Chapter 6: preparation
The next day, early in the morning...
"Come, my dear! We must not waste another second. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can return to our duties." The man smiled. The man had shining light blue hair and wore blue and white clothing to match. The man wore tall brown boots and had a quiver on his back. He flipped his hair as he pulled out a silver bow and held it at his side.
"My love, never have I seen you so eager to skip teatime, considering how it normally ends." The woman smiled. She had shining pink hair and wore a white band in her hair. She wore a light black armor that had pads of grey on it. She wore black boots, although they were covered in grey coverings. She held an axe at her side with a purple string swirling down the handle. The two people stood in an open plain, filled with luscious grass and trees. Roaming the plains were wyverns of many sizes.
"Am I to be charged with worrying for one's safety?" The blue haired man smirked. "At least I have patience. After our embarrassing interruption, I'd rather not go to Chon'sin at all."
"Well look at it this way, when we get back, we can have an extra long teatime." The woman giggled.
"Your giggles always make my heart smile, Cherche." The man sighed fondly.
"Come now darling, now is most certainly not the time for your flattery." Cherche smiled. "Besides, what happened to Mr. Serious Duke I saw a moment ago?"
"He had to step out a bit to check on a comrade of his." The man said. "Were you not just questioning his actions?"
"True, but I believe that something is very wrong with my husband."
"Then I suggest we fly to Chon'sin and find out. It shall only be a quick glide on Minerva. That is, of course, she is up to the task."
"Virion, you know just as well as I do that she's much more than capable." Cherche pouted a bit as she crossed her arms.
"Of course, but alas, you never know what may happen out there." Virion smirked. "It is my duty to keep you both safe."
"Now calm yourself, love." Cherche put a shoulder on the man. "Minerva and I both know that you need to be kept safe more than we do." She giggled as she watched Virion blush.
"W-wait, that's not true at all!" Virion protested.
"Oh really now?" Cherche leaned in closer until her lips were by his ear. "Then you mean that you could have gotten a second chance without Minerva and I? Mayhap you don't need a wife at all and should rule your kingdom with a few lonely maids at your side."
"... Oh all right, I admit. Without your stunning charm, wits, knowledge, and strength (and ferocious wyvern...), I would be a lost man without a home, left merely to die on the streets." Virion sighed as Cherche pulled away.
"There, I should have you say that more often." She giggled as Virion looked away. "And maybe once in a while...very rarely...you can be rewarded for it."
"Rewarded? Do tell." Virion turned his head slightly to peek at her. She let out a high pitched whistle, calling a wyvern to her.
"Maybe I'll discuss it on the way," Cherche hopped onto the wyvern's back. "unless Minerva throws you off again."
Virion slowly climbed onto the wyvern's back as well, setting himself behind Cherche. "It was only once, darling, and it was by your orders."
"It must be so long ago to you that your memory's hazy." Cherche petted her wyvern as it took off into the morning sky. Virion sighed as he put his hands along his wife's waist and gently pulled her closer, provoking Cherche to slap his hands away.
Meanwhile, on the sea...
The sea was a shining blue as the waves calmly drifted along with the faint breeze blowing. On the top of the sea was a brown ship with a red sail. It was a dark brown and while the sail was a shining silver. The sun's light reflected off of it, making it gleam radiantly.
"We've been on the sea all night." Lissa whined as she stared at the sea with her arms resting on the ledge. "Was it always this wide?"
"Come now, Lissa, it's not so bad." Chrom chuckled as he stood behind her. "It's a lot more peaceful to roam the seas now."
"Right, Milord. We should not worry about the possible pirates that we could encounter." Frederick smiled.
Chrom turned to face him with a questioning look. "Pirates?"
"Aye, I took the time to check up on the seas before our departure. Pirates roam the seas freely, seeing as how them being invaded by "landlubbers" is more unlikely now. They seem to be harmless, as they only take gold and leave without strife."
"Well we won't give up our gold so easily." Chrom told them. "Last thing I need is for word to spread that the exalt got robbed by pirates..."
"I WISH some pirates would board this ship and rob us!" Lissa complained. "Having to hand over my gold to some big, sweaty pirates...then being saved by my knight in shining armor..." A small grin appeared on Lissa's face.
"I would be very much grateful to help you fulfill your dream, Milady." Frederick smiled.
"Not you Frederick!" Lissa gasped at the thought. "It's just...oh, nevermind; you wouldn't get it, it's a lady thing." She sighed and stared out at the sea again.
"My, she sure is a girl with an adventurer's heart!" Flavia called from above. She was up on the port, steering the ship. "I love that kind of heart in a person! Hope she doesn't end up all simple-minded like that oaf, though."
"I'm sure she won't." Chrom chuckled. "She's too delicate to be all about adventure." Chrom had to jump back as Lissa tried to hit him with a heal staff.
"I am NOT DELICATE!" she yelled. "How long is it going to take you to get that through your head?"
"Probably never." Chrom laughed as she continued attempting to smack him.
Frederick gave chase after the two. "Milord, Milady, we should not behave like such children!" Frederick called after them.
Flavia chuckled as she watched from above. "Those three could all be mistaken for siblings." She muttered to herself. "Then again, they have known each other for a huge amount of their lives...I'm sure this isn't the first time they've acted like this. Chrom may be a leader, but even he needs a break every once in a while."
"Boy, do I agree." A voice said. Flavia turned around and jumped when she saw Morgan standing behind her with a huge smile. "Uncle Chrom takes breaks, but not very often. It's rare to see him act like this with Mom and Uncle Frederick. I say he needs a good book to settle down with and relax, just like I do! Of course, it all depends on the book... I mean, what if it's a book filled all about our less favorite times in the war? That wouldn't be too relaxing. But then-"
"Morgan what in the name of the gods are you doing, sneaking up on me like that?" Flavia interrupted.
"Oh, sorry Flavia. I just wanted to see if you needed anything, what with you manning the ship all night." Morgan beamed a grin as she backed away slowly.
"I'm very grateful for your concern, but I am fine." Flavia sighed. "It takes more than just one all-nighter to tire these bones!"
"I'll say." Another voice said. Flavia turned around this time and jumped to see Basilio standing behind her with Lon'qu at his side. "Try a few all-nighters and a party each day! Then you'll find her passed out in a tree that's been chopped! Bwa ha ha!"
"You?!" Flavia was breathing heavily. "What are YOU doing here?"
"Since you were gonna take my ship, I decided to sneak on board to get a whiff of the salty air again. You can't keep a man tied down for long!" Basilio laughed while Lon'qu smiled next to him. Flavia quickly pulled out her sword and tried to put it against Basilio's neck, but he was faster and blocked it with his axe. "And don't you even try to get the best of me today, woman. Even an old man like me can learn a few things from our youth."
"Damn...I guess I should have known you couldn't stay home." She muttered as she put away her sword. "Just don't wander off without us; Last thing we need is for you to go off on the seven seas and get killed at sea."
"Whatever you say." Basilio smiled at her, even though she turned away from him. He had his fingers crossed behind his back.
"It may be best to listen to her." Lon'qu suggested. "After all, we did sneak on the ship."
"Ah, she won't mind after the trip!" Basilio whispered to him. "How much trouble can this old man get in to? I say we find out. Bwaha!"
"My, you're certainly happy about pretty much anything Basilio!" Morgan remarked.
"When you've seen as many things as I have, you'd be surprised to see what's going past you in life." He looked down onto the deck, seeing Frederick hold an angry Lissa, while Chrom stood holding his head. "Kiddo, you might wanna calm your folks before they all go overboard."
"Tell them they should prepare to exit. I can see the ports to Chon'sin ahead." Flavia told them.
"Chon'sin has ports?" Basilio asked.
"That they do." Lon'qu answered. "There ships are colorful, but they always seem to have the symbol of their leader on it. Whatever mark Say'ri choose to represent her rule should be on most of the boats on the dock."
Morgan turned around to see a port filled with ships of all colors. "Considering how close we are to land, it would be a problem if they all went overboard..." Morgan jumped down off of the ledge and walked over to her family. "Mom, are you ok?"
"Oh sure, Frederick's just carrying me because it helps him with his training." She huffed.
"I'll take that as a no then..." Morgan frowned. "But on the bright side, we are close to land!"
"We are?" Chrom turned to his niece. "How close are we?"
"Very, we can see a port in the distance! Flavia said get ready to exit."
"We should gather our things, Milord." Frederick told him as Lissa squirmed in his grip.
"Right." The two walked along as Lissa pouted and flailed her legs. Morgan followed along with a grin, much to her mother's annoyance.
At the same time in Say'ri's castle...
Mikel looked out of his window to the sun sitting up above the land. He rested his hands on the windowsill and frowned to himself. "Having no memories...it all feels...familiar to me. Have I been in this situation before? Who was I before? The memories of those girls...they still leave holes in my questions. There must be others who can help fill that hole... ..." At that moment he heard a knock on his door. Reluctantly, Mikel walked over and answered it. In the doorway was Anna, wearing green pajamas decorated with gold coins. Mikel couldn't hide his grin as she stood there, messing with her hair. "Good morning to you, Mrs. Moneybanks." He beamed.
"Oh hush you, I just came to see if you were up." Anna frowned as she walked in. "I have to disguise you before we go out today."
"I see, I'm fine with it. Although I didn't expect you to have such...cute pajamas." The tactician fell to the floor laughing in an instant, leaving the merchant to frown.
"Ha ha, very funny. And yet I've never even SEEN you wear pajamas! Seriously, do you have to wash that hood every day? You should drop by my shop and buy a pair. I'd be more than grateful to help a special friend fit into his night time wear."
"Sure, Maybe later." Mikel stood and dusted himself off. "But you said we were going out today?"
"Right, Say'ri feels that you shouldn't be locked up in here all day, waiting for people. So Tiki and I are going to take you out on a little fun day. If anyone deserves it, it should be you!"
"Nonsense, I can't even remember what I DID in order to deserve that thanks."
"Too bad, we're taking you out anyway. Princess' orders! Now come on out since you're already dressed, but take a shower first!" Anna tugged on his arm, pulling him out the doorway. She dragged him to the other room, where Tiki awaited on top of Say'ri's bed. She smiled and stood up as they entered the room. Anna closed the door and pushed him to her. "He's wide awake; Time to do our thing!" Anna smiled.
"Right, with a disguise from us, nobody will recognize him!" Tiki also smiled. She grabbed Mikel and threw him on the bed as Anna drew near. "I was thinking we dye his hair so he won't have to wear that hood."
"Nice, and I was thinking we add something to his overall face appearance." Anna smirked. "Might I suggest a curly mustache?" She pulled out a small case from her pockets as Tiki stared.
"You keep merchandise on you at all times...even in your sleep?" She questioned.
"A merchant has to be ready for any sale!" Anna grinned. "Oh, by the way...after this, you'll owe me a few pieces of gold."
"How much for this "agreed" makeover?" Mikel muttered.
"Ohh, so much emphasis on the word "agreed". I love it." Anna smirked. "For that little bit of sarcasm, I'll only charge you 3,000 gold."
"Three-three thousand?!"
"Oh don't worry, I took off 10 gold."
Somewhere else inside the castle...
"Are you certian, princess?" A solider asked Say'ri in her throne room.
"Aye, 'tis would be a nice treat to myself." Say'ri asked. "I will also be accompanied by three of the most fiercest warriors in the realm. I assure you I will be safe. Besides, I will only be taking a stroll throughout the neighboring town, if any harm were to strike, it should not be long before the castle is alerted."
"W-well, if you say so princess. We shall leave you to your relaxation." The guard started to leave the room.
"I am grateful to have such people care about my safety, but I assure you I need no assistance." Say'ri called after the guard after she left. As soon as the guard left, she sat on her throne and thought. She was going to buy a bit of supplies to help with disguising Mikel, but for some reason she didn't feel right about it. It was the best idea for him to keep a low profile, but she couldn't let him sit inside all day and night. He was already suspicious enough with his hood; A new look could cause even more trouble, and that would not be good. She was in a bit of a predicament, wondering weather or not this was the right choice. As she pondered the thoughts that ran through her head, she was interrupted by Anna and Tiki, dragging along a reluctant Mikel, who had his hair dyed a bright white color, and his face covered with light blue sunglasses. He sat on the ground with his arms crossed as the two girls struggled to drag him along the floor. Say'ri stood as she saw the two.
"My, he's still a fighter." Anna huffed.
"I never knew he fought about fashion." Tiki muttered.
"How do you mean?" Say'ri asked. "Does he disapprove of fashion?"
"With a strong passion." Mikel said as he stood. "I'm not sure why, but I detest it."
"I think I might know why." Anna said. "But it isn't important now. Shall we also come up with another name for him?"
"We should, in case anyone asks of his name." Say'ri said. "But what should we call him?"
The three girls stared at him. "I. Hate. This." The man muttered.
"Oh come on now, don't be such a baby." Anna sighed. "You're acting like a girl. Where's the Mikel we used to know who'd agree to anything?"
"I don't even remember being that Mikel!" He rubbed his forehead. "Okay, fine. I'll play along with this. You want a name? How about Robin? I've always been fond of Robin."
"Actually, that doesn't sound too bad." Anna muttered
"It sounds...sophisticated." Tiki smiled.
"Then from now on, until your memories return, we shall deem you ROBIN!"
"This...somehow feels degrading."
"Oh, and do tell why a new look would be degrading." Said a voice. The four looked down the throne room to see Virion and Cherche standing in the doorway. "Especially when it's only temporary. Personally, I think white hair suits you. It almost matches your family." Virion said as he walked down the hallway with Cherche behind him.
"Duke Virion and Duchess Cherche!" Say'ri sounded surprised. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to know why you needed us during teatime, my dear." Virion chuckled as he stood in front of her. "It seems you've been keeping a terrible secret from us all, milady. Perhaps keeping it all for yourself for more personal reasons?" His words made Say'ri blush and step back. "Whatever the reason, I am surely glad that you alerted us. I would be-"
"*Ahem*" Cherche interrupted. "We are very thankful for your sharing of the news, Princess Say'ri. We heard you refer to this young man as Mikel."
"Er...yes, I was getting to that." Virion sighed.
Upon hearing his actual name, Mikel hid behind Tiki and stared at the two like a child. Tiki chuckled at this and stepped out of the way. "Relax, they are no enemy. You knew them before me."
"Oh dear, is something the matter?" Cherche asked. "Can he not stand Virion's ramblings as well?" Cherche asked.
"Hey, I'll have you know that I-"
"It isn't that." Anna said. "He's got no memory of most of us. He needs something to trigger his memory."
"Something to trigger his memory?" Cherche said. She turned and looked at her husband.
"What is it my dear?" Virion looked at her.
"Go on, say something to trigger his memory." She told him. "If anything can trigger his memory, by the gods it'll be something you say."
"I'm terribly sorry my dear, but I'm afraid I'm at a loss for words on this..."
"There has to be something! You're normally prepared for this when you see old kitchen maids of the past!"
"Honey, this is not a maid, period!"
"Hmm..." Mikel was now standing next to Virion. Virion stepped back as the tactician stared at him. "You have a silver bow...perhaps you are an archer?"
"A bow knight, to be precise." Virion smiled.
"Knight...knight...something about that rings a bell..." He walked around and took a look at Virion. "A grown man wearing a bib...why in gods names would a duke-"
"B-bib?!" Virion stepped back in shock as the others laughed. "Now see here, you uncouth barbarian! This is a CRAVAT! This is the very height of fashion among sartorially minded nobility." He paused for a moment. "Strange, I recall a sense of what you call "Déjà vu" just then..."
"Wait, what did you just say?" Mikel asked.
"Hmm? Oh it's nothing too important, but I said-"
-flashback-"This is a CRAVAT! This is the very height of fashion amongst sartorially minded nobility."
Mikel only stared at the man, trying not to laugh. "...Sounds fancy. Your move?"
"Gya! I can forgive ignorance, but sarcasm is another matter! You've made a mockery of the delicate art of hollow flattery! I demand satisfaction on the field of battle, sir. Have at you!" Virion immediately sat down across from the boy, and the two began their chess match.
-end of flashback-
"Heh...heh heh..."
"Now what's in that genius head of yours?" Virion asked.
Mikel fell to the floor laughing, clutching his sides. "HAH HAH HAH! No matter what you say Virion, I shall always see it as a BIB!" Virion blushed furiously as the others started to laugh with him. "I remember how we used to play chest so many times! I couldn't focus due to that bib!"
"N-now look here, I recall you once admitting that I was better than you, more than once in fact!" Virion argued. This only caused the laughter to get louder. " *sigh* This is how he remembers me..."
Poor, Poor Virion. My only bow knight. He has to get laughed at sometimes during his supports! xD
So Chrom and Lissa are closing in! Many people want to know how I'll do this!
My secret~
Virion: The Duke of Rosanne. After the war, it took MUCH to get him a second chance with his people. In fact, very recently has he regained his throne. He's done a lot to stay on his people's good side and has strengthened Rosanne's defensives to a maximum. Despite his duties, he always finds time to spend with his wife and young son. Although he often flirts, he stays faithful to his family, as the wish of a dead friend.
The one most fond of dressing up.
Cherche: The Duchess of Rosanne capable of many things. With many hidden skills under her skin, she aids Virion to the best of her abilities with his people. From a servant to a wife to a mother to a duchess, Cherche has always managed things carefully, especially with her pet Wyvern, Minerva. After Mikel's departure, she often sends Minerva to search for him, even though countless searches have revealed nothing.
The one with the most snapshots of bugs.