'd escorted the villagers safely back to their village. It made the announcement that Donnel was joining them easier for her to bear this morning. Barely.
When Robin discussed it with Frederick the night before the knight had reluctantly agreed. And so, they were bringing Donnel with them to Ylisstol to receive proper training and become a Shepherd.
Their other new recruit was perched on Virion's shoulder. Just like Robin had guessed was going to happen. If even Frederick had fallen for one of these creatures, another that was deliberately pining for attention had to win over Virion eventually. It had been funny in a way, watching Rowlet chase after Virion just as stubbornly as the man chased after woman. He was currently talking to Anna now, though without his normal intentions.
"Do you know what to feed him?" She asked Virion.
"Err... Would he not eat oats?" Virion questioned. With a smirk, Anna shrugged
"They hunt mostly, Virion. I think," Anna drifted off. "Although I do have some oats if you'd like to buy them to try it. It only comes in bulk though."
"Bulk? How much is 'bulk?'"
Virion scoffed as Anna gave her price. Robin shook his head.
Despite how well their mission had turned out, something about how it happened didn't sit well with Robin. Frederick had reported what had happened to Robin the night before, in the graciously provided rooms in the village. Whilst Donnel was gathering his belongings - belongings that Frederick told Donnel he would have to personally carry all the way home as the start of his training - Robin decided to confront this problem. The source of said 'problem' was sitting on Anna's wagon, ready to leave immediately.
"Meta Knight," Robin greeted. Meta Knight nodded in his direction. "I wanted to ask you about your decision to charge the bandits after we separated." The smaller warrior looked up at Robin, his eyes emotionless. Those things are way to intimidating to be on someone so small. Well, they would be if it was anyone but Meta Knight.
"They had an archer. He could have gotten lucky if we didn't move fast. I distracted most of the enemies while Frederick and Virion dealt with it," Meta Knight answered.
"You left Virion open to be attacked. He could have died if Rowlet hadn't been there and willing to help," Robin said.
"You disapprove," Meta Knight stated. Robin's lips curled in, and he nodded.
"You held out well, but Frederick reported you hadn't said a thing to him. He acted on instinct, and it was only luck that none of you died. Why didn't you hold your position and pick off the bandits when they engaged you?"
Meta Knight stared at Robin intensely for a second.
"As I said, they had an archer. I could take care of five untrained wastes of breathe. It was no more a risk than you bringing an untrained boy onto the field, or walking into an ambush in Bathoneo. Bandana Dee mentioned that."
Robin pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You had a plan, Meta Knight. Defend Virion, he supports you. Just like in the hall before that," Robin sighed. "Look, Meta Knight. You're an amazing fighter. You blew away any worries I had of your abilities as soon as we stepped in that hall. But you need to remember you're not fighting out there alone, okay?"
Meta Knight was hard to read as he processed Robin's lecture. The knight hopped off the wagon, leveling one last glare at Robin before looking past him. Robin followed his gaze to see Donnel with a large sack thrown over his back. There was a bunch of clattering, tin-like sounds. Oh, he's going to regret that.
"Ah'm ready ta go," Donnel said. He already sounded strained.
Robin nodded, and gave the order to march. It was another week on the road for them. Pikachu heard his order, and appeared as if from nowhere to claim his spot on Robin's shoulder.
The walls of Ylisstol were a welcome sight. Whilst it hadn't been a long time since Robin had seen them last, it did mean he would be allowed to rest at least a little bit before Chrom found something else for him to do. Maybe he could call the city home, one day.
Donnel had breathily praised Naga herself the second he saw the walls. He looked like he could have fell onto the road and cried in joy. Frederick had really wanted them to move, so they had shorter nights than they had had on the way down and made the journey in only five days. Robin was pretty sure Frederick's pace was driven mostly by a desire to see how far he could push Donnel. Clearly the farm work the boy was used to at least somewhat prepared him for their trek.
It was kind of a shame Donnel was so tired. The city wouldn't be nearly as impressive without the energy to process it.
When they reached the gate, it wasn't already open. This is odd. The past few times I've entered the city, they just opened the gate. Then again, I had the prince with me. A head poked over the side of the wall as they approached.
"Who goes there?" The guard atop the gate wall shouted.
"Robin, sir. I'm with the Shepherds. Prince Chrom is expecting our return," Robin shouted back up. At that, the guard made some sort of gesture behind himself.
"We were told to expect you. You are to report to the Palace immediately." The guard said grimly. The gates started to swing open.
Robin turned to his right to find Frederick's stoic expression turned into a flower at the guard. Meta Knight similarly grew visibly guarded. The Knight nudged his horse forward before the gates were done opening, getting his horse through just as there was enough room for it. The rest of the Shepherds plus one followed him inside.
Something seemed off as Robin entered the city. He couldn't place it. It wasn't anything with the city itself, it was still stone colored and blue. It was lesser somehow.
"Virion, show Donnel to the barracks. Anna, you go too," Robin ordered. The rest of them proceeded in the direction of the markets.
It hit him when they reached the markets proper. Their procession barely had to dodge the crowd. The city itself would've parted for the famed Shepherds anyway, if the past was any indication. It wasn't necessary this time. There was hardly a crowd in the streets. The few who were out were heading in the same direction as they were.
Ylisstol's local forces were lined up around the walls of the palace, with a division at the gates. Standing front and center was Phila aboard her Pegasus with her helmet at her hip. She caught sight of them over the crowd that seperated them and nodded.
On the Palaces balcony, Emmeryn was standing with Chrom and Lissa at either side. Even from so far away Robin could see the Prince's clenched fist hovering by Falchion. King Dedede stood tall behind them, a presence that was likely causing as many questions as the Exalt's. The Exalt raised her hand, a solemn expression that quieted the rumbling of the mob.
"People of Ylisse," Emmeryn began, her voice carrying over the crowd with enough weight to silence the last murmurs throughout. "I come before you today not with tidings of the harvest. I come to you because Ylisse has been attacked."
The crowd went into an uproar, one that ended when Phila put on her helmet and the Exalt gesture once more for silence.
"I have never forgotten the past mistakes of the Halidom, nor of our fathers. The Exalt before me left both Ylisse and Plegia wounded down to out deepest values, to every man woman and child in our two realms. I have only ever desired to heal, but something in Plegia has stirred their king to act. In fifteen years of peace and grief, we dug ourselves out of the hole and into prosperity.
"I cannot say what has brought Plegia to their actions in this past week. As you have no doubt heard, Plegian military forces marched across our border and attacked the city of Themis and taken the Duke's daughter captive." There was another outcry. Emmeryn let this one happen. "King Gangrel has sent me a messenge, asking me to meet him so I would apologize on behalf of his prisoner for an attack on his lands."
Robin scowled. Themis... Isn't that where Lissa's friend is from?
"This need not be a call to arms," Emmeryn continued. "Tomorrow I shall personally be departing to meet with King Gangrel in hopes of bringing this conflict to a swift and peaceful end. The Shepherds under Prince Chrom and our new friends from across the sea will be joining me."
Ylisse itself cried for Gangrel's head and the blood of Plegia, in spite of their Exalt's words. Robin wasn't sure most of the crowd had heard them at all.
From the ashes, eh? I'm sorry for the wait, I truly never intended to abandon this story, and especially not for nearly half a year. This chapter really didn't want me to write it, though. I've thrown away three or four different iterations entirely of it because it hasn't wanted to flow as my initial plan wanted. The problems all stemmed from everything after Chrom and Phila give Robin his assignment. Everything before that has been written since December.
Originally, this was about Miriel getting a Jigglypuff. Mostly because I wanted Jigglypuff in the story. That didn't quite pan out. For one, a lack of relation between Miriel and Jigglypuff. Two, it was obnoxiously easy to get off on a tangent with Miriel in the lead. And three, and perhaps most unfortunate fact that Miriel just isn't a fun character. I was at a loss for what to do. Someone was getting a Pokemon this chapter though, which accounts for much of the long, long break.
The answer to my conundrum came when I played Sun and Moon, and picked a starter: Rowlet. I love that thing. I named mine Owlphie. Like, Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred with the pet name Alphie. But... You know... Owlphie. Because he's an owl. With a bowtie. Everything about that is classy. Dartrix's especially posh mannerisms sealed the deal that Virion was getting a Rowlet.
And why did this need to happen? What about it was so vital that I put off starting this war for another ten thousand words? Well, its simple. Every single Shepherd is getting a started with Pikachu and Robin, and has been building up since we first saw the Feroxi capital through the eyes of Anna's Delibird. I'll take any suggestions if you have them for which Shepherd should get what Pokemon, for those of you familiar with both Awakening and Pokemon, but right now I do have a list even of who is currently planned to get what. So far its been Frederick and his Swinub, Anna and Delibird, Robin and Pikachu, and now Virion and Rowlet. Soon there will be more to come such as _ and _. Woops, spoilers.
The first half of the chapter further built on the relationships between Robin and the Shepherds as well as between Dedede and Meta Knight. The later relationship especially has been mostly heated, so giving the two characters a moment to reflect on what's occurred since Dedede left for Regna Ferox gave me a chance to play around with a less heated side of their relationship. It serves both of them well, and I've been mad at myself for not getting that scene especially out sooner.
I also reminded you that Stahl and Sully exist. Someone found it funny that Sully made a comment about being forgotten a few chapters back, a common occurrence in the Fire Emblem stories. I hadn't even thought of that, but I've been overly conscious about remembering her existence since. So thanks for that. ;)
Unfortunately I can't promise the next chapter will be soon, as I'm in the process of deciding the rest of my life at the moment. I am thinking of you, though, and even if its just little by little Chapter 11 will get done.