DISCLAIMER: FIRE EMBLEM AND ITS CHARACTERS BELONG TO NINTENDO
Naga's Voice 6
"Alright, here's what we'll do." Robin faced the scouting team that Basilio nearly chewed out a moment ago. "You over there, tell me of the Risen horde. Which direction were they coming from and how tightly packed where their numbers? If possible, can you make a few illustrations on this map here?" he asked, holding out a feathered pen to them.
The Feroxi flier straitened up upon being addressed. He nods in agreement, taking the pen from Robin and proceeds to draw a crude drawing of the enemy forces. "The Risen horde appeared to be advancing towards the tree from the south and the east. They looked like a sea of blackness from our altitude, sir. I'd wager their numbers to be at least in the ten thousands," he added, as he finalized a few details on the map.
The map showed the large Mila Tree, surrounded by a large black cloud on two sides.
"Surely your mistaken. Over ten thousand? We've never seen Risen with those numbers." Chrom said in disbelief upon gazing at the newly edited map. He cast a worried glance at his daughter, whom he knew must have been reliving some god forsaken memory.
Robin grimaced. "It just goes to show how serious the Grimleal are. They're aware of the Valmese's strength, so such numbers would be all but necessary if whatever they're planning is to succeed. No matter, those numbers and their layout will be to our advantage this time around."
"Robin, please continue with the strategy." Say'ri said.
Robin planted his against the table, staring down at the map. "Yes, now that I've confirmed the Risen's organization, I can say that we can run my plan here. First off, we gather our forces to the west, within the mountains we escaped through. We need to wait until the Risen have at least reached the base of the tree. Although they seem mindless, we know they're taking orders. It's logical that they'd eventually surround the base of the tree, forming a barrier with their ranks. Just as they've finished swarming the Valmese, our forces rush in. We want to plow through the Risen surgically. Our forces will advance in a tight spear head formation. I'll have several mages hitch a ride with our cavalry at the front. They'll use their wind magic to clear a path through the Risen without killing any. Everyone's free to engage any remaining on the way. Take out only what's necessary to advance. We want to utilize the Risen to keep the Valmese occupied, so take out as few of them as we can on our way to the trunk."
"Bwaha, so we're pushing those undead freaks to the Valmese? I like it. Serves them right." Basilio chuckled.
"And what of their fortifications at the trunk? They've got walls set up around the actual tree." Say'ri asked.
Robin pointed at the tree on the map. "Again, we'll have to rely on the Risen. They should have reached the entrances by the time we've arrived so we'll mix in with their numbers as well. We'll be fighting two forces, but so will the Valmese. After we've breached the walls, take out the Valmese and head up that massive stairway. We can always deal with the Risen later on with a firing squad of Archers and mages. The tree is supposedly indestructible after all."
Robin gazed upon the group, whom seemed to be contemplating the plan. He understood. The plan involved just as much risk as it did reward. Given his blunder last time, he would not proceed with it unless he had their consent.
The leaders nodded to one another. Say'ri turned to Robin. "We are all in agreement with the strategy. Let us make haste to rescue Lady Tiki, and rally my fellow country men."
Robin smiled. "Right. Let's get ready for our march."
"General Cervantes!" A man cried in panic.
"Yes, yes. I'm well aware of the situation at hand." Cervantes said as he peered through his telescope at the advancing black mass in the distance.
"Sir, are the Ylisseans back?"
"Unless they just left to swap out their uniforms, no these aren't the Ylisseans. I mean, what organized militia would ever try to assault the enemy with such a scattered formation?"
"A change in tactics, perhaps?" the soldier suggested.
Cervantes rolled his eyes at the daftness of his subordinate. "Please tell me you aren't serious, lad." he pleaded as he handed the man his telescope to see for himself.
The man scanned the horizon. "Whoever they are, they're moving awfully slowly aren't they?" he laughed nervously.
"Yes, I'd say so myself. They seem more like a pack of wild animals rather than soldiers. I've been keeping an eye on them since they popped over the horizon. At the rate they're moving, it should take them a few hours to reach us."
The soldier gasped. "S-sir! You'd better take a look at this!" he said as he handed back the telescope and pointed towards the south.
Cervantes once again peered through the glass. "What's got your small clothes tied in a..." He pulled away for a moment to blink, before looking once again. "...Their eyes."
"T-their eyes are glowing red!" the soldier yelled in panic.
"Pipe down! I can see that very well..." Cervantes said as he scanned the group of shambling figures that were much closer than the rest. 'What in gods' names are those things?' Cervantes felt chill run down his spine that he had not felt with any other adversary.
Cervantes put away the telescope. "Alright then. Tell our man to assume defensive positions. Also, see to it that our two prisoners are secure."
"Yes, sir!" the man, saluted as he left.
Cervantes stared off into the distance. "At first sign of unexpected danger, not a peep from you, huh? So much for your flawless plan." he muttered to someone who was probably not around to hear.
The Ylisseans marched in haste. They chose to cut through the mountains rather than following the path like before. Though the journey proved rigorous, they would have to save as much time as possible. They needed to be in the right position during the precise moment in the Risen's assault in order to fully capitalize on the situation.
"How much farther?" Chrom asked aloud.
"At this rate, we'll arrive within the hour." Frederick replied, eyes glued to the map in his hands.
Sumia shuffled through the equipment in the pouch strapped to the side of her pegasus. "Who would've thought we'd run into Risen in Valm?" she mumbled.
"I know the feeling." Chrom sighed. "I could only hope that... that nothing has befallen Ylisse in our absence."
Lucina, who had been walking beside them, gripped the hilt of her Falchion. "No, they're fine. I'm sure of it. The Risen may pose a threat to the world, but they are being led. Without Grima, the Grimleal aren't as powerful as they were in my time. They'd take caution before they would even think to take any major actions. After all, I'm sure they're aware of our suspicions of them."
Chrom and Sumia nodded, looking to find solace in their daughters words.
Lucina turned away. "Although, one thing still bothers me. The Risen were only able to run rampant because of Grima's revival. How are the Grimleal able to summon this many Risen without Grima?" she asked.
Chrom remained silent. He felt sweat roll down his temple. He remembered his meeting with Plegia's Hierophant. The ghastly man who shared faces with Robin. What was his role in all this? That fact coupled with the unusual spike in power the Grimleal held could only cloud the young prince's thoughts with worry. "Whatever dangers may lie ahead of us, we'll take them on together. Not just Ylisse, but Valm as well, after we've taken care of Walhart." Chrom spoke, summoning his confidence.
The others offered him a silent nod as they continued their march.
Lucina stared at ground, as if contemplating something. "Um, have any of you an idea as to where Robin might be? I wish to go over the scenario once more." she asked.
"Robin should be with Stahl and Kellam," Frederick answered, eyes not leaving the map.
"Thank you, Uncle." she said politely. "Mother, father." Lucina nodded to them as she left.
Sumia smiled softly at her daughter. Usually, she would be ecstatic at any mention of Lucina with Robin. However, she couldn't help but notice the troubled look in her daughter's eyes as she left.
"Yet another event that will defame Plegia... Those Risen are a pain..." Tharja commented.
Libra nodded. "I know how you feel. It's rather unsettling to cut down a corpse, is it not? If they're truly undead, then at one point... They were no different than you and myself. What if they had lived peaceful lives before they were turned into such abominations? Would it be right to kill them?" he lamented.
"...That's not exactly what I meant when I said they were a pain..."
"But has the thought not ran through your mind? Despite what they've become, they were once but children of the gods. To see them in such a state, and presumably against their own wills nonetheless..."
"..."
"..."
"...If that's how you feel, then it's all the more the reason why we need to eliminate them."
Libra turned to the gloomy woman.
Tharja turned to him. She saw he was clearly waiting for her to continue and sighed. "...Must I really spell everything out? Let's assume they were alive, and that they were normal, innocent people at one point. They're but monstrous killers now."
"But I-"
Tharja raised a hand, stopping him from speaking. "Wouldn't it be the right thing to do to stop them from causing anymore harm? To prevent whoever's summoning them from besmirching the lives they've led? You're right, they probably were people like us. ...It's for that reason we need to stop them before they do anything else that will... dishonor their memories. It's the natural order of things anyways. No shame in putting the dead back to rest."
Libra blinked, before smiling softly. "I see. You're right, Tharja. You've got a pure heart, even if you yourself doesn't believe so."
Tharja turned her head away, a sad smile on her lips. "...Nonsense. I was being hypothetical... Besides, it'd be shame to see my test subject getting himself killed over compassion for a walking corpse."
Libra laughed. "Yes, it would be regretful if I were to perish before witnessing the results of your memory altering spell."
Tharja's smile grew slightly. "Indeed it would be."
"And so, the long awaited final clash has arrived. Although the forces of dark have been hard at work to snake their hands upon the world, the coming of us, the Heroes of Light, will be but a... a... a RADIANT DAWN in this perpetual night!"
"W-we must make our m-mark here, our final stand, and d-dispell the darkness that has swept the land... BINDING BLADE!" Lon'qu yelled, trying to keep up with his son.
Lissa deadpanned. "Lon'qu, honey, I think it's real sweet that you're trying to bond with Owain, but..."
Owain rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah dad, your hero talk sounds a bit... well, lame."
Lon'qu flushed. "W-what? How does mine sound any different from what you've been spouting out?" he snorted.
Owain put a hand to his chin. "Well first of all, 'final stand' is a bit redundant after I've already said it was our 'final clash'. And 'make our mark'? Doesn't really make an impression if you ask me. And also, 'Binding Blade'? Sounds a bit off. Maybe something like... umm... 'Sword of Seals'! See? Kind of brings out the whole heroic vibe." Owain said, nodding at his own suggestions.
Lon'qu groaned, having been lectured over the fact that his ridiculous speech was apparently not ridiculous enough.
Lissa could only laugh nervously.
Gregor, Panne and Ricken waded through crowded.
"So as Gregor was saying, this is but a pre-battle ritual." he said, before downing a flask of hard liquor.
"Won't that affect your ability to fight?" Ricken asked, uncertain of the man's idea.
"Nonsense! Gregor fights with the strength of five Gregors when on a good one." he replied, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
"Regardless, you smell like a dirty tavern, manspawn." Panne huffed.
Gregor laughed. "Should drive away enemies, no?"
Panne shook her head in disapproval while Ricken chuckled.
After his laughter died down, Gregor directed his attention to the young mage. "Ricken, I see you been making with the friendly with our dragon girl."
Ricked lowered his hat to hide his face. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Panne sniffed the air. "Oh? Then why is it I smell her on you?"
Ricken sighed, seeing no point in denying any longer. "Okay, okay. We have been hanging out a lot lately."
Gregor slapped him on the back. "It's good! Very good! Young kids should have many friends! Even if other kid is older than Gregor's great great grandmother."
Ricken chuckled. "She definitely doesn't act her age."
"It is to my understanding that Manakete age at a much slower rate than Taguel and your kind. Old she may be, but she is still a child." Panne said. She turned her head to Ricken. "I thank you, boy. I can sympathize with the loneliness she must feel."
"Loneliness?" Ricken asked.
"The loneliness of wandering through a world, being one of only a few of your species. That's why it fills me with hope that you have taken a liking to her." she concluded.
Ricken blushed. "T-taken a liking? We're friends!"
Gregor bellowed with laughter. "No need for the lies! To say you and she are merely friends is to say Panne and Gregor are only friends!" he finished, putting an arm around the Taguel.
Panne threw his arm off. "That's enough, you fool."
It was Ricken's turn to laugh at her embarrassment. "You know Panne, even if you think we're just manspawn or whatever, I've always thought of you as a friend too."
Panne glanced at the young mage.
"Despite what race we are, Chrom says the Shepherds are a family."
"Boy is right, we are family!" Gregor said, wrapping his arm around both of them.
At this, Panne couldn't help but smile softly.
Robin marched alongside Stahl. Kellam had left a short while ago to speak with the other knights among them.
He felt something small strike his back. He turned to find Lucina holding a handful of pebbles.
"Hey, Stahl? I've got to take care of something real quick."
"Oh? Don't mind me. I'll just go check on Sully and Kjelle then." He smiled as he waved Robin off.
Robin weaved around the marching soldiers to meet Lucina.
Robin tried his best to avoid eye contact. "So.. you needed something?"
Lucina stayed quiet for a moment, only walking along. "...Yes, I came to... well... clear the air about what happened."
Robin flinched. He balled his fists before finally facing her. "Ah, yes... That... Listen, I'm.."
Lucina held up a hand. "...Don't apologize, Robin. I'm aware that we were simply caught up in the moment. It just, well, escalated to that point..."
Robin shook his head. "No... no, I still must apologize. If I ever deserved a beating, it would be because of this. I can't pass it off as something so small as being caught in the moment."
Lucina's ears perked at the last part. "...Why not?"
Robin sighed. "Because, I feared it would cause a rift between us... I was afraid it would ruin what friendship we had."
Lucina's shoulders sagged. "...Oh."
"Yeah..."
"...Worry not. We've only known each other a short time, but..."
"...But?"
"...But I too cherish this friendship we have." Lucina's cheeks were slowly coated in red. "...And also, I believe that... that our bond is too great to let something like this create any kind of rift between us."
"..."
"..."
"...Thank you." Robin whispered, as he gave her an appreciative smile.
She offered him a small nod of her head.
The two walked on for a while, simply enjoying the fact that they were in each other's company once again without any bitter feelings.
After a brief silence, Lucina giggled lightly. " You know, for a moment there, I was worried you had fallen in love with me." she said, teasingly flipping her like before.
Robin reddened, then slapped his forehead to hide his face. "Back to that are we?"
Lucina laughed. "I'm sorry, it's just too amusing to see our Tactician at a loss."
"I'll consider this penance for my actions." he grumbled.
"Oh? But wouldn't you be getting off too lightly?" she asked closing her eyes, a grin on her face.
Robin visibly slouched. "I'm not liking where this is headed."
"Oh, but it's to be expected. Only the greatest of punishments await someone who has committed the grave crime of stealing the princess's first kiss." she concluded, opening one eye to observe his reaction.
Robin nearly stumbled. "T-that was your first? ...Gods, now I feel even worse about all of this." he moped.
"Do not fear, your punishment will serve adequate penance for your sins." she said, continuing her high and mighty demeanor.
"...What will you have me do?" he asked nervously.
"Hmm." Lucina thought about a fitting proposal. "You are to allow me one wish."
"...A wish." Robin echoed plainly.
"Yes. I can order you to do one thing, and you will do so without fail. Only then will we be considered even."
"...Judging by that grin plastered on your face, sounds like I'm in no position to refuse."
"Obviously."
"Alright. So again, what will you have me do?"
"Let's see... How about I have you tell father of what happened?" she said, trying to hide her laughter.
Robin stopped in his tracks. "N-no... you can't be... that's... Lucina, you're sentencing me to death!" he cried in agony.
She let out a laugh. "Well I suppose we can't have that, can we? How about..."
"Please, at least make it something where I live in the end." Robin stated dryly.
"Well, why don't I just keep this little wish on reserve for now? I'm sure I'll be able to think of something in the future."
"Y-yes, a very strategic choice." Robin sighed in relief. He was well aware that when the time did come, it would be a royal pain in the arse. But, he was glad was spared for the moment.
"So it's settled." Lucina said, holding out her had to him.
Robin smiled, taking her hand in his and shaking.
After they let go, he spoke up. "You know... If it makes you feel any better, as far as my memory reaches, that was... my first as well."
Lucina glanced at him. "Hehe, so you were lying about all those women."
"...Please, enough. At this rate, I'll wind up dead before we even reach the battlefield."
Lucina giggled. "Okay, I'll spare you for now."
"Care to remind why we're friends again?"
Lucina shook her head as she smiled. "Because it feels liberating to be around you."
Robin was surprised to hear her answer his rhetoric. "Liberating?"
She nodded. "...Remember the last thing I said to you after our... after the kiss?"
Robin bit his lip, trying not to dwell on the incident. "Yes... Yes, if I recall, you called me a pedophile." he frowned.
Lucina let out a laugh. "Don't let that get to you." she said, patting his head.
Robin blushed. 'What's with this role reversal?' he thought in annoyance.
"That's right, but not what I meant."
Robin shrugged off the embarrassment and pondered her last words. "You said... you felt normal."
Lucina nodded. "That's right. It would seem that in between all of our jokes... some truth managed to slip out."
Robin studied her face.
"I know it must be painful to hear me say this time after time, but the future I come from held little opportunity for me to live a normal life."
Robin shook his head. "No, it's not painful to hear... well it is but... What I mean is that I understand if you feel the need to talk about what has happened. I'm not so heartless as to feel annoyed if you ever feel like you need to get something off your chest."
Lucina smiled. "Just another reason why we're friends."
Robin chuckled.
"But as I was saying, considering how the future was, I had little time to live normally. It was my duty to lead others, as well as to ensure as many of us survived as possible. With that said, I became the person I was when we first met."
Robin's silence begged for her to continue.
"Which brings me to my point. I... I feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulder whenever we have the chance to speak. I can forget even for a moment that I'm Lucina, princess of Ylisse, or the leader of the world's remnants. I feel like a normal girl... And for that, Robin... I... I truly can't thank you enough..." she said, eyes nearly watering. She turns to him, rubbing her eyes a bit, offering a sweet smile.
Robin was shocked, to say the least. To have received such an in depth response to an offhanded joke. Despite this, he couldn't help but notice the surge in warmth within him. To hear how he had affected her life in such a way was astounding to him. Of all of his achievements, including the campaign in Plegia, why had this seemed the most rewarding to him at the moment? He felt a bit guilty for feeling so, but it was too hard to ignore.
Normally, he would have pulled her into a hug, to reassure her or something along those lines. However, given his most recent actions, he decided to play it safe this time around and deem that he had enough physical contact with her in the past 24 hours. " *ahem* Yes, well, I'm honored to hear that, Lucina. Really, it fills me with joy hearing that I've helped you in such manner."
Lucina noticed his rigid response, but brushed away the thought. "I apologize. It seems like I've dropped quite the emotional load on you."
"It's fine. I'm... It's nice."
They resumed their march.
After another silence, Lucina spoke up. "One more thing... before we can put this subject to rest."
Robin shrugged. "Might as well. We've come this far already."
"Okay. Am I... Did... Did you mean it when you said I was, erm, beautiful.
Once again, Robin flinched in surprise. 'Why can I never have a normal conversation with her?'
Lucina peeked at him from the side of her vision,
Robin cleared his throat. "About that. Yes, um, you can say that I was being truthful. I-I mean, it's more of a fact than a matter of opinion. I'm sure anyone else would think the same." he concluded, satisfied with his response.
Lucina subconsciously pouted. "I see."
He took note of her silence afterwards, and sought to rid themselves of this awkward atmosphere for good. "One last thing..."
Lucina blinked. "Very well. I suppose it's time for me to do some answering. What would you like to know, Robin?"
Robin put a hand to his chin, as if in deep thought.
Lucina looked to him, eagerly.
"Is it... Is it true that... you're afraid of large insects?"
Lucina stopped, gritting her teeth.
Robin broke out into laughter at her response. "No way! It's true?"
"W-who told you? It's not funny! Everyone's got something they're... Who told you?"
Robin merely shrugged, continuing his laughter.
Lucina fumed, each foot stamping down as she marched forward. 'The only ones who could've known are from my group... Owain...'
Robin wiped a tear from his eye, relishing the many potential ideas floating around in his head. He turned to apologize, but found that the princess had already stormed off. Unbeknownst to him, to have a little chat with her dear cousin.
After another half hour, the Ylisseans had finally reached their designated position in the mountains.
Robin surveyed the battlefield. Like he had predicted, the Risen had begun to swarm the base of the Mila Tree. He could see volleys of magic being shot between both sides. 'The Risen seem to have a considerable amount of mages as well' he thought, biting his thumb.
Chrom called for order. "Remember the plan! We start as soon as they surround the tree. We take out only what's necessary! Mages, find a partner among the cavalry. You're leading us in." Chrom turned to Robin. "Robin? On your mark."
Robin peered through his telescope, a hand raised in the air. "Not yet."
"..."
"A little more."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Robin lowered his raised hand. "Move out!"
But before anyone could move, an object fell from the heavens, landing before Robin.
The impact kicked up a cloud of dust, causing everyone to take a few paces backwards and shield their eyes.
The Ylisseans gripped their weapons, eyeing the cloud fiercely.
Robin studied the cloud, dusting off his coat. A hand placed around the hilt of his Bronze Sword.
The sounds of what was without a doubt some sort of beast could be heard from within.
Kellam held up his large shield.
Virion loaded a few arrows and took aim.
"Valmese? Or Risen?" Frederick whispered, pointing his lance at the cloud.
Cherche pet Minerva, who had become a bit restless.
After a few moments without any movement, a single figure stepped out from the dust.
Confusion spread around the Ylisseans at the sight of the person.
A single feminine voice called out from among the Shepherds. "You're..."
A/N: Hang Cliffer!
The preparation segment to the 2nd battle.
Just a bunch of character interactions as well as their strategy.
The Valmese face an unknown threat. Can Cervantes prevail?
Will the Ylissean's break through?
And who is this person who has appeared just before their advancement?
I've also concealed a few hints as to what will happen in the next couple chapters. Look hard, as they're only one line long!
Til Next time!