Hello again and thank you for the reviews and opinions! Just a few words before you read. For one, I didn't really expect to get so many views in one day! (In my mind over 300 is a LOT!) Anyways, this chapter is a lot lighter than the other, but I have good news and bad news. The bad news is, sadly, this chapter will not showcase Emmeryn just yet...BUT! I believe this chapter is quite enjoyable and, in reality, is actually a necessity for something in the future chapters. The good news is I'm already reviewing chapter 3 and 4 and am planning to have them released sometime this week, so look forward to it!
By the way, just wanted to give a special thanks to csihawk for giving me feedback editing tips on my last chapter! I fixed some of the things in that chapter and is now, hopefully, error free! So thanks a bunch csihawk!
Also, something that I forgot to mention last time, and was actually pointed out by the Zash101, all the things in this fic will NOT be humorous and I will most likely change the genre of the story to just 'romance' in the future if I feel like this story shouldn't be in that genre.
Well, that's all for today! Once again I do not own any of the characters in this fanfiction! This is all fan-made!
Chapter 2 Moving On
2 months later
"Alright, we've passed our 10 mile run. Are you prepared to move on to the next stage of the work out?" Frederick asked, but was given no answer. The stern knight turned around to see Matthew, Lissa, and Gaius, face planted into the grassy plains. Frederick sighed in disappointment. He has been training them every morning for 3 days now and they still didn't seem to be able to pass the first stage of the his training without stopping half way or fainting from exhaustion. Lissa even took it so far as to lie about her health in hope of skipping the days training, but to no avail.
Frederick gripped the bucket of cold water he was holding and walked over to his fainted allies. Without mercy he took the bucket into two hands and poured the water over their heads. Immediately the three shot up shaking as the cold water soaked into their sweaty clothes.
"This is the third time today that you've taken a break. If you keep stopping like this then it will take more than a fortnight to complete the excercise." Frederick chided.
"Brrrr! Fr-Fr-Frederick. I c-can't take it a-a-anymore. Were gonna DIE before we get into shape!" Lissa cried, shivering to the bone.
"I-I'm with princess." Gaius agreed. "This is just too much for us."
Matthew joined."I-I don't think my legs can take much more abuse."
Frederick seemed unfazed by the complaints. "I assure you, once you get use to the exercise you will be able to do twice as many as this simple routine." Frederick reassured.
Lissa grunted and said, "I don't WANNA be able to do that many!...In fact, I don't WANNA have muscles like yours PERIOD!"
Frederick let out a short chuckle. "Don't worry princess. In time you will thank me as you will be known far and wide as the princess who defended her people with a mighty axe in hand." Frederick regained his stern composure. "Now! You get a 5 minute break before we move to the next part of the exercise. In the mean time I will go and fetch us some more water." Frederick turned and walked toward the flowing river in the distance.
Lissa tried standing but fell half way, hitting the grass with a soft 'thud'. "Owww." she rubbed her soar legs before looking to the tactician with fire in her eyes. "This is all YOUR fault Matthew!"
"M-My fault!?" he started. "If Gaius hadn't started it then we wouldn't be in this mess!"
"But if you would have kept your mouth shut then we wouldn't be here right now now would we?" Gaius added.
"U-Umm...well..." Matthew scratched the back of his head as he looked away. He knew that this was mainly his fault and sought to not make his friends any more angry than they already were. "A-Anyways, were stuck here now. So there's no point in staying angry at me. Besides, let's look at the bright side. He said we only have to endure his training for one week. Who knows. This might actual help us in the long run. And what's the worst thing that could happen besides some sore limbs?"
Lissa sighed. "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to at least finish the week off." The princess looked to her right to see Frederick returned with a new bucket of water. "...or we could die in the process."
Matthew laughed."I don't think Frederick would allow us to die."
Gaius stood and began stretching. "Well, let's get this over with. I got candy back at the Inn that I've been waiting to open."
"You and your sweat tooth...fine. Let's do this!" Lissa exclaimed with newly found vigor. "Its not like we will ACTUALLY die." she giggled as Gaius helped her to her feet.
Frederick looked over to the three and smiled. "Alright since you all look calm and ready, then it's time to move on." he took a deep breathe and spoke loud and commanding. "Now! Drop down and give me 100 push-up! After that you will switch to 200 jumping jacks followed by 150 squats!"
Lissa's vigor left faster than it appeared. "...I take it back. Were gonna die..."
2 months ago
Everything seemed to slow down. As if time itself was witnessing the beginning of a new era. The battle had stopped as everyone took a glance to the middle of the battlefield. Standing before them were Chrom and Gangrel, Falchion impaling the Mad King's stomach as he gasp for air. "F-Foolish prince." he choked. "Your people...care not..for you...You...are alone...always." he took one more breathe before Chrom removed Falchion from his stomach."Alone" was the final thing the Mad King mumbled before his body hit the ground.
Chrom looked around the battlefield as he witnessed Plegian soldiers dropping their weapons and raising their hands in surrender. Chrom slashed the air as blood launched from his blade, then pointed it towards his waist as he sheath the legendary sword. Matthew walked up behind him and placed his hand on Chrom's shoulder. Chrom turned to his friend as he was met with a warm smile.
"It's over Chrom." the tactician said. "We've won."
Chrom mirrored his friend's smile and replied, "Yeah, but for some reason I don't feel like celebrating."
"You've lost a lot in this war Chrom. I think you deserve to celebrate more than anyone." Matthew argued.
Both men instincts rose as they heard footsteps quickly approaching them from behind. They both turned a one-eighty to see Maribelle quickly appear before them, Mend Staff in hand. The young noble looked out of breathe as she stopped in front of Chrom. She opened her mouth and charged Chrom with a wave of question.
"Milord! Are you alright? Are you injured anywhere? Where does it hurt? I'll fix you right away!"
Chrom raised his hands in front of him. "Peace Maribelle. I only have a few cuts and bruises here and there. Nothing major." he reassured.
Maribelle frowned. "Even the smallest cuts can get infected. Please show me." Chrom looked to Matthew, then back at Maribelle as he point to a small cut on his forearm. Maribelle raise her staff over the wound and a green light immediately shinned over the cut; the cut was immediately healed in seconds. When the deed was done Maribelle dropped her staff to her side and embraced the man before her. Chrom jumped in surprise before he returned the embrace. Completely leaving Matthew in awe, but eventually smiling brightly at the affection.
"You worried me you fool." she whispered.
"I'm sorry." he returned, a blush finding its way to his face. Chrom turned his head to Matthew and the tactician bowed, understanding what the prince was trying to say with him even saying it.
"I'll give you two some privacy." he said before he turned and walked toward the two Khans that were approaching. Matthew shook his head at both of them as they seem to catch on to the situation. Basilio let out a laugh before yelling "Get a room kids" at the two nobles, but both seemed to ignore the bald Khan as they continued their embrace.
Matthew was packing the last of his things as they were preparing to march back to Ylisse. He was packing one of his tomes when he heard the flap of his tent open. The tactician turned his head to see Lissa and Gaius standing in the entrance. Lissa was carrying a backpack that seemed to overlap with medical supplies and cloths, while Gaius carried a sack. From the smell of sugar in the air it was most likely filled with many sugary treats.
"Hey Bubbles." Gaius spoke. Matthew's eyes twitched hearing "Bubbles", the nickname Gaius bestowed upon him. It was no secret that he had a nickname for everyone in the Shepherds, but that didn't mean anyone accepted the names they were given. Especially Matthew. He could vividly remember when Gaius called him that in public. The snickering behind his back continued for a week before everyone became victim of Gaius' nicknames.
Matthew coughed. "Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that?" Gaius opened a lollipop and stuck it in his mouth before replying.
"I remember you asking me to stop, but I never told you I would." Matthew rolled his eyes as he continued packing the tomes into his bag.
"Wait! Matthew! We came to tell you something amazing happened!" Lissa roared, literally jumping up and down with excitement.
"And what might that be?" he asked already knowing the answer.
"Chrom proposed to Maribelle! Now I have my best friend as my sister!" Lissa's arms went into the air before grabbing the thief next to her and pulling him into her famous bear hug. Squeezing the life out him as he yelped in pain.
"P-Princess! You're squeezing! Too! Tight!" Gaius cried. The tactician snickered as sounds of pain resonated through the tent. Matthew packed the last book as he closed his backpack and swung it over his shoulder. He turned to his friends as Lissa released Gaius. The thief desperately gasped for air while holding his chest. Matthew laughed as the thief shot him a menacing glare.
"Man I wish I would get married soon." Lissa frowned.
"Don't worry Lissa, you will." Matthew glanced over to Gaius. "As a matter a fact there's a thief right now thats trying to steal your heart as we speak." A blush rushed to Gaius face as he turned his head away from Lissa. The princess looked at Gaius, and then back to Matthew with a blush as she caught on to what he was saying.
"D-Don't joke around Matthew. I'm a princess and-"
"A woman who can choose whoever she wishes to spend the rest of her life with." Matthew reassured. "You have a right to happiness just like any other human. It is nothing wrong with that Lissa." The young princess looked to Matthew and sighed with a smile before Gaius spoke up.
"Well bubbles, quite the charmer aren't you? Makes me wanna confess my true feeling to you right here right now." Gaius said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Forgive me, but I would much rather wake up every day to a scent of perfume, not a scent of sugar." Matthew laughed.
"Oh I'm SURE you want to know ALL about the joys of a woman. Especially after the shower incident with you and 'Teach'." Matthew's jumped. He could literally feel the cold stare coming from the blonde princess.
"What 'shower' incident?" she questioned. Matthew looked at the thief with pleading eyes as if trying to say "Don't do it". The thief grinned with amusement as he continued.
"Oh, you didn't hear Lissa?" Gaius gasped dramatically. "Well some nights ago 'Teach' and bubbles here were caught-" as if an angel had ascended from the heavens to save the tactician, Frederick walked in as a sigh of relief escaped Matthew's mouth and a "Tch" from the thief. Frederick took a quick bow before speaking.
"Forgive my intrusion, but we are ready to move out. If you are finished packing then we should be on our way."
"Alright. Thanks Frederick." Matthew looked to Gaius and smirked. 'Payback time' entered the tactician's mind as he stopped the Great Knight. "You know Frederick, Gaius here was just telling me how inspired he was from your hard work and training." he lied. "In fact, he was just telling us how sorry he was for his past crimes and would like to take your morning training routine to make amends for his actions." Frederick's eyes seemed to glitter while Gaius eyes began losing life.
"L-Listen bubbles. I don't think-"
"I would be honored to take you in!" Frederick exclaimed. "Words cannot express how ecstatic I am to see you reflecting on your actions Sir Gaius. I'm sure if Chrom saw you working so hard he would drop your charges from breaking into the royal palace and attempting to harm a Queen immediately!" Frederick's words were like daggers to the thief. He didn't expect to be forgiven right away for his actions, but now he wished he did. The thief held his head low in defeat as he heard giggles from Matthew and Lissa.
"Whelp, make sure you work EXTRA hard to atone on your actions." Matthew smirked, but soon regretted opening his mouth as Frederick looked to him and spoke up.
"What are you talking about Matthew? You and Lissa will be joining us." The princess and the tactician went pale at the stern knights words..
"What!" they said in unison.
"Correct. I simply must repay you for helping me overcome my bear meat problem Matthew."
"T-There's no way I will have time Frederick. I...umm." Matthew searched his mind for any excuse he could think of. "I just got appointed as Chrom's advisor! Yeah! I will have a lot of paperwork that I must help Chrom fill out!" Matthew explained but didn't seem to faze the stern knight.
"Nonsense!" he scoffed. "Your paperwork is hardly an excuse to neglect your training. Didn't you say earlier that you wanted to train to be a swordmaster with Lon'Qu? If you can find so much time to fit him in your schedule then I'm sure you can spare a few mornings with my training as well. How can you call yourself a 'master of the sword' when you can't even go through a simple training routine!?" Frederick had a point. If he were to complain about training then he'd be dishonoring himself as a future swordmaster. Unable to retreat Matthew mirrored Gaius as he hung his head low.
"Wait. But why do I have to go?!" Lissa barked.
"You are to keep us company as our healer if anything were to happen. And if I remember correctly you told me before that you wanted to become stronger so you didn't have to depend on others to always protect you." Frederick mentioned. Lissa seemed lost for words as she recalled her conversation with the stern knight.
"But-But Frederick~!" she pouted.
Frederick laughed. "Don't worry you three. I'm sure if Stahl and Donny can survive my training then you three should definitely be able to as well." he reassured. "Now, it's time for us to head out. Make sure you have all of your belongings." All three heads now lowered as they raised their arm halfway in the air and grumbled.
"Aiee..."
Present
Matthew flopped face-first on his bed as he felt his entire body go numb. "Uuuuuuuugh. I don't think I can take another 2 days of this." he complained. Brunette used the last of his strength to roll over to his back. "I don't think I've ever been this exhausted." he complained again before letting out a yawn. "I think imma *yawn*...take a nap...before I continue-" he was interrupted by a loud knock on his door. Matthew grumbled before getting up and groggily walking to the door. He cracked the door open halfway and standing in the hallway was the new crowned Exalt of Ylisse himself.
"Oh, so you're back?" he asked.
"It seems that way." Matthew answered.
"Do you mind if I come in?"
Matthew looked down to his shaking legs before looking back to his friend. "Sure, but can you take me back to my bed? It's kinda hard to stand right now."
Chrom raised an eyebrow confused, but didn't ask any questions as he entered his friend's room. He took Matthew's left arm around his neck and walked the groggy tactician to his bed.
"So," Chrom started. "Frederick running you racket?"
"Very."
The Exalt smiled. "I have to say, I didn't think that you of all people were up for one of Frederick's 'Field Day' exercises."
"Yea, me either."
When they finally made it to the bed Chrom carefully laid his friend down on his back. The Exalt stood up straight looking down at his fatigued friend.
"Man. It feels like yesterday that Lissa, Frederick and I found you passed out in that field."
Matthew smiled at the sudden memory. "Time really flies by, doesn't it?"
"Yea… When I first met you I never thought that you would lead the Shepherds as our tactician." Chrom smile brightened. "And I DEFINITELY didn't think you would stand as my main man at my wedding!" he laughed.
Matthew chuckled. "Me neither." Matthew gazed mindlessly at the ceiling as he recalled the wedding that took place after things were settled with Plegia. He could remember the church being completely filled left and right aside from the center aisle. Matthew laughed as he remembered how stiff Chrom was from the mass crowd of people who attended the wedding. Matthew, along with other male Shepherds, endlessly teased the Exalt about his behavior and even cracked a fear jokes. The brunette could already tell that the Exalt would never forget this teasing and would most likely get him back in the future, but it was all worth it. He also remembered Sumia and Lissa crying tears of joy as Maribelle walked down the red carpet with a pure white wedding dress and a veil concealing her face. Matthew's flashback seemed to slip as a question he'd been meaning to ask popped into his mind. "Just wondering, why DID you choose me as your best man? Surely Frederick was more worthy of this position, no?"
"Oh GODS no!" Chrom blurted. "If I had made Frederick my main man I wouldn't be able to get rid of him! He would inspect me every minute head to toe to make sure not even a millimeter of dust so much as grazed my shoulder! I couldn't live with the embarrassment of a man dusting me down in front of all the citizens of Ylisse! Gods, the embarrassment would kill me!" Matthew laughed as he imaged such a scene.
"Well, you have a point there." the tacticians muttered. "So, what brings you to my room?"
"Oh! I almost forgot." Chrom coughed. "Lon'Qu will be arriving next week to begin your training as a swordmaster. I just wanted to tell you in advance."
Matthew closed his eyes and smiled. "Thanks Chrom. I really appreciate it."
Chrom looked down at his friend with a blank expression. "Forgive me Matthew but if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to become strong? If it's because of Emmeryn's sacrifice 2 months ago then I already told you that it wasn't your fault. Even if you were stronger at the time I don't think me or you could have stopped Emmeryn's decision."
Matthew eyes slowly opened as he gazed at the roof. "In all honesty Chrom, this has nothing to do with Emmeryn's sacrifice. I want to learn more about the sword so I don't have to watch any of my friend die before me." Matthew raised his hand. "1 week before Emmeryn died I promised her I would keep you guys safe." Matthew sat up and looked Chrom in the eyes with a smile. "So me learning the sword is me honoring her dying wish."
Chrom smiled. "Good to see that you are moving on... But don't go thinking that just because you learn a few fancy moves that you are better than me. I can still plant you in the ground faster than Vaike can yell his name." Chrom joked, which earned him a laugh from the tactician as well.
"Wouldn't dream of it, but we will have to duel one day to see if I've truly surpassed you or not."
"We will see my friend." Chrom chuckled. "Well, I better get going. I'm sure you wanna get your sleep."
"Thanks Chrom, I think I could use a nap right about now."
"Well, have a nice afternoon nap." Chrom turned and walked halfway to the door before stopping. He turned around with a smirk plastered on his face. "Are you sure you aren't doing this just to impress Nowi?"
The tactician shot up from his back and replied with flushed cheeks. "Wha-of course not!" he yelled. "I'm really doing this for Emmeryn!... And why Nowi of all people?!"
"Well, I heard that you two became fast friends after you introduced yourself. I thought you might be interested in the little manakete. Not that there's anything wrong with that of course. We all can choose to love whoever no matter the race after all."
"...Chrom. I can assure you that I have NO romantic feelings towards Nowi. She was just attached to me because she wanted to know how to aim perfectly without missing her target!"
Chrom raised an eyebrow. "Aim? What was she trying to 'aim' at?"
"Oh gods. Listen, I'm too tired to explain anything right now. Do you think you can come back later? My head is unable to process my excuses at the moment."
Chrom shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, I'll leave you to it then."
"Thank you."
Chrom opened the door before stopping once again, looking back at Matthew. "...Are you SURE you're not just making this up? I promise not to judge if-"
"Chrom...please get out."
Okay! That brings chapter 2 to a close! Now, I understand that this chapter was a lot lighter than the other. Don't really like to stay in the grim mood :/. And I also decided to switch the exercise with Frederick to the beginning instead of having it after the war because it just didn't fit with the story if I put it at the beginning. (Well, it did, but it was kinda weird for me, so putting it at the beginning was my finally decision.)
But anyways, thank you all for reading and I will review the next chapter before posting it sometime this week! Have a nice day and see you next time!