I'm still new to the process of putting comments (or Author's Notes as it's known) before each chapter. I know it's optional but I like it so expect to keep seeing these pop up every chapter.
Chapter 2
Robin's Journal Entry #1
Embers rise from Frederick's warm, well made campfire. Even though he asked who was to make it he already began picking up an assortment of sticks and branches, so we left him to do it. Beforehand Chrom and I went to the woods to hunt (much to the dismay of the blue knight) and we were fortunate to kill ourselves a Bear…well Chrom did most of the work as I simply distracted the beast's attention as he dealt a concise, and painless strike on the beast. I was still worn out from the battle so I couldn't care which of us killed it, I could do without Chrom's bragging though.
The roasted Bear was delicious! At least Chrom and I agreed, Lissa compared the meat to smelling like old boots. Our stalwart knight, Frederick turned down the meal, apparently he had a 'large lunch'. As much as I am curious about his evasive behaviour, I decided to leave it until he begins to trusts me more. The bear meat was too good for me to bother I'm anyway...now in retrospect, I ate like a beast! How long was I unconscious in the field? Ah well...
Still have no idea about the purple tattoo on my hand. The design is interesting, three pairs of eyes connected by two lines that cross each other to a point. It must mean something, at least it looks cool like the tattoo Chrom has, but that's a matter for future Robin to deal with until I learn more about this world.
Oh, before I write more, this journal I currently write in is a small gift from Chrom and Lissa, before we departed Southtown the two were thoughtful enough to buy this for me. Chrom wished of me to ensure I record my memories on paper in case I forget again, it is heartwarming to know that I have new friends and I should get to know them more. I am now the Shepherd's tactician and it's only expected of me to understand my comrades personally.
I should start with Lissa, since we get along really well. We just made stupid jokes about Chrom's name and Frederick's serious attitude behind their backs the whole trip from Southtown. I feel I can at ease around her, it also helps that she is easy on the eyes...
Wait no, too soon to think like that, she is just a friend.
Anyway, aside from the commotions of our small party, I remember something that I feel the need to write in case I do forget. A nightmare or premonition, I don't know. It was before I woke and met my three new companions.
I was in an odd place, I was with Chrom, who stood by my side. It was a temple of some sort we were in, the only other person was a lanky dark figure that stood condescendingly in the middle of the room, I wasn't told but I could tell he was bad news.
After a brief conversation (which I have trouble remembering, sorry future Robin) we both charged at the dark mage, I shot bolts of lightning at the enemy while Chrom slashed and evaded the mysterious man's spells.
Chrom was using what I now know is called Falchion, I asked about it earlier on the road from Southtown. It is a blade made from Naga's tooth, who is some kind of benevolent dragon or something, I need to do some research on it.
Anyway, at one point however, my ally was struck against a pillar with a lightning spell which forced me to negate the bastard's final blast on Chrom with a spell of my own, it was partly luck and skill that I was able to pull it off and save his life!
We managed to defeat the malevolent man, a blow decisive to the chest with lightning did the trick and the enemy sank to the floor. Chrom turned to look at me, our victory ensured. Or so we thought.
The dying dark mage roared in rage, casting one final ball of dark energy at my friend. Ah yes! Chrom and I were friends in the…dream? Nightmare? I still have no idea what to classify what I saw, I hope is just a dream. Anyway, I dived and took the hit for Chrom.
Fortunately I lived, just a bit woozy.
Unfortunately, the next few moments are unforgettable. I was lifted from the ground by Chrom but something felt wrong. My head was in pain and he could see it. My vision began to pulsate and I could feel my eyes strain from the pain, heat radiated from my right hand as the noble asked if I was alright.
The next thing I knew, I pierced my friend in the torso with a bolt of lightning. He had called me 'one of us' and I killed him! It was frightening how real it felt, but it was just a dream...
I woke to the voice of a certain pair of siblings before I saw any more.
(3rd Person)
"Phew. Glad to get that over with." The tactician reclined onto a log to rest his aching body, with his new journal held between his chest and left hand. Looking at the starry sky relaxed him, he couldn't remember the last time he felt so peaceful, and his meal was digesting nicely as he nearly fell into a food coma.
"Nice evening, isn't it?" The blue-haired man noticed Robin's drowsiness his greeting snapped him back into reality.
"Ah! Hey Chrom. What do you need?" The tactician straightened himself.
"Nothing, just wanted to see how you are doing, you seemed exhausted today."
"Well of course: I wake up without any memories, offer to fight off bandits, now I'm part of a ragtag group of vigilantes. I'd say it's been an up-and-down day," Despite the sarcastic tone Robin gave a sincere smile, "Right now, it's an up."
"Heh, just so you know we're not vigilantes, we're like a small task force separate from the Ylissean army." The noble corrected.
"Oh, good to know our efforts are legal."
"…"
"…"
"…" The silence was deafening, so Robin spoke up.
"Sorry if I don't have much to say, I don't have many memories to talk of, as you are aware of," The tactician apologised, he felt a little embarrassed at how unsociable he was being, luckily Chrom did not seem to interpret his message they way he thought.
"Okay okay I get it. No need to rub it in, mystery man," Chrom rolled his eyes with a chuckle, sitting down with his ally.
Then both Robin and Chrom laughed as the two slouched against the log, the former finding the humour in Chrom's misunderstanding and the latter revelled in his dry joke.
"Hahaha, alright. Why not tell me about yourself? Rather than I talk about myself…because, you know, I'm the mystery man."
The noble's chuckle became more distinct at Robin's dry comment, he then took comfortable sitting position on top of the log, observing the embers of the fire.
"Okay. My life. Well life in nobility is comfy I suppose. We eat a lot better at the castle than grilled bear meat, but I don't mind, life on the road is more liberating than being cooped up in the city and having to attend to formalities every day. My sister is more suited for that sort of life."
"Lissa? I can't picture her being suited for either lifestyle."
"Hahah, no not my little sister." The blue haired noble smiled, "I mean my elder sister, Emmeryn. She's amazing with the people. After the war between Ylisse and Plegia, a neighbouring kingdom, Ylisse was left in disarray. Emmeryn essentially brought hope and peace to the halidom when it was in shambles."
"Wow. She seems like an amazing person. I should meet her someday."
"Well you will soon once we reach the capital. She likes to walk among the public to enforce her presence—Oh I don't mean it like that! I mean it in a sense that she walks along the same streets as the citizens of Ylisse, as a sign of commonality between commoners and nobility in ensuring peace."
"Yeah, our sis is the best!" Lissa hopped down beside Robin, however her skirt made it a bit difficult for her to sit so she settled to crouching awkwardly next to him.
"Hey Lissa. Say, isn't that metal skirt annoying to have on? How are you able to sit, or do anything for that matter?"
"Eh, I get along. And I like this design, it's fashionable, don't you agree?" The lady stood up and gave a playful twirl for the two. Chrom chuckled to himself and Robin smiled, holding the gaze the blonde had kept on him even after she was done spinning. The only one to notice this was her big brother, who kept his quiet and saw the connection between them.
"Oh! I should get going and make a few more rounds of the camp before heading to bed…oh comfy twigs and leaves. Yep…" Robin looked at Chrom somewhat puzzled as the blue-haired man rose from the ground, and awkwardly walked into the dark forest. "Good night Robin, sister."
Frederick noticed his liege moving. Initially not wishing to leave Lady Lissa alone, he begrudgingly followed after a quick wave from Chrom. "Don't worry they'll be fine. We'll go for a quick patrol, not too far. It's been a while since she's had company besides us."
(Robin's POV)
"Well, that was weird. He's not usually that formal, is he?"
I see the two blue figures walk into the dark night, through group of trees and out of sight. Lissa is still standing where she twirled, she looked at me expectantly.
"What is it? Is there bear meat stuck in my teeth?" I flashed my teeth widely which made her giggle lightly.
"No no no, you're fine! Sorry for staring…" Lissa suddenly became quiet, her expression was tense.
"Okay, seriously what's wrong? You're acting odd and I can tell, even though we've only known each other less for than a day."
"I'm fine...I'm just not used to you yet."
"Used to me?"
I can tell she was troubled. Was it something about me that's made her uncomfortable?
"Well I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable, I want to get to know you better and I don't want anything weird between us—"
Lissa's eyes widened in momentary surprise.
"Don't think like that! It's my fault. I…"
Her body language was unusual, she could not hold eye contact as her eyes darted left and right between me and the fire. Her hands fiddled with the fabric of her skirt and her face had a tint of red to it. I should be polite, so I set down my book and slowly lifted myself onto the tree trunk with both my arms, picking up my journal I place it into my pouch inside my coat.
"…Go on, I'm all ears." I gave a warm smile that did the trick as she looked me in the eyes as she stood back up.
"I-it's just—you're so cool! You can fight so well, you're smarter than my brother and he's a bonehead sometimes. You're also easier to talk to than Frederick, he never appreciates my jokes and neither does Chrom! Even though we've only talked a bit on the road I've never felt…no, don't worry about it." The embarrassment on her face was obvious now as she momentarily looked away from me.
"W-wait, what are you saying?" Could it be that…
'What I'm trying to say is..."
Oh gods, is she really...My heart is beating so fast!
"I-I've never met anyone who appreciated my jokes like you do! I just didn't know how to say I like you, as a friend of course!"
Gods, I thought she was going to confess to me! I can't deny I'm a bit disappointed. It was foolish of me to think she would say such a thing, but being friends is more than I could ask for…
"...Thanks for listening and not being awkward about it…Hey, are you paying attention? Jeez…Robin! You're not listening, are you? Hehe, Well I guess you won't mind if I do this!"
Huh? What is she—AUUGH! Something is wriggling in my back!
"L-Lissa!? There's something underneath my shirt!"
"Hahahah! don't worry it's just a worm. You spaced out, all red in the face, I couldn't pass an opportunity like that up! Did you think I was going to confess to you? Hahahahaha!"
The feeling of the invertebrate along my spine was unsettling and disgusting and Lissa kept shaking in laughter at my expense. It took a long, agonising minute to pull the horrid earthworm, no longer than my middle finger, from underneath my shirt. I had to go as far as take my coat off to do so.
"Ugh!" I fling the writhing worm back to the earth. "Don't do that again, please!"
The blonde chortled, "Fingers crossed! I don't think I could get the same reaction from you anyway, the way you freaked out and began pulling off your jacket all hasty and clumsily was priceless! Too funny!"
I stared her down and my disapproval seemed to get across to her as she stopped laughing. "But seriously, sorry for leading you on like that. I just wanted you to know that we're friends, officially."
If it was not for her gleeful grin, I think I would have been mad, really mad.
"…Did I really look that silly?" Lissa nodded, her grin transferred to me as I began to do the same.
"Heh, okay I'll let that go, but don't assume I thought you were confessing to me! Because I wasn't." Lissa picked up on the hesitation in my voice as indicated by her smile, so I spoke up.
"Sure, teehee~"
"Watch your back Lissa, literally..." I mock-threatened her, sticking my tongue out and crossing my arms.
"Oooo, that's if I don't get you first!" She flashed a prankish smile and she opened the palm of her hand to reveal another worm, much longer than the previous one. It wriggled unpredictably in a way that was abhorrent to my senses.
"H-hey! You just promised not to do that again!" Pulling my cloak back on, I raced to the opposite side of the campfire and I could see Lissa not far behind, with the worm extended towards me in her hand, chanting 'I'm gonna get you!'
What have I gotten myself into!?
(3rd Person)
"Milord, it is wise to leave Lady Lissa with Robin?" Chrom noticed the flex of his tone at the tactician's name, and frowned at Frederick in disapproval.
"Come on Frederick, Robin has proved his loyalty to us. I know you think he may be a spy, but I don't think he would go so far to set up an elaborate ruse to trick us. It just can't be. You saw how he fought those bandits and protected my sister, he's not an enemy. I see the good in him."
"…I can concur with that. My apologies, it is my job to be cautious of any potential risks that may occur—Oh Prince Chrom, let me pick up these pebbles that are in you way."
"Frederick, it's nature, it won't matter if you clear the way for me. Thank you, but it's unnecessary."
"Only watching out—"
"Only watching out for you, milord. Oh where have I heard that before?" The prince smiled at his guardian, but it appeared that the knight did not take the joke as intended as Frederick reacted with a succinct sigh and murmured how 'at least one of us needs to be on the side of caution'.
The two proceeded with their leisurely patrol, silent. Frederick stayed in front of his liege, no longer picking up rocks and other debris but promptly kicking them aside as they came, a compromise Chrom was fine with.
"Frederick, have you noticed the looks Lissa has given Robin?"
"Yes. It seems she is interested in him, to say the least."
"Huh…" The lord looked downwards, somewhat irked.
"Milord? Is there something on your mind?"
"Ah, just thinking how ironic it would be if my little sister found someone before I did."
The knight chuckled at Chrom's frank statement, something he rarely does, "Lady issues, I see. I may not be well versed in the art of courtship but I shall study on it just for your benefit, milord!"
"Oh…Thanks Frederick, I'll keep that in mind." Chrom had a look of concern, thinking of the burly knight giving advice on relationships. "But I'll be fine, I'm just saying. Besides, there's more important matters, like those Plegian bandits earlier today."
"Hmm, yes, their accent gave it away. We should set off first thing in the morning."
"Agreed," Abruptly the ground began to shake. "What in the world is going on!?"
"Milord! Look there!"
"L-lava!?"
"Gods! You're stronger than you look. Not delicate at all!" Robin yelled whilst defending himself from the worm dangling in front of his face, it took both his arms to barely restrain Lissa's arms from inserting the worm inside his shirt again.
"Hey! Did you just say I'm not delicate at all!? I'll show you!" The cleric replied as she slowly gained the advantage over the tactician, he was losing the battle.
Robin's saving grace was the rumble emanating from below the pair, the two immediately paused.
"Robin, was that an earthquake?"
"I think so." He softly spoke. Meanwhile he slowly pushed Lissa's hand holding the worm away from him. In the distance was a similar grumble and the faint screams of two men.
"RUN!"
Both Robin and Lissa heard the voice echo from the forest, they turned their complete attention to the noise as Robin pulled out his sword and told Lissa to stand behind him.
"Who do you think it—Chrom! Frederick!? What's going on?" The noble and knight tumbled through the bushes towards the campfire.
"E-Ear-Earthquake! Ground splitting apart—lava coming from…" Chrom was too puffed to finish his sentence to which Frederick finished for him, evidently not as tired.
"There was a great divide in the earth! Magma erupted from the crevasses, we barely escaped the lava that fell and burned the trees around us." Even the knight was on edge from the sudden phenomenon, Robin lowered his weapon and Lissa ran towards her two companions and hugged them tenderly.
"Thank the Gods you're safe…" The cleric's arms wrapped tightly around both of the men.
"Liss…you're suffocating us…"
While the three were caught up in their own devices, Robin saw what looked like a giant sphere surrounded by glowing yellow symbols materialise from thin air. The glow of the forest fires were visible in the background.
"Uh…guys, what is that?—Oh crap, we're surrounded!" The tactician swore under his breath for not noticing the soldiers sooner. They donned equipment similar to Ylissean soldiers, yet their bodies and their faces were different, the party could tell they are not human.
"Chrom, Frederick! Take care of those two axe-wielders over there. I'll handle this swordsman! Lissa, stick with me!" Upon Robin's command the group moved broke apart to their roles. The knight quickly fetched his steed and charged at his quarry while the lord advanced to his target.
Every blow they dealt seemed ineffective: slashes to the abdomen, stabs to the heart; nothing fazed the unknown enemy.
In the meanwhile, Robin was preparing a ball of thunder but was too slow as he was forced to evade the fiend's sword, the horizontal slash just missed his body and left a slash mark on his grey shirt.
"Dammit! That was too close. I wish I had more time to prepare—Oh no, LISSA LOOK OUT!"
The silver-haired man's scream alerted Lissa to the incoming enemy which Robin failed to see coming from behind. The enemy held an axe which narrowly missed the cleric, sparing her from an instant death, unfortunately the blonde stumbled during the last attack and the inhuman figure prepared to strike.
The axe sunk deep and blood trickled into the earth.
"Are you okay!?" It was Robin that spoke, snapping Lissa out of her panic as the two were on the ground, the tactician on top of her.
"Y-you saved me—Oh no, you're shoulder is bleeding! Let me help!" The cleric quickly recovered and picked up her heal staff as she was interrupted by the tactician.
"No! No time—" He barely finished his sentence as the same fighter brought down his axe onto Robin, Lissa shrieked at the sight. Robin managed to stop the brunt of the attack by holding his bronze sword flat against the edge of the axe with both hands, Frederick and Chrom noticed the scene and immediately felt fear crawl down their backs.
"Milord, assist them! I'll take care of these monsters!" The knight ordered, he knew it was not his place to give orders, but his liege already set off towards the two. He was an long distance away, regardless he sprinted as fast as he could, but he knew he would not make it in time.
"DAMMIT! Not now! Hang in there Robin, I'm coming!" Chrom shouted.
Robin could see the blade gradually bend and crack as he was slowly pushed down by the sheer strength of the monster.
"I guess this is it for me…" The tactician thought, feeling the blood dripping out of the flesh wound on his right shoulder as he feet began to slip.
Suddenly, he felt the pressure of the axe lighten. Looking over his blade he saw a blue clad figure and Falchion piercing through the head of the enemy.
"Hey thanks!…Chrom?" When the monster disappeared in a dark purple mist, he was surprised to see not Chrom, but a masked stranger holding what looked like the noble's sword.
"Who are you?"
Whoo! Chapter 2 finally done!
I have yet to make official pairing for this series, I have a general idea of a few but I decided to keep it spontaneous because potential relationships can change based on where I go with the story. You can be sure Lissa and Robin are going to get to know each other a lot more. ;)
Again, thanks so much for reading. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, quite literally, I know a fair bit of Awakening (and Fates, not so much of the games before the two) and I'm human so I may miss some things about characters or the lore of the game and etc. So if you think I missed something let me know, it helps you and I!
See you next time.
-AxelAshes