Chapter 59: Say'ri


Emmeryn knew that she could, and likely should join the Shepherd in sleeping. Instead, she turned her fins to the ocean depths, and searching through them. Dark as the waters were, she knew that Say'ri's hair would be a shade darker… And it was all the more pressing that she find that band of merfolk.

And get answers from them.

She somehow knew that they wouldn't be too far; they'd follow at a distance, always wary but also curious about Chrom and Robin. Lissa gave a sleepy mumble as Emmeryn pulled her along, but she persisted in searching… And it didn't take long for her to find them, sheltered in a rocky cove.

Say'ri's band of Mer didn't care for the open water; that much was clear with how they were on edge. Just the sight of Emmeryn and Lissa swimming overhead had their hands on their weapons. The forward scouts watched them through narrowed eyes, all tensed and ready for a fight.

"Peace." Emmeryn told them. The band recognized her voice, relaxing by a touch… But not all of them left their weapons, eyes still on Lissa and treating her as a new face.

"Huh. They look good and friendly." Lissa drawled, eyeing the band up.

"We've reason to be cautious." One of the guards told them, frowning at Lissa. "Too many new arrivals, and we aren't certain of their loyalties."

Lissa started to harrumph at that.

"I hope that I can vouch for my own." Emmeryn kept her own voice mild… But her gaze was hard, watching the guard. And it was the guardswoman who looked away first, grumbling.

"Well… You've yet to let us down, it's true." She allowed. Emmeryn recognized her features; she'd been one of those who spear headed the raids against Validar. And as a consequence, had gathered an impressive collection of scars. Some of them Emmeryn had healed herself, when they cut too close to lungs or gills. "You… Said that's your own? A sister, mayhap? You've got a lot of surprises, Lady Emmeryn."

She regarded Lissa again, and likely picked out the similarities between the two.

"…Alright. She can pass with you. Seems like this is turning into a family reunion all around." Emmeryn wanted to ask about that, but instead settled for a different question.

"Where might I find the lady Say'ri?"

"In the shadow of the hills, just behind us. It was the best hiding place we could find, out in this blasted desert." The woman sighed out. "No kelp forests to hide in, or caves… I hope we don't have to stay out in open ocean for much longer. The sooner everyone can heal up and start swimming, the better off we'll ALL be."

With that ringing in her ears, Emmeryn guided Lissa onwards. The other girl had a moment of struggling; even if she couldn't seem to remember it, her body recalled when she'd moved by means of legs instead of fins.

'I wonder… Was the same true for me?' She'd been sluggish and confused as well, when Chrom first found and rescued her from Validar's clutches. Looking at Lissa was like looking back at herself, when she'd been lost and confused.

There wasn't much time to dwell on that, however. The sea hills rose up to meet them, blue tinged dunes. Only the crests of the hills caught the ripples of moonlight; little flashes of silve among the sands. In the darker shadows, she caught the forest green of Say'ri's tail.

"My lady…?" Emmeryn called out.

"Ah. The lady Emmeryn returns." Say'ri's motions were sluggish, and it was clear she'd taken on wounds from the last battle… And that she'd put off having them treated.

"You… Had all of your soldiers healed before seeing to yourself, didn't you?" Emmeryn allowed a touch of scolding into her voice.

"Much like I've seen you do, working yourself to a wraith to heal others." Say'ri smoothly countered, and Emmeryn dipped her head in defeat.

That was when she saw the figure in the shadows. His topknot was half undone, leaving strands of gray hair to float about his face. That face was well lined and scrunched in pain… Likely due to the mess of scales coating his legs, almost like scabs, and the half formed gills laying like cuts along his neck.

"My soldiers call him an abomination, with how he seems half formed. I… Don't know what to do about him." Say'ri told her. "The kindest thing would be to put a knife through his neck, but…" But the notion clearly repulsed her, with how her voice went tight. "But… I would rather ask a favor of you. If you can… Spare him. With whatever magic grants you such powers."

"What do you-?"

"You changed that girl; I glimpsed that much in the battle." Say'ri's eyes bored into Lissa. Her sister froze at that remark while Say'ri continued, this time watching Emmeryn.

"I haven't told anyone else but… I caught him, as he sank beneath the waves. And I didn't want him to die; I think between that wish and the magic you worked, he was caught up in the spell. And there's something about him that…" She frowned. "Something that seems oddly familiar."

"H-he helped me!" Lissa blurted out, staring at the man. "I.. The details are a bit hazy, but…"

"So there is something good about him." Say'ri murmured, staring at Lissa like she could will a few more memories into her head.

"It's… A bit foggy, but the rough idea I get is that he saved me from some creep in red armor-"

"The conqueror. Walhart." Say'ri growled. "I remember very little about him, beyond a sharp rage… And I thought this man was loyal to him. But apparently, not when another's life was on the line."

"Say'ri? I think there's something I can remember; something that Yen'fay said." Lissa scratched at her head, like she'd dig something up in the process. "S-something about… His loyalty to Walhart was shaky now. After seeing how he treated… Oh gods, I think he was talking about you, Say'ri! He knows you!"

Lissa didn't seem to quite believe herself, even as she spoke. But she still pointed to the scales spreading along the man's form… And Emmeyrn couldn't help but notice how they were an echo of Say'ri's own.

"He sort of… Looks like a brother of yours." Lissa finished. Emmeryn gave a soft murmur as well. "But… How is that possible? You're a Mer and he's-"

"D-don't forget about Chrom." Emmeryn murmured.

"I didn't! Really! I just was… Focused on other things." Lissa ducked her head, and Emmeryn could guess she didn't want to admit the truth; that thinking back to Chrom made her body feel like it had been replaced by water, and her brain turn to mist. If she was anything like Emmeryn, then her already wavery thoughts went even more blurred out and confused.

"I… Guess you might be right, though. About Yen'fey being Say'ri's sibling." Lissa allowed. "Especially if a weirdo like that can be OUR brother,"

"Lissa…" Emmeryn sighed out.

"H-hey! I'm just trying to tell Say'ri that compared to that, this guy being her brother isn't that far fetched!" Say'ri gave a cautious, almost agreeing hum to that.

"Um… Just to check, you're not going to tell Chrom I said any of that, right? I-I could give you my share of desserts… Wait. Do we even HAVE desserts? It just sounds like those are something good." The best Emmeryn could do was lay a hand on Lissa's head, to better reassure her.

"I'll keep your secret… Provided we help Say'ri with her problem."

"As to that… Lady Emmeryn, I wish to speak with you. Privately." Say'ri emphasized the last, giving her guards a hard look. With a mumble and dip of their heads, they swam off.

"Ever since I sent Chrom and Robin off to the lighthouse. I've had… Dreams. Or rather, nightmares. I don't know how else to describe them; I… Have tried to kill any fear or doubt, for the sake of leading my troops. And yet when I shut my eyes, those feelings grab me up in their teeth."

"What is it you dream of?" Emmeryn pressed.

"My death." Say'ri said, blunt as a slap. It took Emmeryn another shuddering breath, before Say'ri could continue. "I… Dream of a red and black ship; a war ship. And when I see that thing, I feel such a hatred pass through me. Like I've faced that ship as an enemy before, and never been able to best it… Or the man on board that ship. A conqueror wearing red armor, looking as though he has bathed in blood. And looking ruthless, almost daring me to strike out and open his throat… Even though in my dreams, I can't." Say'ri glanced down at her hands, relaxing her fingers from where they'd balled into fists. "And that's when I realize that I'm bound before him… And standing on the edge of the ship. STANDING, lady Emmeryn… Like one of those land walkers! Like the thrice damned conqueror in front of me."

A headache threatened to grow in Emmeryn's temples at those words.

'That sounds similar to your own memories; where you trade out your fins for memories of walking on two feet… Even though it makes no sense.'

"The wind steals his words." Say'ri continued. "But… I can remember some of his questions. About a green gemstone…" As she spoke, Say'ri's hands went to the pouch strung across her waist. She loosened the draw strings on her bag… And pulled out a perfectly polished gem; the sight of it took Emmeryn's breath away. It matched the description of Say'ri's dream, looking like a giant emerald.

"And when I have no answer for him, he throws me over the side of the ship, to drown… And then I wake up."

"But… You bested the conqueror, didn't you?"

"…Yes. And when I killed him, I wondered if I would wake up again. Instead I'm left with questions about the conqueror, and the possible brother I saved. I think that the ship… That, 'Shepherd' as they call it, might have some answers for me, even if I'm wary of the people crewing it. You have less fear than I do… So mayhaps, you could act as a go-between for us?"

"I was already determined to do that. You have your faint memories… And I have mine, of being a diplomat. I may as well continue to be just that… And hope that will be enough to see us through."

-o-o-o-

Lucina clung onto both rock and her life, much as the tide wanted to wash her away. She was barely aware of the tides rushing in and out, and the figures the came with them.

"Child… I believe I owe you an apology." Validar murmured in her ear. "When we last met, I didn't realize just who you were, nor the power in your blood."

"What are you saying?" She growled out.

"Have a look for yourself." A pair of clammy hands wrapped around her throat, and pulled Lucina upright. She took in the tide cave, and the broken surroundings. Courtesy of her screams and songs, Lucina realized; it had shattered rock, warped the caves. Morgan was draped over another rock shelf close by, all the fight almost drowned out of him.

"I'll rectify that lapse now, since fate has so generously delivered you to me." Validar ran a finger across her face, and reached out to pet Morgan on the head. Her brother flinched from the contact, like it was worse than any cut or scour.

"After all, who would have thought a time thrown spawn of Grima would find their way- Oh, I'm sorry. You didn't know?" He chuckled as Lucina stared, only to thrash back and forth in disbelief. "Child, why do you think it is that you can't find any traces of your home. Why does no one here recognize you? Because this isn't your home."

His words hissed into her ears.

"But don't worry. You weren't torn through time without having a purpose. To serve me… Better than your mother has." Validar almost crooned in her ear.

"What… are you-?" She tried to rasp out, and was half worried her lips would start bleeding from the effort.

"Oh, your mother took enough of a risk." Validar chuckled. "When she cast her spell, she did more than just change her form. Naga heard her call, rent her form… And tore a rent through time and space, to pull you through."

"Not… True…" Lucina tried to choke out.

"You still need some convincing. Perhaps this will aid you." At first she didn't understand why Validar held a stone tablet in his hands. The words seemed to be carved into the surface with violet energy. Validar traced his nails over the stone, drawing an odd screeling sound from it… And the sound only lingered in the waters and the air. It was like a long, insistent call burrowed into her ears. The note wormed into Lucina's thoughts, no matter how she tried to shrink from it.

"Now, for a proper demonstration." The atmosphere seemed to thicken around her ears. Thunder beat at her ears and flashes of lightning seeped through the rents in the cave.

"You know this note. You matched your voice well enough before… Now do so again."

Lucina's mouth dropped open, and it was like her breath and voice were both yanked out. As she sang, she glimpsed something more moving outside the cave. A fluttering tatter of sails rose up from the ocean, along with broken masts; the red had been half scrubbed out by the sea, but was still vibrant enough… As was the red armor on a ghostly figure at the helm.

"Impressive. I didn't know you could raise such a warship. But you still reacted to the Book of Grima, and fueled the spell." He gave Lucina a calculating look. "So… Are you ready to embrace your destiny and submit to Grima?"

Lucina's answer was to try and kick out at him. But her feet only feebly thudded against him. Validar shook his head at her refusal. He skimmed his hands along the spines of his tail, coating them with a dark ichor… And then slashed into Lucina, his talons laced with venom.

"With time, you'll see the truth. Until then, feel free to enjoy the comforts of the drowning chamber. It won't completely fill with water any longer… But just barely. Do think over your options until then…. Particularly, your LACK of them." He slid back under the water as he spoke, vanishing through the cave, leaving her and Morgan to the tide's mercy.

-o-o-o-

Morning saw Robin poking her head out of the cabin. No one commented on her sleeping in it, in part because the deck was barely crewed. Dawn was just a whisper on the waves, the sky slowly lighting up. She rushed to the bowsprit, eyes already narrowing.

'We need a heading.' And she was almost out of practice with reading the waves, at least from the deck of a ship. Robin perched at the edge of the ship, peering out over the sea, and the slow shifting of the waves. The ocean was almost like glass… And at odds with the odd crimson light creeping over the sky.

"Red sky at morning, sailor take warning." She started at Chrom's voice. He gave her an apologetic look, but continued. "An old sailor's rhyme… But it's been true most of the time. We might well be in for a blow."

"And even if we can swim… That doesn't apply to the rest of the crew. We should-" Something growled through the air. And before her eyes, she saw Chrom's rhyme spin to life. Dark clouds were boiling up, drowning out the crimson of the sky.

"…Chrom?" Robin lifted her head, as the rumble in the air intensified.

"…Not good." He answered, glaring up at the clouds. The ocean was losing its glassy quality, picking up whitecaps as a storm front began to blow towards them.

"W-we need to do something!" Robin forced herself forward…. Only for Frederick to intercept her path. He started for only a moment, glancing between her and Chrom. "Frederick, I don't think we can stay anchored here."

"What would you propose instead?" His tone was cautious, but at least most of it was directed towards the storm.

"Ride the storm winds. If we stay in front of the storm, maybe we can find a better harbor to shelter in; the islands here are too small, and we might beach on them instead-"

She prayed that he'd listen to her, and trust her more than any caution in his head. Frederick glanced from her to the horizon, frowning over her words.

"As you say... I like our chances out in the open more than pressed against a sandbar. In that case, wait here." Frederick turned, and shouted out her orders to the crew.

-o-o-o-

"I… Suppose he can call orders better than I can?" Robin said. Chrom found himself frowning; there was still some mistrust among the Shepherd, it seemed. There'd never been hesitation in letting Robin call out the orders before. But even he had to admit that Frederick could out shout the gales, and rouse the crew from their beds. And the crew didn't hesitate to jump to his orders, unfurling the sails.

The Shepherd didn't have any drowsiness to shake off, unlike the crew; she seemed to leap forward, easy and eager. And she didn't care about the weather, even as it grew blacker and finally opened up overhead.

The rains slashed down, driven by the winds. And where it lashed Chrom, it stung like a million needles piercing and forcing their way though his skin. His skin writhed in answer, drawing his eyes. Chrom glimpsed his exposed arm, taking the brunt of the rain… And where the droplets hit his skin, splashes of blue erupted along his flesh. The beginnings of scales.

Robin flinched, yanking her hood over her head to obscure her own purple flecks. He wanted to reach for her, reassure her that it would be safe… But even as the Shepherd raced against the storm front, things grew more chaotic. First the crew flinched away from them… And then something worse called their attention.

Silence crept over the ship, and even the seas stilled their waves for a moment; like everything was waiting for a blow to fall.

Something was bubbling up from the sea, directly in front of them. Gouts of water were thrown up, reaching halfway to the clouds. And something was getting pushed up with them. A massive wreck of a thing.

It made no sound; no shouts of crew, or scream of spells. Any snap from the rigging was drowned out by the roar of storm and crash of waves… And that was assuming the ship could even move; her sails gutted and masts like broken limbs. The ship itself lurched forward, the splashes of red on her hull and sails like blood in the water.

'Red?'

"I… I know that ship." Chrom felt a sick feeling settle in his stomach; he'd been on board it, fought against it… But he never thought he would see it reduced to such a state. "That's Walhart's ship. Or at least… It WAS Walhart's ship."

But even gutted by sea and battles, the ship still cut through the waves. And still bore down on them, looking formidable; the hull was scoured by seas, but the steel on it could still punch through the Shepherd. And at the helm stood a figure in red armor, the color almost glowing like a strange flame.

"Walhart…" Shock jolted through Chrom at the sight, and Robin winced next to him, hard enough that she careened into his shoulder. Her hands cradled her head, and Chrom realized why in a moment; a strange and painful sound lanced into his ears. It had echoes of the songs Validar had weaved through the air.

That discordant melody was giving the wrecked ship a second, twisted life. And let it ride the storm winds just as well as the Shepherd, if not one better with how the red ship gained on them.

There was something else that teased his hearing; an odd noise like a hundred wasps buzzing right outside his ears. He looked to Robin, and saw that she picked it out as well. Her eyes went wide, as a faint screaming noise was hinted on the wind; it almost sounded like a girl or boy were both crying out.

"What is that-?" He forced himself to speak up. Something about those noises yanked at his heart… But there wasn't any time to focus on it. Not with the ship bearing down on them, and the winds pushing them ever forward.

"…They likely want to close with us, or tear through us." Robin said, glaring at the ship. "But… We might be able to work with that. Lead them on a chase, and see if the storm can wear that ship down."

She glanced around, squinting through the rain. "Where's Frederick? I… I need to tell him what to-"

The knight in question was on the other end of the ship, fighting with the rigging to get the Shepherd ready for the storm. Too caught up in the task to take note of Robin.

"Too far. So I'd suggest breathing deep, and giving the best shout you can." Chrom advised her, lifting Robin up. She did her best to follow his advice.

"Kellam, hard to port!" Robin shouted out. Her voice cracked on the words but still managed to carry. "We need to catch the current!"

Frederick whirled at that, flinching from Robin's voice and frowning from her orders… Until he saw the ship trying to bear down on them. He went just as pale as Chrom had gone, seeing the metal prow angled towards them. But that was when the Shepherd nosed into the current, as Robin had ordered. Their ship skipped forward, splashing through the waves and drenching the deck in spray. The scales itched across Chrom's skin from the ocean, but he still managed to keep his feet. Even as the ship bounced up and down, he kept his feet rooted against the deck.

The Shepherd was like an arrow with how it shot forward, the enemy vessel passing a moment too late… But already the gaunt, skeletal crew were swarming along the rotted rigging, getting the ship ready to turn about.

And with that, the chase settled into place. There was the Shepherd, bright against a growing storm. Behind her was the Risen ship, bulling its way through the rough waves.

'They'll either try to entangle us, or cripple us with ranged attacks.' Chrom had fought enough Valm raiders, and remembered those fights, to easily recognize their tactics. It seemed even death hadn't changed that aspect of the raiders.

Robin forced herself to look forward, watching the waves for their patterns. Chrom forced his eyes away from the warship as well… And for the first time, he saw a strange twisting in the waves; a shifting that was like a path shining on a moonlit night. Chrom sucked in his breath at the sight.

"I-I see it, too!" He whispered out. "There's… Gods, there's a path we can take with the ship!"

Robin blinked and stared at him for only a moment. Her breath shuddered.

"If… If you can see it as well… Perhaps you can help me guide and find a way-?" Robin whispered. She lost some of that paleness in her cheeks… As well as the flecks of violet, almost like the call of the sea was getting split between the two of them. Chrom tightened his hold on her hand, and started to bark his own orders out.

The crew thankfully listened. The Shepherd listed and groaned from how they had to weave, but Kellam still listened, going first hard to port, then a breath later to starboard.

The Shepherd dodged among the waves… But those same rogue waves didn't apply the same mercy to Walhart's ship. Even across the gap, Chrom could hear the hull splintering and crackling apart… And yet still it held, but slowed with each blow from the waves.

The lightning lashed down and kisses the waves. Ripples lanced and pulsed through the water in answer, and already frothy seas started to boil. As Chrom watched, something shadowy bubbled under the waves, rising up against that brilliant light. The next moment, long fingers of masts reached up from the ocean. A prow and hull streaming foam followed. The sodden sails caught the storm winds, showing their pitch black nature… And a collection of violet eyes in their snapping flags.

"Plegian." Chrom whispered. It seemed that the seas and storm weren't about to let them go-

"DOWN!" Robin managed one word, before throwing herself into Chrom. He slammed into the floor. Frederick turned at Robin's orders, but didn't immediately follow them; it was clear he was considering them-

"Frederick!" Robin screamed desperately, raw panic filling her voice. There were more cries along the Shepherd… But still Frederick hesitated, trying to take in the welfare of the ship.

And as a consequence, he moved too slowly. A lance of fire melted into his armor; with that, he finally crashed into the floor, following Robin's orders in a round about way. A splash of metallic stained the air, and a sickening amount of blood pooled around Frederick. He couldn't move, or even lift his head. Around them, other Shepherds took their share of wounds. Chrom winced, already not sure if Maribelle could patch that many wounds.

He wanted to cry out for Frederick as well, beg the man to open his eyes after taking a direct hit from such magic.

'He's alive- He HAS to be alive-'

"Brace-" Kellam was trying to call out, but he couldn't raise his voice above the scream of storm. But Chrom caught his words and lifted his head… Right in time to see a wave rising up and then crashing down on them. The water made his skin writhe, and for a moment he was terrified he'd lose his legs. Only his hands around Robin kept him grounded.

The wave finally subsided, leaving Chrom shivering and drenched on the deck. Chrom raised his head… And saw that the wave had washed something else up. A pale form clawed and thrashed its way across the Shepherd's deck, her pale blonde hair half worked out of her pigtails. Another form followed her, more suited to moving on an emerald tail.

"Lissa-?" The other Shepherds had noticed the new comer as well, and were already tensed for a fight. They hadn't recognized who the mermaid was.

"Stop!" Chrom tried, but the breath had been smashed out of his lungs, and taken the strength of his voice with it.

But Kellam had heard it, and left his post at the wheel. Despite his normal quiet nature, the man moved fast across the deck, and put himself between the alarmed Shepherds and Lissa.

"The captain says stop." Kellam told them all. "Let the lady Lissa and Emmeryn be."

Vaike had been the one who almost crashed into Kellam, and pulled back with a curse. The axe dropped from his fingers as he watched Lissa. The girl made her way to Frederick, and the man was too wracked with pain to notice her-

Up until Lissa put her hands over him, a soft whisper of song leaving her lips. Chrom shivered as he caught snatches of that song; there was an oddly gentle note to them, that seemed to mute even the storm cries. It brought to mind healing staves and the ways Lissa had called on their power.

Steam rose from Frederick's body, and the hot metal cooled and crumbled from his body. Sluggishly, Frederick's hand went to the raw and newly exposed skin, but came away clean; both rain and magic had washed his wounds away. It gave Frederick room to breathe, as he looked up at Lissa.

"Your… Grace?" He whispered in disbelief. Lissa could only tilt her head, confused at the title. "Thank… You."

Sumia watched the healing for only a moment, before rushing to some of the other fallen, and trying to get them close to Lissa for healing.

"That solves the wounded. But sir… What do we do next?" Kellam asked.

With a jolt, Chrom realized he'd taken his eyes from the waves. And from the Risen ships. They were drawing closer, and from the rails he saw the red eyed corpses. Magic gathered along their fingers, burning and blackening their own flesh as they prepared to let it fly at the ships… And all their ire was focused on Lissa.

"Not on my watch! He snarled, hauling himself up to protect Lissa. Robin followed close behind… And was calling her own magic. As Chrom rushed to shield Lissa, Robin was trying to call on lightning. She trailed behind, leaning against him and trying to redirect the storm. Her scales flashed as the skies began to flicker around them, but didn't quite answer…

Until Emmeryn put a hand on Robin and called out to the storm as well. Bolts of lightning lanced down, striking home on the mages. Miriel watched it all with a strange look crossing her face. Awe and understanding both warred across her features, as she staggered towards the spell circles.

"Harmonics. That will warrant further study, and application…" She murmured, her voice taking on a strange ringing noise. She drummed her heels against the metal inscriptions, making them chime as she weaved magic around her. Miriel shaped it into a comet of fire that answered the strokes of lighting, blazing out towards the second Risen ship. The thing began to try and list-

But it didn't get far. Something seemed to snag it in place in the water, like it had ran into a snare. Directly beneath the ship came a splash, as a scaled tail rose and fell back into the water. Chrom almost wondered if he could hear a faint, amused laugh… Something that could have come from Henry.

It certainly had a way of holding the ship in place, and making it a perfect target for the fire spell.

"Nice work!" Sumia told them all. "But… I have just one question. Who is piloting the ship?"

The ship staggered and swayed, guideless as Kellam gave a startled noise.

"That… Had better be me, if you can help me up." Frederick said. Sumia's answer was to pull him up, and help him stagger towards the wheel. Frederick's steps were still a touch hesitant, like he was getting used to not being perforated with spells. But he still managed to reach out with steady hands, and put them on the tiller.

"I… Could use some orders from either of you." He finally said. "The Valmese ship is still a factor, and we're not out of this yet."