Memories of You
Chapter Three
On the other side
Author's Notes
Me: I'm back!
Sully: Ah hell… And it was just getting quiet around here too.
Me: Hey!
Lucina: As always Edward Suoh does not own Fire Emblem Awakening.
Stahl: So what are we doing today?
Me: Ever wonder how the Shepherds were originally formed? (I haven't played any of the previous FEA games, so if it doesn't match up with the previous games… sorry)
Stahl: No not really.
Me: Well we'll get to meet the original founder soon. Also Valentine's Day! Last but not least, thanks for One Thousand views! Let's begin.
There had always been three since the founding of Ylissean Democracy; The Exalt, overseer of the people, the seat of war who was voted into office, and the seat of peace who was also voted into office. The current Exalt was of course Chrom; the seat of war was currently filled by Kirke a veteran from the war Chrom's father waged against Plegia; and the current seat of peace was a man named Dorian who was previously a disciple of Emmeryn and was the youngest seat of peace to date. And he had summoned Chrom.
Kirke was squirming in his seat silently and running his hand over the scar he got from a mage's Elfire tome. Dorian was adjusting his hat and looking over his list of petitions when Chrom entered. The atmosphere was awkward when he entered and his ruffled blue hair and sleep deprived eyes weren't helping. When they told him why they had called this meeting it got even worse.
"We need to keep searching for Adam. He's still out there." Chrom argued throwing his hands into the air in protest.
"Chrom with all due respect, your subjects are becoming frantic… I hesitate to say this but, he is just one man." Dorian said quietly.
"He's an Ylissean prince, a great tactician and the savior of the world! He's my brother and he has two children who miss him dearly." Chrom countered. "We can't abandon him!"
"Yes, trust us Chrom, we would love to have our prince back, but you have a responsibility Chrom as the leader of this country. We can't have our Exalt going on what very well may be a wild goose chase." Dorian began and paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. This was not going as planned.
Chrom opened his mouth to speak but stopped when Dorian raised his hand. "Now having said that, I do not in any way want to suggest that Adam is gone, or that we should stop looking for him. Just not you Chrom, Ylisse needs you. You have an army of Shepherds; why not send them to search?" He turned to Kirke who was still sitting absent mindedly. "Well why don't you say something? You are one third of Ylissean democracy after all; you could at least pretend to care."
He sighed and straightened himself in his seat. "I hold the seat of war. Adam was a tactician, so my position should be clear. Should our country every go to war again, though I pray to Naga every day that doesn't happen; we would need someone of his caliber to keep our men safe. However on the issue of our current Exalt I agree, his first duty is to the crown, his family comes second."
Chrom sighed. "I understand, please allow me to send a search party with my sister leading it. It is her husband after all that we are looking for."
Dorian stood up. "I object. Princess Lissa, if we were to lose her…"
"I will accompany them. " Kirke interjected.
Chrom and Dorian turned to Kirke in shock. "I will protect the young princess and see to the safe return of your brother, my prince. It is my duty to protect the royal blood. I failed with your father Chrom, and perhaps that was for the best, I cannot fail now."
Dorian sighed "When you get that look in your eyes I know there's no stopping you. Very well, gather your team Chrom and they will depart tomorrow." He said stressing they. He could tell Chrom still wanted to go despite the ruling.
"My Lord!" The trio turned to see an out of breath soldier. "There is a visitor to see you. She says it's urgent. She has a bald man with her as well. Both are armed to the teeth in armor."
Chrom nodded "Send her in. And him too." He ordered assuming it was the Khans of Ferox.
The soldier nodded and a few moments later Flavia and Basilo marched into the hall.
Dorian sat up and launched into his previously arranged greeting in cases such as this. "Welcome to the Ylisse I hope you enjoyed…"
"We don't have any time for pleasantries. Chrom we need your help. It's … well we think it is Plegia, but there is something odd about it." Flavia spoke abruptly. Dorian slouched down in his chair clearly sulking.
"How could Plegia be acting up so soon? Surely after their defeat at resurrecting Grima…" Kirke asked legitimately interested for the first time today.
"That's the unusual part, there seems to be members of the Grimeal including the Plegain women Aversa and Valmese soldiers, but most troubling, there are also rumors of Risen. Organized Risen, and several sightings of a chuckling fat mage with purplish hair." Basilo interrupted earning an elbow in the ribs from the current Khan.
"Excellus! But I thought… Say-Ri cut right through him. This doesn't make any sense." Chrom turned to the two politicians awaiting a decision, this was something they couldn't let pass unhindered.
"As the seat of war I move to send the Shepherds to counter this threat before it results in war." Kirke stood up and touched the scar over his eye. "I've been sitting around for too long. And…" He turned to Chrom. "We may run into Adam while were fighting. I doubt the great Ylissean Tactician would leave us to fend for ourselves. But you need to stay."
"I…"
"Chrom. Listen to them."
Chrom turned to see his two daughters and wife. Sumia stepped forward and embraced her husband. "Chrom, I let you go last time, but we have more Shepherds now and Lucina is old enough that she needs us."
"Father" Chrom looked over his wife's shoulder and saw Lucina. "Don't go. You need to stay. Let me go and find Adam."
Suddenly two strong arms wrapped around him for the back and he heard his other daughter Cynthia. "Dad, Mom is… well, she needs you now."
Chrom looked to his wife his eyes asking the question. "You're what?"
Sumia sighed. "I was going to keep it a secret, but Chrom. I'm pregnant with Cynthia."
Needless to say if his daughter hadn't been behind him he would have hit the ground. "HOW long has this been going on?!" Chrom asked in shock.
Sumia blushed. "Almost a month." She answered staring at her feet. Cynthia chuckled lightly.
"Come on dad, you knew it had to happen sooner or later. I am here aren't I? And I am your daughter." She said teasing the stuttering king.
Dorian coughed interrupting the rather embarrassing scene. "If that's all, we'll leave and let you two settle things. I vote with Kirke. Chrom gather some of your Shepherds. See to it that they remove this threat before it escalates. Any objections?" He looked around and seeing none left. But then again, he was the only one still capable of thinking about such minor things like war. Kirke followed suit. The Khans just stood their awkwardly.
"Excuse my manners…" Chrom said turning to the Khans keeping his calm even if momentarily.
"No." Flavia smirked. "It's no trouble at all." Chrom suspected she would be blackmailing him to help her keep her current seat of power with that moment for years and years.
"We have some guest rooms if you'd like." Chrom offered.
"Yes we'd like that." Basilo answered for the both of them.
Flavia glared but said nothing.
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"We'll be in Regna Ferox in less than an hour ma'am." The carriage driver answered the Ylissean princess.
"I have one more story if you want to hear it." Adam asked, more than willing to share. It was his first story with Lissa as more than friends, and still one of his favorites to tell. When Morgan had been trying to regain her memories this was the first story he told her.
Other Lissa shook her head. "No, you've already shared more than you need to. But thank you anyway." The princess politely refused. "Besides, I need to prepare for the speech. Are you finished?"
Adam nodded. After helping Chrom impress the council into investing in more farmland Chrom had given him the title of Duke and as such he travelled with the two siblings arranging peace treaties and border scuffles. Chrom and Lissa spent the majority of their free time helping out their sister, making decisions and attending meetings normally reserved for the Exalt.
Other Lissa began to look over her speech again. It was her duty to convey the problem and his to convince them to fix it. And while Regna Ferox had a strong trade with Ylisse and no one expected them to break off, it didn't hurt to foster trust.
That didn't stop him from vividly recalling the memory. This one would be his special secret. Well except for the fact that almost every Shepard had been told the story. If he had known they were following him…
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It was Valentine's Day. And they were the Shepherds. Saying things were going to be crazy was like saying Gregor had an accent. Obviously and slightly rude. But mostly obvious.
So Lissa had decided to do something special for her top secret crush; though it was fairly obvious to everyone else past one romantic oblivious tactician. But she had an idea to change that.
"Okay team. Today is Valentine's Day so we're going to pull the ultimate prank on Adam." Lissa announced to her rag tag team of prankers, AKA Henry and Ricken.
"Um, I'm confused. Aren't you supposed to do like… lovey dovey stuff on Valentine's Day? That's how we did it in Plegia until it was outlawed." Henry asked, while smiling with what would appear to be innocence, unless you knew him. "Ah good times."
"Well…" Lissa stuttered.
"You like him!" Ricken interjected very childlike.
Lissa blushed "I do not!"
"Sure." Ricken responded not buying it even a little bit. Of course the blush she was giving wasn't helping her story. But he let it drop, at least for now.
"Henry, I need to you to control some Risen for me, one or two should do it. Can I count on you?" Lissa asked the morbid sorcerer.
"Of course Nya Nya! I've always wanted a zombie as a pet." Henry answered boldly.
"And Ricken I need to you to get me a wolf."
"What! How would I get a wolf?" Ricken asked, shocked.
"I know your always playing with animals in the forest. You can get a wolf right?" Lissa asked.
"What! Are you crazy? I play with squirrels and birds, not wolfs…" Ricken said and then clamped his hand over his mouth.
Lissa smirked. "Figure out how to get me a wolf, or I'll tell everyone what you really do in the forest." Lissa blackmailed.
Ricken looked on in shock. "You… wouldn't…"
"Oh yeah watch me. HEY EVERYONE!" She looked at Ricken, challenging him. "RICKEN DOESN'T GO INTO THE FOREST TO PRACTICE MAGIC HE…" She abruptly stopped when Ricken put his hand over her mouth.
"Fine, I'll figure something out." Ricken looked to Henry. Said Plegain mage was hunched down poking a dead bird with a stick. It didn't look like he had heard anything, somehow.
Lissa smiled. "Okay team. Move out. I'll go get Adam." She answered, slightly too giddily for Ricken to not be suspicious. He almost went into a round of Lissa and Adam sitting in a tree, but he figured it wouldn't be wise to anger Lissa further.
As the two mages left Lissa headed back to the camp. Her plan was simple in theory. She had borrowed a few of Adam's tactical books and discovered a plan. She had to change it a little to fit her particular circumstances, but the idea remain basically the same. But despite its simplicity, so many things could go wrong. She was nervous. But that almost made it more exciting.
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Adam had seen many crazy things while working with Chrom. The list contained, but was not limited to; Gregor drinking a wyvern under the table, Gaius praying for it to rain down donuts, a woman with an axe who claimed to be a man (Libra, for those of you not following my logic) as well as a thousand year old child turn into a dragon and breath fire!
But he had to admit, this was if not the weirdest, it was definitely the most unusually. It appeared to be a massive, disproportioned squirrel, and on top of this unusual beast was a Risen sword master, bobbling up and down with both of its arms severed. And it was chasing Lissa.
Lissa was running away from the discombobulated beast and rider and was headed straight for him. Adam stopped for a moment and decided to let things play out. After all this was Lissa. And maybe this didn't have anything to do with him. He shook his head. There was no way that was happening. He was deluding himself.
He stepped forward and approached the beast. Lissa ran behind him, holding onto him for protection. Drawing his tome he sent a quick burst of fire at it. He expected the beast to crumple and then he could finish off the handicapped (pardon the pun) Risen without much difficulty.
Except it didn't quite work out that way. The fire sizzled out upon reaching it and the beast continued towards the camp. Adam cursed under his breath and drew his steel sword. "It's immune to magic..." he turned to face the young woman behind him. "What did you do Lissa!?"
"Ricken did it I swear! I'll explain later." She promised and drew her staff.
Adam turned back to the squirrel and seeing it charging towards the camp, pushed Lissa out of the way, diving on top of her to protect her. He managed to push her out of the monster's path of destruction, but he himself was sent flying. The amnesiac was thrown to the trunk of a large tree. His back hit the wood and his neck whiplashed, knocking him out cold.
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The Grandmaster of Ylisse shot up abruptly. He immediately regretted it; wincing as a sharp pain shot up his arm. Opening his eyes he saw he was lying in Lissa's bed, and he was drenched in sweat. He scanned the room around him and saw Lissa, Chrom, Ricken and Maribelle hunched over him.
"Back up everyone, give him some space." Chrom ordered and the little semicircle retreated giving the platinum blonde haired man some room to breathe. "Are you all right?"
He nodded and turned to address the group. "Okay first things first… what was that squirrel thing?" Adam asked. He saw everyone glance at Lissa and then Ricken answered.
"Lissa was trying to prank you. She blackmailed me into making that squirrel monster and Henry made the Risen. I had no choice I swear." Ricken said, begging for forgiveness.
"Aren't you supposed to do; you know romantic stuff on Valentine's Day?" Chrom asked his sister. She kept her head down.
"I'm sorry Adam; it was supposed to be a joke. I wanted to see that rubbery face. I would never even dream of hurting you!" Lissa swore, tears escaping her already misty eyes.
'She has been crying' Adam realized with a start. 'Crying for me…' "I believe you Lissa." He said wiping the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry I worried you." She saw him smile and her lip tugged upwards.
"I wouldn't say she was worried, I would say she was beside herself with worry. She tried to heal you on the spot, but her arms were shaking so much she couldn't even properly address the wound. She was near inconsolable." Maribelle smirked. "I had to come and save you. Your welcome."
"So Chrom, what happened to the squirrel?" Adam asked, turning his attention from the princess who was glaring daggers at her noble friend, to her brother.
"Sumia managed to calm it down. Ricken then returned it to its normal size. It scampered back into the forest. Gaius, who was apparently gathering honey with Sumia at the time, dispatched the Risen without injury." Chrom explained; though it didn't slip pass Adam that Chrom seemed to tighten his hand when he mentioned Sumia being around Gaius. Adam smirked. 'It appeared Chrom was oblivious as always. Sumia had eyes only for him. And she always would.'
"Glad to hear no one was injured." Adam sighed, his worry about the Shepherds fading.
"Well except for you. I managed to heal your neck just fine, but the horrid job Lissa did on your arm kept me from healing it. The staff couldn't be used on it, so you'll have to let it run its course naturally." Maribelle explained.
He turned his attention back to Lissa. "So… what are we going to do with you?" he asked.
"She already decided on her punishment darling. She says she'll stay with you and help you recuperate for as long as you need, though I doubt it was out of guilt." Unfortunately for Adam, Maribelle left before she could elaborate further. Ricken likewise, slipped out.
"Why don't you go check on Sumia, Chrom, I'm sure she would appreciate it." Adam suggested giving Chrom some long overdue love advice.
Chrom slipped away with a faint smile on his face and Adam turned to Lissa. "So, since it was Valentine's Day, I had plans to go out to dinner with a special lady friend of mine, but since I'll be needing your help to go anywhere…" he blushed and then continued. "Would you like to go to dinner with me?"
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The two were taken to the balcony, which was at the back of the restaurant, specially reserved for Ylissean nobles. The waiters were very pleased to serve the infamous tactician whom Chrom so highly favored. And they practically squealed with delight when they saw the young princess accompanying him.
Lissa lead him through the path of tables and chairs, carefully guiding him while holding his uninjured arm. While Lissa was secretly enjoying the attention and closeness, she still felt bad that she was playing second fiddle to whoever Adam was going to invite. His "special lady friend" whoever she was. Probably Cordelia, besides Chrom every guy in camp seemed to be head over heels for her, and why wouldn't they be? She was beautiful, smart, humble and incredibly kind. She felt jealousy. She had resolved to enjoy this time, but the guilt and humiliation made her sick to her stomach.
She felt lots of eyes on her, and despite the fact that she was used to this being Emmeryn's sister, she still felt her face heating up. After all, everyone here was here was here as a couple and celebrating Valentine's Day, except for her. She was just here because a stupid decision of hers injured a very important friend. He didn't blame her, but that didn't stop her for blaming herself.
She led Adam to the balcony where they were seated. They sat down on each end of the circular table and were handed a menu each. Lissa ended up ordering a pepper slow cooked ham, and Adam ordered a medium rare roasted bear. Lissa was shocked that they served that here, but the waiter didn't even look slightly perturbed.
"I'm sorry that you have to be stuck with me. I promise I'll pay you back…" Lissa began before Adam raised his eyebrows in confusion and stopped her.
"What makes you think I'm stuck with you? I asked you to come didn't I?" Adam asked.
"I know you want to keep my morale up and all, but I'm sure you would have rather been here with Cordelia or Tharja." Lissa answered keeping her head down.
The previous statement caused Adam to spit out his water in a very ungentlemanly manner. He looked at Lissa in shock. Lissa smiled finally seeing the rubbery face she had been seeking. Adam took her hand using the one that wasn't injured. "Look Lissa. Who do you think I was going to ask if I hadn't been injured?"
"Probably Cordelia..." Lissa answered, but under the scrutinizing gaze of her crush she realized that wasn't the answer.
"You." That one simple word shook Lissa's entire world. "Who else?"
"M... me?" Lissa's ears seemed to be moving much faster than her brain as her ears were flushing red hot while her brain was still trying to come up with a coherent response.
"Lissa, I had always wanted to come here with you. And as for Cordelia, why would I go with her? She can't make me smile like you can. I never even considered her for a second." Adam explained a smile on his face that suggested he found this entire situation absurd.
"Stop smiling like that. It's embarrassing…" Lissa begged.
Adam smirked. "And to think this whole time I was worried about you rejecting me. After all I'm a commoner, and I don't even know who I am. For all I know my life isn't even mine to give. I might be a slave to someone. This mark on my hand… am I bound to someone? Some cult maybe… I just don't know." With that last line his smile faded and his brow dropped.
"Why wouldn't I like you? You're smart, strong, you are always striving to help us and you're really kind to all of us. You even put up with my pranks. And if someone comes and claims you, they'll have to go through me." Lissa swore.
"Do you know what the point of the prank was?" She asked, the tone suddenly changing into a much more serious one.
"To see my face, right…?" Adam asked, though the mere fact that she chose to bring it up now suggested otherwise.
"I was going to pose as… well a damsel in distress. The idea being that once you saved me…" She blushed. "I would… um, reward you."
Adam stared for a moment "And by reward, you mean…" he trailed off.
"Yes, I was going to kiss you. If you rejected me I could claim it was a heat of the moment thing, but if not well…" Lissa explained her face the same hue as a tomato's.
"Well what? What would you have done if I hadn't rejected you?" Adam asked leaning closer to the princess.
"Let's find out." She started leaning towards him closing her eyes as she went.
"Wait, Lissa." Adam said stopping her.
"Sorry, I just…" Lissa said beginning to apologize as she pulled back.
"No, not that." He reached into the vase between them and pulled out the rose. He handed it to her and then put his hand up.
"What are you doing?" Lissa asked confused.
"Five." He began.
"Five what?" Lissa asked, but Adam shushed her.
He lowered one of his fingers. "Four…" Lissa recognized that look in his eyes. It was best to just wait and see what he was planning.
"Three…" he lowered another finger.
"Two…" As only two fingers remain, Lissa's heart began to speed up. Just what could he have planned?
"One…" Lissa held her breath…
"Zero… now." He pointed towards the sky and just as she looked the sky itself seemed to explode. After a second round she realized they were fireworks. There was explosions of green, red, blue yellow and many other colors that seemed to illuminate the sky, each better than the other as though trying to outdo each other.
Lissa turned around and Adam caught her lips in a passionate embrace.
Adam blushed, pulled back blushing and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry. You just looked so cute."
Lissa didn't say anything but leaned in and kissed him back.
When they pulled away Adam took Lissa's hand. "Would you like to go out with me?"
Lissa mocked contemplated that for a moment. "I don't know…" She smiled "Of course."
"I would hug you but I think my arm is broken…but now I get to spend all my time mending it with you, so I don't mind. Happy Valentine's Day Lissa. I'm glad I got to spend it with you."
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"Chrom, may I speak with you for a moment?" Chrom turned to see the current seat of war standing at the balcony, leaning on the railing.
"With all due respect sir, I need to rally the troops and arrange the transportation…" Chrom began.
"And no doubt Fredrick has already done all that and more, so why don't you tell me where you are really going. And be honest Chrom, I'll know." Kirke asked the Exalt, his eye never leaving the setting sun.
Chrom sighed. "I was going to Emm's grave and ask her to help us end this peacefully before it escalates to war…" he trailed off for and moment and then added "If possible. I know it's naïve to not at least consider the possibility."
"Want to end this skirmish peacefully? Don't want any more blood on your hands young king?" Kirke asked finally turning to the blue haired royal.
He nodded turning back to the illuminated sky. "That's certainly part of it, but…" Chrom hesitated.
"You fear for your unborn daughter and pregnant wife." Kirke stated Chrom's inner thoughts as though he was reading an open book. Chrom looked over at his father's bodyguard who had his eyes back to the sun once more. "I've been alive I long time, and I've seen many things." He touched the scar that ran across his left eye, sealing it closed.
"Where are you going with this sir? I mean no offense but…" Chrom asked.
"None taken boy." He smirked. "Do you know how I got my scar?" Without waiting for an answer he continued. "After I founded the Shepherds I vowed to end conflict as peacefully as I could. So when we had a skirmish with some bandits, I reacted too slowly. In my naivety I hesitated and their leader struck my eye with an Elfire and while I was distracted he took my wife hostage. The only way to rescue her would be to kill him, but once more I hesitated and he dove off the cliff taking my wife with him. I'll never forget that man. Not a day goes by that I don't ask myself whether or not I made the right choice… surely my wife was worth more than his life, and he was going to die anyway, but does anyone ever have the right to take a life? Would I have been wrong to take his life?" He sighed.
"Sorry, I've been rambling Kirke apologized.
Chrom shook his head. "I don't mind, and I should be the one telling you I'm sorry, for your loss that is."
"Thank you boy; Bring peace, but protect what is important to you." Kirke warned. "Or else, you'll end up like me. An old fool mourning what could have been."
Author's Notes
Me: Jeez, sorry it took so long, but I wanted it to be perfect. I hope it was.
Kirke: Creating characters isn't easy.
Inigo: Especially when they need to compare to us! Right Owain?
Dorian: I happen to be more fleshed out than you later on Inigo. I have a backstory; you're just a pretty-boy/playboy.
Inigo: That does it! I don't care if you're a pacifist; I'm going to make you eat your teeth!
Dorian: Silly child, I'll eat them on purpose.
Inigo: Wait… what?!
Me: Moving on… I hope you liked it, thank you for staying with me. I wanted to have some kind of dating thing, since FEA goes from A (friends with potential) to S (marriage, or companions…). So I basically have free reign. Rock on!