"Damn it, damn it, damn it! Curse it all!"

Takumi watched as the tree snapped in half, unable to take the flurry of arrows that were being shot at its trunk. His fingers were numb from both the cold and from excessive use of his bow. However, it did nothing to deter the maelstrom of emotions that were churning inside him. He had failed Basilio. He had dishonored Lon'qu and the time he spent training to make Takumi a better warrior. He felt nothing but pure disappointment and loathing for himself.

He threw Fujin Yumi to the ground, kicking a wayward snow pile in his anger. He let out a few more heavy breaths before he sat down in the frozen slush. He no longer cared if he was freezing or if his clothes would be soaked. He curled up into his knees, biting his trembling lip. He had a sacred weapon, one apparently "lost to the ages". It had chosen him out of everyone. If that was the case, why wasn't he a better warrior? Didn't sacred weapons usually choose men who were already esteemed? They were the ones whose stories would be passed down in legends. Marth, the fabled Hero-King he had read about, was one of those types. A prince who led his kingdom into a time of peace after much bloodshed and war had ravaged the lands.

He wasn't like that. He couldn't even win a simple tournament. Maybe the bow mistook him for someone else, Takumi sarcastically mused. It wouldn't be the first time he felt utterly useless and incompetent.

"I want to crawl into a hole and die…"

"Please don't do that. I'd be sad if you did." Takumi raised his head when a warm cloak was draped over his shoulders. Olivia sat down next to him, giving him a shy smile. "I'm sorry, but do you mind if I sit next to you?"

Takumi shook his head. "No. Not at all."

"I-I know I'm not very good with words, b-but I wanted to say that you did marvelous yesterday during the competition."

"Don't remind me," Takumi gruffly snapped. "I lost. There's nothing marvelous about that."

"That's not true!" Olivia retorted, shocking Takumi with the conviction in her tone. "You're one of the greatest warriors I've seen!"

Olivia blinked before her face turned scarlet red when she realized what she had blurted out. She squeaked, hiding her face in her knees and began apologizing so fast that her words became incomprehensible. Takumi simply stared at her before letting out a laugh. Olivia peeked through her bangs, spotting a light smile on his face.

"You think so?"

She nodded. "I've been in Ferox for a long time. I've seen a lot of battles held in that arena. You fought well."

"I wish I could believe that as strongly as you do…I can see my faults and weakness so easily. They're constantly staring me in the face, mocking me that I'll never be good enough for anything."

"I understand. When I have to do a performance, I always feel like I do terrible because I know that my moves aren't always perfect. The audience doesn't think so because they don't see what I see. It's the same for you, isn't it?"

"Yeah…" Takumi quietly replied. "I owe you guys my life. I just…I want to be of more use to you."

"You're fine just the way you are, Takumi. Don't ever believe that Basilio and Lon'qu would think otherwise."

"How can you be so sure about that?"

"Well, I've been around them a lot longer. I would hope I know them by now," she giggled. "I too owe Basilio a debt of gratitude, but he's never asked for more than I could give. So don't be so hard on yourself. You'll have plenty more chances to prove yourself, if that's what you're trying to do."

"I hope you're right…" Takumi sighed as he watched Olivia stand up to leave. "Olivia?"

She turned back to him. "Yes?"

"Thank you…for trying to help me feel better. I…appreciate it."

"I'm glad I was able to be of any help at all," she answered honestly, letting out a shaky breath. "I should be thanking you as well."

"Why's that?"

"Yesterday, I sang 'Lost in Thoughts All Alone'. I now remember why it was such a special song. It speaks to everyone in some shape or form. I feel like…its lyrics might be talking about you. I want you to know them too."

Takumi felt a hopeful feeling swell in his chest. "You would do that for me despite your supposed 'croaking bird' voice?"

"Yes. If it can help restore your memories…and bring you home where you belong, who am I to deny that from you?"

"Can we start now?" he asked as he picked up Fujin Yumi, brushing snow off the sleek wood.

"If you want," Olivia replied. "But only if you promise to stop saying bad things about yourself."

"No promises there…but I can try."

"That's all I can ask for."

"Takumi."

Both Olivia and Takumi snapped their heads towards the voice. Lon'qu made his way over to the two, looking over Takumi. Takumi gave a curt bow with his head, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but near the myrmidon. Lon'qu snatched Takumi's right wrist and held it aloft despite the archer's protests. His eyes narrowed at the thin stream of blood that ran down his fingers.

"You were out here all morning, weren't you?"

"What's it matter to you?" Takumi spat. "I'm nobody. Why should you even care?"

"I'm not going to argue with you about this," Lon'qu responded, dragging the younger man along with him. "Come. The Khan requests your presence."

Takumi paled as whatever retort he had wanted to say died in his throat. Olivia followed closely behind them, whispering some sort of encouraging word to ease his worries. A whirlwind of situations passed through his mind that could incur the wrath of Basilio. The uncertainty ate away at him for a good fifteen minutes before he found himself in the Feroxi Arena once again. He blinked when he saw Chrom and Robin waiting there alongside Basilio. The bald man grinned heartily at them once they were all there. Lon'qu released his grip on Takumi's wrist, causing Takumi to nearly tip over from the force at which he was being dragged along.

"We got the whole gang here! Perfect!"

"Khan Basilio? What is the meaning of—?"

"These two are the pride and joy of West Ferox. Consider them our contribution to the Ylissean cause!" Basilio said as he motioned to Lon'qu and Takumi, interrupting what Olivia had wanted to say.

"EH!?" Takumi exclaimed. Was he getting dumped on a foreign army without being asked? "I didn't sign up for this!"

"I did it for you!" laughed Basilio. "This is a perfect excuse for you to see the world outside Ferox's walls."

"But—"

"What did I just say about that word and you yesterday?"

Takumi growled, remembering clearly. He eyed Chrom and Robin. They looked just as shocked as he was by the sudden turn events. Chrom cleared his throat, trying to get the boisterous bald man's attention.

"Well…" Chrom began uncertainly. "We definitely wouldn't object to having them, but this is awfully sudden. Are you sure Lon'qu and Takumi want this?"

"Come on. Does kicking Plegia right between the legs sound like fun?"

"He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear," Lon'qu tersely answered. "Takumi, however…"

"I refuse!" Takumi shouted. "I want nothing to do with these outsiders!"

"You were once an outsider too."

"Shut it, Lon'qu."

"Not to be rude, but I think one 'Archest Archer' is enough for this army," Robin deadpanned. "Sacred weapon or not, I think he needs some time to correct his attitude towards others first before he's sent out to war."

"You sure?" Basilio asked, a devious twinkle in his eye. "You're the only tactician in your motley crew, right? Surely your job gets stressful when you're the only one trying to keep everyone else alive?"

"Well…yes? What does that have to do with this guy?"

"Other than being a hell of a good shot, Takumi is the biggest egghead in all of Ferox. You won't find a mind sharper than his. It's probably that intellect that doesn't allow him to trust everyone at first glance, unlike you. Even if he isn't sent out to battle, his tactical awareness alone would prove invaluable to you."

Takumi's face flushed crimson. "You're just saying that…"

Basilio laughed again. "No need to be so modest, ya nerdy sprog! Take my word for it when I say you're better than you think you are. You want to prove that you're worthy to serve under me? Then give Plegia and the Mad King hell, Feroxi style!"

"…Alright," Takumi answered, unable to oppose the cheery attitude of his superior. "I suppose I can work with these 'Shepherds' or whatever they call themselves."

"Then welcome aboard," Chrom said. "We're happy to have such capable warriors on our side."

"We will be leaving later today to head back to Ylisstol. Take the time to get yourself ready."

Lon'qu grunted his acknowledgement to Robin while Takumi remained silent. The archer wasn't particularly happy about this. He was only doing it to please the Khan. Robin knew that and somehow she felt like there was more to him that he wasn't revealing to anyone. She carefully watched him as he spoke with the dancer from the previous night's celebration. She was telling him something that Robin couldn't quite hear, but it must've been important judging by the attentive look on Takumi's face.

"What do you think, Robin?"

"Huh?"

Chrom laughed. "Lost in your thoughts again? I asked what your opinion was about our newest recruits."

Robin awkwardly smiled, a small blush coating her cheeks. "Oh. Well, I'll have to do some observation of Lon'qu's abilities before I can give you a decent report. As for Takumi, he might be a better archer than Virion simply because he has that sacred bow. Being able to wield swords as well will allow him to handle things on his own a bit better since he doesn't always need to keep his distance. I think he'll be a valuable ally if we can earn his trust."

"That might be a while," Chrom said with a sigh. "He still hates my guts and I doubt he'll forget his loss anytime soon. You might have to be the one to take the first step."

"No problem!" Robin announced. "I'll earn that pineapple-head's trust easily. I just need to find out what makes him tick first."

"I wish you luck on that endeavor and I pray to Naga that Takumi won't be mentally scarred from your exploits."

Robin snickered, a devilish gleam in her eyes and rubbing her hands together. "I'm going to enjoy this."

"I'm surrounded by idiots."

That was the prevalent thought running through Takumi's mind after getting introduced to his new "comrades", if they could even be called that. If these people served the Exalt of Ylisse, he sincerely feared for her safety if these kinds of people were being employed to protect her and her kingdom. The Pegasus Knight kept falling flat on her face, the female Mage kept using words most of the ignoramuses couldn't understand, and the lone Knight they had was constantly forgotten and overlooked. Takumi was guilty of doing the same and he felt bad for it since Kellam really didn't deserve it, especially when he worked so hard to keep the others safe. Vaike seemed to be a several arrows short of a full quiver, he feared for the safety of his lower parts whenever he was around Sully, and that damned tactician seemed intent on following him wherever he went.

Lon'qu was the only one he felt comfortable to be around. Watching the myrmidon practicing his swordplay even amidst the strangers was a welcoming sight to see. It reminded him that he wasn't completely alone in the ragtag group of soldiers.

Takumi sunk lower in the bath, submerging the lower half of his face. It wasn't like he desperately needed to wash himself. All he wanted was some alone time to reel in all his thoughts and feelings. It wouldn't be long before they reached Ylisstol, the capital of Ylisse, and be personally introduced to her highness. Takumi wasn't sure whether to feel intimidated or honored. He had heard numerous things about Exalt Emmeryn and they were nothing but sheer praise. She ruled over her people justly and fairly, always seeking to keep peace even with the constant threat of war from Plegia hanging over her head. He held nothing but respect for a woman like that. Chrom and Lissa were very lucky to have an older sister like Emmeryn and he couldn't help but feel a bit jealous because of that.

He smirked to himself at the thought of the youngest royal. Lissa was a princess only in name. She acted like a child, but it seemed to bring smiles to most of the Shepherds. She was particularly determined to make friends with Lon'qu, but the myrmidon didn't want to be near her due to his issue with women. It was comical to witness. Takumi jokingly wondered how long it would be before Lon'qu either snapped or gave in to Lissa's antics.

He suddenly jerked when he heard the flap to the tent open and what sounded like a muttered curse. He turned his head around, spotting Chrom clothed in nothing but a towel with his hands over his eyes and a blush on his face.

"Oh gods! Not again! I'm sorry!"

Takumi raised an eyebrow. "What are you getting so worked up about? If you're going to take a bath, then take a bath."

Chrom peeked through his fingers. He seemed to relax when he realized it was Takumi who had spoken. He let out a relieved sigh. "Oh thank Naga. I saw long hair and thought you were Robin for a moment there."

"For what possible reason would Robin be in the men's bathing tent?" Takumi scathingly questioned. "Use some common sense, genius."

"I know, but…these tents aren't marked."

"True. Judging by your reaction, you blundered into her while she was bathing before. Am I wrong?"

The blush on Chrom's face returned, much brighter than before. "I swear it was completely by accident."

"And you're royalty…It's almost shameful you weren't raised better."

"I said it was an accident! It's not like I wanted to walk in on her!"

"Accident or not, it doesn't change the fact that you did. If you can't discern which tent is what in your own camp, it's no wonder that Robin is the real one in charge of this army. I worry for the state of your country if you ever succeed your sister."

Chrom scowled. "Do you ever have anything nice to say?"

"Only if you earn it," Takumi quipped as he exited the bath. "Which you obviously haven't yet."

Chrom was about to voice his protest, but he stopped for some reason. Takumi wrung out his hair, waiting for the man to say something. When the silence continued for several minutes, Takumi began to get curious. He looked over his shoulder, seeing Chrom a lot closer to his back than he realized. He was looking at something on his left shoulder.

"Did I miss a spot or do you get some sick sort of pleasure from looking at me like that?" Takumi growled out.

Chrom snapped out of his daze. "What? Oh hell no! I was just…You have a strange mark on your shoulder."

Takumi blinked. "I do?"

"You didn't know?"

"I can't exactly look back there."

"It's not a tattoo…it looks like a birthmark, just like my Brand is."

"Brand?"

Chrom didn't say anything else, but his contemplative frown told Takumi that it was something big. Whatever else that wanted to be said was interrupted by a high-pitched shriek. Both men whirled their heads and spotted Robin, red-faced and hands over her eyes. She deviously had a split between her fingers which allowed her to peek at the almost naked men before her. She grabbed the nearest item, which happened to be a bar of soap, and chucked it at Chrom. More items went flying solely at the prince while Takumi retreated to retrieve his clothing.

"HAVE YOU NO SHAME!?"

"Robin! You walked in on us!"

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING!? AND PULL THAT DAMN TOWEL UP WHEN YOU'RE TALKING TO A LADY!"

Yep. Complete idiots, Takumi thought as he finished putting on his clothes. His hand lingered over his shoulder where the strange mark was supposed to be. He wondered why Chrom was so intrigued by it, not to mention the so called "Brand" he mentioned. By the time he walked out of the bathing tent, Robin was bowing before Chrom and apologizing profusely for throwing numerous pointy objects at him. Takumi couldn't help but smirk at both of them. They certainly had quite the friendship if they could get away with seeing each other naked and still manage to be on good terms fifteen minutes later. Robin noticed him and gave him an apologetic look.

"That was you, Takumi? In all that steam you looked like a woman from behind."

"…I'm going to ignore that comment," Takumi stated, trying to keep his annoyance in check. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to finish that conversation. What were you going to say before, Chrom?"

"Well…" Chrom started as he rubbed his stinging ear. "Actually, never mind. It's probably nothing important."

Takumi gave the prince a suspicious look, but decided not to pry further. He was merely guessing at what it was. It didn't necessarily mean Chrom knew what it was. It would be a question to ask another time. He made his way past the two, heading back to his tent to turn in for the night. He paused when a finger tapped his shoulder.

"Um, Takumi?"

"What is it, Robin?"

"Can I talk with you?"

"…I suppose so."

The tactician walked up to him and kept her stride by his side. She looked like she had a million questions to ask, but wasn't sure which one she wanted to choose or if he even wanted to talk to her. Takumi knew she was like him: a stranger in a world that she knew nothing about other than through outside sources. He felt guilty he had treated her so horribly at first. She didn't really know anything about herself any more than he did. Despite that, there was a buried hatred towards her for inexplicable reasons.

But that didn't mean he couldn't try and overcome it.

"Start wherever you want," he said with a sigh. "I'll try and answer what I can."

And so began the stream of questions that ran from Robin's mouth. He lost count of how many she had asked. She had wondered about very minute details about him. He was honestly glad she did. It allowed him to see the scope of how much he could remember about himself. His birthday, his likes, his dislikes, his favorite food, his book preferences, and his tactical knowledge were of the things he could remember clearly after her "interrogation".

"I have this wonderful anthology on the history of Ylisse. It might help broaden your view on Chrom's home."

"I would appreciate that. Thank you."

"…Say, Takumi?"

"Yeah?"

"If you ever need anything, you can come to me," Robin said confidently. "We eggheads need to stick together, am I right?"

Takumi laughed. "You wish. I can handle myself. I don't know about you if you're walking into the men's bathing tent and mistaking me for a woman."

"That hair is so deceiving!" Robin retorted, though an embarrassed blush coated her cheeks. "It looks better than mine!"

"Was it the hair you were staring at or something else?"

"I didn't mean to peek either!"

"Sure you did. Tell that to Chrom. I saw where your eyes went, you dirty tactician."

"Sh-Shut up, ya prissy, pretty boy!"

"Okay, calm down Robin," she thought. "It's progress. I can't expect him to be all hunky-dory with me right away. This is a start. Just a little bit at a time. He'll open up…eventually."

Oh, how I love hilarious bath scenes. Not much happening again, but I wanna have them all get to know each other, little by little, in between the big events that happen in the game. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and stay tuned for the next one!