The night before setting out for Valm, Robin was still at a loss.
"What must I do? What must be done in order to assure everyone's safe arrival into Valm?"
He let out a deep sigh. For the past week, Robin was not able to think of a way to pierce through the solid defense of the Valmese Navy.
"Hopefully the Gods grant me a hint in order to aid me in this dilemma," Robin groaned to himself.
"Robin? What are you doing still awake? Tomorrow we depart for Valm," Chrom said as he walked into Robin's tent.
"Well we still have a week and a half until we reach the shores of Valm. This means I still have a bit more time to think of a way to make onto the shore."
"Good point. But remember what I told you last week, you have to take care of your health."
"I know Chrom. Thanks for worrying about me."
"Anytime, friend. Go get some rest. Tomorrow we depart at 5 a.m. sharp."
"Understood, Chrom."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Robin replied.
He definitely has gotten better sleep the past week, but his bad habits of staying up late are still there.
"I guess I'll call it a day," he said.
As he blew out his lamp, the darkness that surrounded his tent eventually lead the light to a new day.
Robin was awoken by the sound of people hustling and rushing. He remembered it was time to depart and got ready to meet with Chrom and Frederick. When he saw them, the two Khans and their ships were there ready to depart as well.
"Everything ready?" Robin asked.
"Oh, hey Mr. Sleepyhead," Chrom said jokingly.
"Haha," Robin said flatly.
"Everything is ready to depart. We just need to pack the tents."
"Alright, I will go pack mine up right now," Robin announced.
"Better hurry, you and Vaike are the last ones to do so."
"Huh?! You guys packed already?!"
"Did you not notice the lack of tents when you came here? Perhaps you still lack sleep Robin," Chrom said.
"I really am in need of rest…"
Robin went to pack his tent while all the other Shepherds were on board waiting. A few minutes later, Robin and Vaike appeared with their packed in their storage.
"Now! Let us depart!" Chrom commanded as their ship left the port which was followed by many other ships.
As Robin made his way to Chrom's quarters, he saw Lucina once again gazing at the ocean.
"Fascinating, huh?" Robin asked.
"Oh, Robin. I didn't see you there. I agree, it really is a different world. The smell of the ocean which is carried through the blowing winds, I have never experienced it before."
"I'm glad you appreciate it. Well, enjoy the ride," Robin said as continued heading towards his destination.
"I will, thank you."
"Milord, if Robin is unable to find a strategy by the time we get there, we will definitely be executed at sea."
"Do you think I do not know that? Even though I know the consequences, I put my full trust and faith in Robin, he always pulls through."
"If you say so milord."
"Thank you."
"Chrom," Robin said as he opened the door.
"Ah, Robin. Frederick was just talking about you."
"Haha, I have a feeling it was about how worried he is if I don't come up with a strategy in time. Right?"
"You are not wrong Robin. I have full confidence in your tactics. But this time, it seems close to impossible to breakthrough such ironclad defense," Frederick told Robin.
"Iron… That's it! Iron!" Robin exclaimed.
"Iron? What about iron?" Chrom asked.
"I will tell you whence we arrive near the fleet." He said as he exited the room leaving the two dumbfounded and a bit confused.
"Haha!" Chrom laughed.
"Milord?"
"What did I tell you Frederick? Robin will pull through."
"Even I must admit, the fire in his eyes shone brightly."
"Right?" Chrom said in agreement.
At the mess hall, Robin was sitting by himself working on how to make his plan work.
"Flavia was right… Plegia did provide us with an abundance of oil. I could make use of this."
"May I sit here?" He heard a voice ask. When he looked up it was Lucina.
"Yes, of course."
After Lucina sat down, Robin was too caught up in making his plan work that Lucina was there watching him as she ate.
Noticing the continuous gaze, he finally addressed it, "Is there anything I could do for you? Out of the people you could have sat with, you chose to sit with me."
"I just felt like you would want some accompany."
Robin sighed. He could tell that this princess lacked social skills.
"Is it possible that you're too shy to sit with the other Shepherds?"
"T-that's a possibility."
"Let me take a guess, the people that you are comfortable with among the Shepherds are: Chrom, Sumia, Frederick and Lissa. Correct?"
Lucina remained silent.
"The fact that they are not present at the moment gives one more option. Me."
I can't say I blame her. I did approach her a couple of times.
"I am truly sorry." she said, "If my presence disturbs you, I will take my business elsewhere."
Robin saw that she felt guilty and bit sad. Perhaps he was a bit too harsh on her.
Sighing, he said to her, "I guess you could stay. I could always continue later," he said gathering all his papers and reached for his food.
Lucina grinned and continued to eat.
"Lucina?"
"Yes Robin?"
"I understand that you just came into the Shepherds but, I want you to know that bonds are a really important thing. I suggest going around meeting them and finding more about them."
"… I will consider it. Thank you."
"Anytime."
I'm sorry Robin but I cannot do that. One of these people here, one of them is my Father's murderer!
"Thanks for the food. Well Lucina, I must return to my chambers to continue planning. Remember what I told you."
"Right."
"Alright everyone, we are approaching the Valmese fleet. I will now have Robin explain what his strategy that took so long to think up, consists of," Chrom said.
The two Khans and a selected few soldiers were chosen to board the mothership of their own fleet to listen to what Robin had cooked up.
"This oughta be interesting," Basilio whispered to Flavia.
"Shhh, listen carefully."
"As you know, their fleet is like an iron shield. It's very hard to permeate but- it is not impossible. I thank Frederick for giving me the analogy of an ironclad defense. The best course of action that I have come up with is to melt the iron."
"Melt the iron? You do know that it's not actually iron, right?" Basilio stated confused.
"Melt it…? I get it!" Flavia exclaimed in fascination.
"That's right, with the amount of oil we have, we will set fire to our own ships!"
Everybody listening was stunned. The crowd either thought Robin was incredibly stupid, or absolutely mental.
"Are you delirious?! What good will it do if we board a blazing ship?!" Basilio shouted.
"I didn't say we will set fire to our ship while we still are onboard. Instead, we spread oil around selected ships. The impact on the Valmese will spark the oil causing flames to spread. Even the sea itself will be on fire. But before the oiled ships charge in, the Shepherds will first take down their Commander."
No one said a word. They were astounded by the plan.
"Well, I know better than to question Robin. Especially not when he has that look in his eyes. Gods save us from what he's cooked up this time- let's just hope it's not us!" Basilio yelled.
"Heh… So much has changed since we found you that day, lying in the open field... Hard to believe you determine the fate of our entire army now...our entire people. Destiny has a strange way." Chrom said to Robin.
"No, Chrom. Not destiny."
"What?"
"We're not just mere pawns of some scripted fate. I believe that… that we're much more."
"How do you mean?"
"There's something between us all. Something that keeps us together… Like…invisible ties, connecting us. Giving us strength. WE forged these ties. WE strengthen them. If we preserve them, or break them, it will be by our choices, not some 'destiny'."
"Hah! I think all the planning and the salty air has gotten to your head, Robin!"
"All right, all right-that's enough philosophy for one day… Let us discuss the details of the plan."
"Now then, everyone! You heard the man! Look lively, we have work to do!" Chrom shouted.
"Yessir!"
"Captain Ignatius!"
"What is it?"
"Intruders!"
"How many of those rats?!"
"We don't know, sir! But we do know there is only one ship."
"One ship against three of ours? They're either very brave or very stupid... Either way, their bodies will float on the long sea before the day is done. Prepare for battle!"
"There it is, milord. Their flagship."
"Ready? Let's go!" Chrom shouted as the three ships closed in on them and boarded their ship.
Everybody paired up with their most trusted friends or with their lovers. Robin then ordered everybody to go to one out of the three ships to rout the foes onboard. Lucina followed her father onto the flagship, fighting alone, she made short work of the first two enemies allowing Robin and the selected Shepherds to continue through the flagship.
"Henry, what are you doing? Back Lucina up!"
"I'm sorry, Robin. She said I would only slow her down and left me here."
"Ugh… That girl… Alright! Stick with me!"
"Roger!"
Robin usually fought alone, mainly so that no one would interrupt him as he changed the plans according to the flow of the battle. A few knights stood in their way as they ran through the ship.
"Henry! Attack with me!" Robin yelled as both Henry and Robin casted their magic.
"Sumia! Archers approaching! Switch with me!" Chrom told her.
"Understood!"
Chrom deflected the oncoming arrows as he slayed the two snipers.
"Hah!" Lucina grunted as she slew a sword master.
"Impressive Lucina," Chrom complimented her.
"Thank you, Father."
"Watch out!" Sumia yelled.
As Robin and Henry finished with the knights, he saw that an assassin snuck up and lunged for the kill.
"Kellam! Now!" He said as Kellam jumped in to guard Lucina. Lucina then followed up with a slash through the chest.
Chrom and Robin gave a sigh of relief.
"I-I thank you," she said hesitantly to the gentle giant.
"The real person you should be thanking is Robin. He told me to stick near you and to guard you if something were to happen."
"Really?" she asked astounded looking at the tactician.
Robin took notice of the young princess' glare and told her, "I knew you were gonna wind up in a dangerous situation if you were going into combat solo. That's why I asked Kellam to do this favor knowing that you wouldn't take notice of him. By the way, where'd he go?"
"I'm right in front of you!" he yelled.
"…"
"Now, let us confront the general at the end of this ship," Robin said glaring at Ignatius.
"Arrogant pup! The seas are my home, and they will be you grave!" he yelled lunging at Chrom.
Sumia managed to pick him up beforehand and they were soaring through the sky.
"Just as planned," Robin said with a smirk.
"What?"
"I knew if we left Chrom in front of you, you would try your chance at claiming royalty for a promotion. But, what you didn't seem to notice were the tomes Henry and I possess."
"Rrngh! Thoron and Nosterafu!"
"Haha! Begone!" Henry yelled smiling as a dark aura wrapped around Ignatius, binding him followed by a beam of lightning.
"Strike me down, and ten will take my place… You…have…lost!" Ignatius uttered his last words.
"Robin! Their general has fallen! I'm giving the signal! All appointed ships, change course! Head right at them! Ramming speed!" Chrom shouted.
"Remind me again why this is a good idea," Gaius sighed on the ship appointed to him.
"Hehe… isn't it exhilarating, darling?" Tharja smiled wickedly.
"Yea, yea…"
"…Gods and thunder! Any second now!" Stahl yelled.
"Cherche!" Virion yelled.
"Be quiet, darling. We must concentrate on getting the right timing."
"Can't we just fly?!"
"We must not abandon our comrades. If you insist, Minerva will fly you by yourself if need be."
"Oh gods no! Don't leave me alone with her!"
"Then stay by me, darling." Cherche said smiling.
"Chrom! We're right on top of them!" Robin yelled.
"NOW! JUUUMP!"
"The sea itself is on fire!" Lissa yelled in awe.
"It worked! It worked!" Frederick yelled cheerfully.
"And you doubted Robin, pfft."
"I never doubted Robin in the slightest." Frederick said earning a glare from Robin.
"Only you could hatch such a brilliant scheme, Robin." Flavia told Robin.
"We may have won the day, but the war still looms. Full speed for Valm!" Chrom commanded.
"Lucina."
"Oh, Father. What is it you need?"
"I've been wanting to ask you this for quite some time."
"What is it, Father?"
"...Do you know how I die?"
"Only rumors... I was told you fell in a great battle, fought to sway your destiny. ...And that you were murdered- betrayed by someone dear to you."
"I see..." Chrom said staring into the distance of the sea at night, reflecting on her words. "thank you. Sorry for bothering you at this time, Lucina."
"Anytime, Father."
Chapter two done! Thanks for reading once again, I'm having a blast writing this. Until next time.
