After the last chapter, I'm all... 'Hm, how even am I having this story go?' (Poor English included lol) I know in the game, almost all of the dialogue between the Avatar and their choice of bachelor is romantic on the first or second level. (Or if it's Lon'qu, you have to question if your Avatar is going to violate him by the second or third support.) I have the idea going that later, Sane is going to be all distraught because freaking EVERYONE (guys mostly but a couple of the ladies too) seems to have feelings for her. And you saw in the last chapter she/I however I'm picturing her, thought about how others see her: As the Avatar, or herself. So I'm thinking in the next couple chapters there might be some emotional struggles as Sane continues to develop friendships with the Shepherds. Again, it's also the desired end result that we briefly meet Anna. Anna, when we finally get around to meeting her, is gonna give Sane some goodies. So without further ado, enjoy the chapter!

Morning as usual came all too fast. I woke up relaxed and refreshed however. The bed I slept on had been comfortable and soft, filled with straw topped with warm blankets and a pillow that was fluffy and soft. When I woke up, Irene had already made a hearty breakfast of hot cakes, baked fish and fruit pastries. A faint trace of burnt egg lingered in the air.

"Good morning Sane, glad you came down before the boys ate up all the food."

I smiled and took a seat at the table, between Donnel and Kellam.

"Good morning Irene, Donnel, Kellam. Breakfast looks great."

"My boy Donny helped this morning. It's about time he learnt to cook."

I chuckled and began piling a plate with hot cakes and fish.

"Daw, I can cook ma! I just ain't gonna cook anything fancy is all."

"Donny, you burnt all the eggs."

"Well..."

"After you over boiled them."

"See..."

"And you nearly burnt the water you were boiling."

"Ma, you can't burn water!"

I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. Kellam was smiling as well, even Donnel and Irene were smiling through the entire conversation.

"Don't worry Donnel," I said with a laugh. "My mom said I burned water too."

"See ma, I ain't the only one!"

"Donny, don't think you can get off easy just because someone else does. You're gonna have to be a good husband someday, and you ain't gonna be a good husband if you can't cook."

"I wouldn't want my husband cooking, knowing my luck he'd end up giving me food poisoning every night."

After breakfast it was time for us to leave, Kellam and I bid farewell to Donnel and his mother before leaving to meet up with Chrom. I found out from the other villagers that he had already began gathering the others by the gate. Along the way, Kellam and I talked about breakfast, but we were both careful to avoid mentioning our conversation at the fence. I felt almost awkward walking with him after our talk last night. Kellam seemed like he almost pitied me.

'Or maybe he's just concerned, like a good friend would be? He is very nice.'

When we met up with Chrom at the entrance to the village, he greeted us with a warm smile.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Sure did, visiting this village reminded me of growing up on the farm."

"Sane, where's Kellam? Didn't he sleep at Donnels' house also?"

'Suddenly I can see Kellam and Chrom doesn't realize he's standing right beside me?'

"He's floating around somewhere, don't worry."

"Yes, of course. Kellams' dependable like that."

"I assume we're leaving shortly?"

Chrom nodded.

"We're just waiting for Lissa, then we're leaving."

I went to sit with the convoy until it was time to leave, Kellam went off somewhere, where I have no idea because as soon as I looked away he disappeared again.

'Looks like we're not getting Donnel. Fine with me though, he's too young and sensitive to be fighting. Just like me if you think about it.'

"Sane, fore ya go I wanna talk to you!"

Donnel was hurriedly jogging over to where I sat with the convoy. He seemed excited, hopeful and out of breath.

'Looks like we've got Annie...'

"Donnel? What's the matter?"

"Well Sane, I saw you fightin' for the village yesterday, an it got me a thinkin'. You can't be hardly any older than me, but there you was fightin'. Well... You're fightin' for somethin', right? I... I wanna fight too. Them bandits yesterday, they took somethin' from this took folks lives, Sane. I wanna fight so that never has to happen again."

'Wow, that sounded pretty powerful.'

"Donnel, this isn't some merry skip through the woods. Our lives are at risk. It's bad enough I've been dragged into this, I couldn't forgive myself if I let you walk into this willingly."

'That, and you have a bad habit of dying on my team.'

Donnel set his jaw in determination.

"I already talked to ma 'bout it, I told her almost the same thing I told you. I spoke with Chrom too, he said I'd be needin' to speak with you fore he lets me join up. Said he trusts your judgement."

I sighed.

"Donnel, I get the feeling you have great potential but..."

'He does, but what if he dies?'

"But I ain't gonna have no kind of life here. I ain't never been outside the village, and I ain't gonna ever leave here unless I got a good reason. And this right here is a reason! I know it's dangerous, so maybe I don't have to fight, I mean, I'm sure there's gotta be somethin' I can do?"

I looked at him, so full of hope and the desire to do something great.

'Just like me. Wouldn't I give anything to be great?'

"Alright Donnel... I'll speak with Chrom. Why don't you talk to some of the others until then? Friendship is going to be important if you plan on sticking around."

He nodded then went off to speak to the others.

'Christ on a bicycle... What have I gotten that kid into?'

The truth of Donnels words echoed in my head.

'You can't be hardly any older than me, but there you was fightin'... He's almost right... I'm not even as old as him and here I am. But Donnel... I'm never going to forgive myself if you die.'

I was almost over protective of Donnel as we made our way back to Ylisstol. I was almost certain that someone or heaven forbid something was going to crap itself out of thin air and attack us. Each person who joins our cause I feel more and more strain. I worry that I won't be able to defend them, that they'll die on my watch and it will be no one's fault but my own.

"Sane, what's with your 'bug in my ass' face, lighten up!"

Sully seemed to be really good at picking up when I was in a mood, or feeling depressed or embarrassed. It was annoying at times, but other times it did have it's uses.

"Just thinking about the Shepherds is all. You all put so much faith in me. I don't want that faith misplaced."

Sully slung an arm around me.

"Do you intend to do your best?"

'What kind of question is that?'

"Of course."

"Are you going to do your best?"

"Um... Isn't that the same question?"

She shook her head.

"Intending to do something and actually doing it are very different things. So I'll ask again. Are you going to do your best?"

"I couldn't live with myself if I didn't."

Sully smiled.

"They we have no reason to doubt you, do we?"

I thought about what Sully said all the way to Ylisstol. So far we've had successful battles, not a single fatality. That might not be saying much considering I've only been a Shepherd for a few days, but I should count my blessings and all that, right? And besides, isn't everything you do based on will? I mean, just look at my spell casting ability. If I can will it, I can do it. Sure, sometimes I have trouble after I cast my spells with headaches, feeling faint and all that stuff, but that's part of the experience. It makes me stronger. Maybe being Tactician is the same.

'Where there is a will, there is a way... Hm, is that a saying?'

Maybe all I have to do is have faith in myself, and those who follow me. Maybe I don't have to pretend to be Robin, maybe Sane is just fine.

"And maybe some day Prince Charming will sweep you off your feet. Oh wait, he's busy following all the girls who aren't good for nothing weaklings."

I flinched at the sudden cruel voice that rang in my head.

'You may have my voice, but don't think for even one second you're me!'

"Why would I want to be you? You're weak. Imperfect."

'Tomak would disagree.'

"Tomak is an idiot."

'Oh, and you aren't?'

"My my, so hostile Sane. You should learn to be kind."

'Buggar off you!'

The voice was quiet after that, parting with a slight snicker.

When we arrived in Ylisstol, the day was still young and prospects looked good that I'd finally get a chance to look around. Especially when Chrom passed out gold to everyone and told us not to spend it all in one place. I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited. The amount of gold Chrom gave me seemed simply massive! Of course, considering I earn all of... Well maybe thirty of forty quid a year...

'What's the gold to pound conversion like anyway?'

I set off through the streets of Ylisstol. I was kind of intimidated by the sheer number of people but my curiosity far outweighed any fear. There were stalls selling food, clothing, books, jewelry, animals, weapons... There were little restaurants and inns, a pub...

'I wonder if they'll let me drink? It's not like anyone's going to check my ID.'

One of the many shops I passed caught my attention more than any other. It was an all black tent that had a simple sign reading 'Madame Bev' in front. Curious, I entered the tent. Several burning candles lit the tent, as well as two oil lamps at a large table in the back of the tent.

'Perhaps that's where you pay?'

I looked around the store. It wasn't that exciting in truth. There were several candles, more than I've seen in a Yankee shop. There were also various herbs and spices filling the air. It was actually giving me a headache, but at the same time all the scents were very relaxing. As I walked further back into the store, I began to notice different wares. Clothing mostly, but it didn't look like anything I'd wear. Or stuff that anyone else should wear either.

'Gosh, that material looks so thin! I'd have to wear a cami or something underneath to remain decent!'

"Sane my good lady, now this is quite the surprise! What would such a demure woman such as yourself be doing in an establishment such as this?"

'Gods, is that...'

"Virion! Hello there. I'm just checking out the wares. The shop is quite interesting is it not?"

He chuckled, differently than he usually does.

"My my... I had no idea you had such... Interests."

'Am I missing something?'

"Well... At any rate, some of the wares do look like they'd be nice. I've always been fond of candles and such."

Virion cocked his head to the side and frowned.

"My dear Sane, are you telling me you have no idea what sort of shop this is?"

I shook my head. Virion chuckled and took a hold of my arm.

"Then pray, allow me to escort you out. I would hate for your innocence to be shattered in such a way."

"Virion, I've no idea what you're talking about. What kind of place is this?"

Before he had a chance to answer, a woman came over to us from behind a second area of the tent.

"Welcome to my fine shop. I am Madame Bev, here to assist you in placating your needs. Could I help you find something? A candle, some oils? Exotic spices sure to drive you both..."

She took a deep, almost perverse breath.

"Absolutely mad with passion?"

'Oh hell no...'

"I... I'm sorry..." I stammered. "I had no idea this was THAT type of establishment... I... I'll be going!"

I pulled away from Virion and tried to make it to the tent exit, but Madame Bev was quicker than me and blocked my path.

"There's no shame my dear, we are all victims of the heart and flesh. Come, in many ways if you will, allow me to show you what I have to offer. There is something here for everyone."

I mouthed a pitiful 'help me' to Virion as Madame Bev dragged me into the very back of the store.

"I can tell you are not yet comfortable with yourself my dear, a shame for I see passion in your eyes. Why not have a look at these to start you off, hm? I'll even give you a special discount."

"Um... I'm not old enough to be here..." I stammered.

I was about to sell my left nut to get out of that horrid place. Going to Spencers with one of your friends was one thing, I don't think walking into a full blown erotica shop by myself was something my dad would approve of.

"You were with the gentleman with the blue hair, certainly you are searching for something to enhance your experiences together?"

"Woah lady, I'm not even sure I swing that way, but if I did, it's definitely not for Virion."

She led me to a table filled with various undergarments.

"These are made from the finest silk and will never wear out with use. They are light, sensual, and breathe better than anything you could ever imagine."

She motioned at them.

"Go ahead, feel them for yourself."

'*Screw* this, duces!'

"No, I'm leaving... Like... Right meow."

I hauled ass outta there, past a snickering Virion and emerged into the bustling street of Ylisstol. I put as much distance between me and that horrible place as I could for fear that Madame Bev would come out and whisk me away to the Magic Candy Mountain. I was so far away from that place that I could actually see a forest bordering Ylisstol. I decided to explore it a little bit, to give myself time to calm down before returning to my exploration of town.

The forest was calm, filled with flowers and such. I guess it was about the same as any other forest. I found a nice little path to follow, and ended up following that for about an hour before I realized I was wandering around some unknown place, full of bandits and bad people with no one to watch over me.

'But, I have my sword and tome with me. I'm sure I'll be fine.'

However, fate seemed determined to prove me wrong and I heard a panicked shriek ring throughout the trees.

'Woah, are they alright?'

I ran without thinking towards the shriek and found a young woman with red hair pulled into a ponytail being beset by brigands.

"Hey, leave her alone!" I called.

Getting involved was more than likely a mistake. There were five of them, and only two of us. Well, two of us assuming the woman could fight.

'Is that Anna? The hair and face are hers, but the outfit looks all wrong. She doesn't have a lance though, so I don't think she's the generic merchant.'

"You lookin' to start trouble?" One brigand snarled. "If you're lookin' for trouble I'll give you some! Get her boys!"

They all rushed at me, weapons drawn.

'Three axes, two swords.'

I didn't even bother with my sword. Up against that many foes I'd be cut to ribbons. I pulled out my tome and began to swirl the magic around, creating a type of barrier only I could see. When the brigands were close enough, I forced the magic away from me and directed it at my foes. The air reverberated with the sound of lightning striking flesh and the three axemen went down. One of my sword carrying foes were able to dodge, but I was able to graze the other. The axemen were staggering to their feet, no doubt higher level than the others I had faced.

"You need to run!" I called to the woman.

She didn't listen to me, and instead came to stand beside me.

"You worry about those heavy brutes, I'll put the Myrmidons in their place."

She went off after them, ignoring my order to flee. The way she used her lance reminded me vaguely of Kilik from Soul Calibur. I tried to put her out of my mind as I focused on the three brigands with axes coming at me. I don't know if I was getting more fit and experienced, or if they were simply slower than the others I had fought, but dodging their attacks and slipping behind them to strike was easier than I would've expected.

'And I thought Lissa was a badass with her tomes!'

I was down to my final foe, and he seemed intimidated by my presence now that he didn't have his buddies to back him up. Anna was done with her foes and now stood carefully watching me and my foe. He glared at me, his axe raised menacingly.

"I see you killed the others... Tell me, am I to join them?"

"When you run with a pack, you fall with a pack."

He looked at me, as if trying to peer into my soul and dropped his axe. It fell to the ground with a thud that sounded to me like it could've shattered the very ground upon which it landed. The man, now clearly unarmed, then stepped forward.

"Then if this pack is to fall, you have to become a monster."

He came closer to me, until he was within arms length of me. I was paralyzed for some reason. I couldn't move. I could barely remember to breathe.

"Go ahead," He sneered. "Strike me down."

Cliffhanger. Why? Because I'm an evil mother- *ADD kicks in* OH! Squirrel! But no, why I'm leaving with a cliffhanger is I plan on not updating for like... A week or so. Sorry guys, I figured I'd give you guys some time to absorb the story, and give some more time for the story to pick up some reviews and what not. So if you guys have friends, I'd appreciate it if you send them a link and be all, 'Yo, this is almost readable' xD But, I promise, I'll have chapter 10 uploaded by next Thursday at the latest.