Robin stepped out on deck, a small glass of water in hand. It had been about two weeks since they had set sail from Ylisse. The ships Plegia had provided, while great for long voyages, weren't all that comfortable. Because of this, Robin often found himself on the deck, meandering about and trying to avoid Frederick. His questions seemingly had no end. It also didn't help when Lissa finally burst out with her 'TELL ME EVERYTHING!', enticing the knight to continue with their sessions. He also found respite sitting with the mute oddity, who was always out on deck. In fact, Robin was searching for the boy at this very moment. He found him practicing swordplay up near the prow. Link sheathed his weapon as Robin sauntered over.
"Good day, Link! How are you doing?" Link smiled. "Excellent. You need some help with practice?" Link nodded. "Alright then!" They took up their positions. Robin drew his sword, but Link did not. Instead, he began to reach into a pouch. What is he doing? However, he stopped. His eyes darted to the sky as a shadow flew across the ship. Link ran to the prow, and Robin followed. As they darted towards the front, Robin glanced up. Far above them, silhouetted by the intense sunlight, was a figure. It was flying at incredible speeds; faster than Nowi in dragon form on a sugar high. Robin noticed a cape flapping in the wind, and a small speck of orange at the front. Even though it was only a shadow, it sent fear shooting down his spine. And brief though it was, the cold of the shadow chilled him to the bone. Robin noted the fear in Link's eyes as he followed the speeding figure. He also noticed another shape on the horizon. It was a battalion of ships, all headed their way. "Damn it." Robin ran off to Chrom's cabin.
Gods, I hope this works. This thought ran through Robin's mind over and over again as they approached the lead ship. The second ship pulling up alongside did nothing to quell it. Their raiding party consisted of him, Morgan, Chrom, Lucina, Link, Frederick, Cherche, Panne, Henry, Stahl and Sully. Robin knew that the small band was entirely up to the challenge, but it would still be an uphill battle.
"Don't worry. We can win." Chrom placed a hand on Robin's shoulder.
"I know. But 'can' and 'will' are two very different things."
Already, they were in trouble. The commander's ship was more heavily guarded than previously anticipated, and pegasus soldiers were moving towards them. The group was split in half; Chrom, Lucina, Panne, Henry, Sully and Stahl were taking on one ship while Robin, Morgan, Link, Frederick and Cherche were taking on the commander's. This team was taking quite a beating because of one crucial factor that Robin had overlooked in the heat of the moment: Link's inability to kill humans. He did provide good defense and was still able to knock some of the Valmese soldiers senseless, but he was much less of a fighting force than was required. Due to this, they couldn't even get close to the commander.
"Link, is there really NOTHING you can do?!" Robin was in hysterics. This couldn't go on for much longer. Then, he got a glimmer of hope. He saw an idea form in Link's mind, and he reached for his pouch. "No, don't!" Startled, Link's hand paused just above the clasp. "You can't turn into a wolf now! You're much more of an asset to us this way! Your defense is unparalleled!" Link simply smiled and continued to reach into the pocket. Gods, he's gone mad! Robin prepared for the feel of a dark aura, but it never came. He glanced back over and saw Link… pulling a chain out of the pouch?! He could only, once again, stare at the strange warrior in awe as he pulled a massive chain out of the small pouch he had on his waist. After what seemed like a lifetime, the chain finally ended, and was followed by a massive metal ball. Is that even possible?! Well, I'm seeing it, so I suppose it is. About as large as Link's torso, the ball almost overshadowed him. Attacks from the Valmese soldiers continually bounced off the gigantic metal ball, and the chain tripped up as many of them as it could. Then Link did something unprecedented. Ball and chain in hand, Link began to swing it around his head. It kept the enemy at bay, not wanting to get a fast-moving metal ball to the face. Without warning, Link slammed the ball into the deck. It crashed through the wooden boat, sending splinters flying. From below, Robin could hear terrified screams as the ball shot down through the layers, followed by a large splash. Unbelievably, Link had managed to tear through to the ocean below.
"Dad, did he…" Morgan was staring at the gaping hole in the ship, a chain beginning to recede from it.
"I think he did…" Robin was at a loss for words. Though, not for long. He soon remembered the reason they were on the ship in the first place. "This is perfect! Quick, rush the commander while they're panicking!" And with that, the small party set off, a ball and chain impossibly returning to its original pocket.
Two hours later, they were back on their own ship, now more filled with people. Behind them, the burning wreckage of ships both friend and foe slowly sinking into the deep ocean.
"Our mysterious warrior is full of surprises." Robin had just told Chrom about the events that transpired on the ship, and the Exalt was now looking at Link, who was staring off into the distance. "I wonder what else he can bring to the table."
"Yes…" Robin noticed Lucina walking around on deck. An idea had just formed in his head, and he needed to find out if he was right. "Sorry, Chrom. I have something important to discuss with your daughter."
"Of course. It's still so strange, having a grown-up daughter."
"Tell me about it." He waved, and set off towards Lucina. "Hey, Lucina!"
"Oh, hello uncle Robin. Is something the matter?"
"In a way. I have a question I must ask you about the future."
"Of course; though I cannot guarantee an answer."
"Did you ever hear of Link before you came back?" Lucina thought for a minute before replying.
"No, I can't say I did. I'm fairly certain that I would remember hearing about a man who can turn into a wolf and carries yet another legendary blade."
"What about another evil threatening the world?"
"Only Grima prevailed. Why? Do you suspect something else is here?"
Robin sighed. "Yes. Just… please don't tell anyone else- especially Chrom. I'm sure you can ask Link about it, but you probably won't get an answer."
"I will keep it in mind." Lucina walked off, her face hidden from Robin's view.
"How is she so calm? I just told her that something else plans to destroy the world, and she barely batted an eye. At least it's not on just two shoulders anymore." He began to go back to his cabin, when a memory struck him. "And what was that caped figure? Why was it headed to Valm?" Just another question falling on air, with no answers deciding to show themselves. Another puzzle without a solution. Another problem he would have to deal with.
A/N: So, what did you think? Hopefully, some details were clarified for anyone confused about my interior ideas. At the moment, I have some serious writer's block regarding the next chapter, so don't expect updates to be as quick as they have been. I hope that the two chapters I wrote today are enough to satisfy for as long as need be. Be sure to review or PM any thoughts, concerns, questions or criticisms. It all helps!