Here we are with another bonding chapter. Hope you guys don't mind these chapters. Also, i want to bring up an idea put forward by GuestWithIdeas. Wont you said about having the Shepherds learn moves like Sonic Blade and Ars Arcanum is pretty good, and it's given me a few ideas on who can use what. Anyway, i hope you enjoy the chapter.
Bonding Time 2
All is quiet on the march back to Ylisse, save for the sporadic attack from Risen. Currently resting in camp after the most recent battle, the Shepherds rest and recuperate for the remaining journey. Currently, Sora busies himself cleaning up after the meal he and Stahl had prepared in the mess hall. He was surprised by the cavalier's sudden assistance but welcomed his skills nonetheless, even more so, for it allowed him to try out other meals apart from what he had learned under Rémy.
"Sora." He hears a voice behind him. Turning around, he sees Chrom walking up to him, holding a couple of plates left from the tables. "Here are the other plates." Sora nods his head in thanks before taking the plates from him.
"Thanks, Chrom. I'll admit I'm a bit surprised you offered to help clean up with me. I thought you would go back to training or talk with Robin." Chrom chuckles at Sora's remark before waving it off with his hand. He leans against the counter before folding his arms.
"Think nothing of it. Doing tasks like this can help relieve stress just as much as swinging a sword around. That's just how I am." He then chuckles to himself. "Even if some of my ways to relieve stress are causing Robin to grow grey hairs." Sora looks at him, a curious look on his face. Chrom sees the look before shaking his head dismissively. "It's nothing, don't worry about it. Just going on walks is all. But that's not what I wanted to talk about. It's about the Heartless."
Sora's eyes widen before narrowing. He places the last dish down before turning to face Chrom, all sense of optimism replaced by hardened focus. "What is it you need to know?"
"In all honesty, everything," Chrom replies with a sigh. "The ancient records make a note of them, but that's just it, notes. Any written word of their abilities, weakness and strengths have all been lost, even their description. And after our first encounter with them, it has been a constant fear in my mind. If it is something that you can tell us, please." Sora glances over Chrom, seeing the weariness in his eyes and hearing the plea in his voice.
"Of course I can tell. That is something that I can freely talk about." Sora glances around before moving towards one of the benches, with Chrom following behind. Settling down, Sora looks at Chrom before letting out a sigh. "As you know, Heartless are beings of Darkness. The Darkness in our hearts attracts them, along with the Keyblades, which are the only things that can destroy them. Other weapons can destroy them, but they don't release the captured hearts that the Heartless consume. Those are the ones with the emblems on them. Those that don't are what we call Pure-Blooded Heartless."
He pauses before drinking some water. "But no matter which one it is, they all seek the same thing. Hearts. It doesn't matter if it's mine, yours, Kairi's, or someone who uses the power of Darkness. That includes the Heart of the World." Chrom's eyes, which had been narrow through, enlarge at the mention of the heart of the world. "I saw what happened first hand when a world's heart is consumed. After all, it's what started my journey when I was fourteen." He breathes a heavy sigh before glancing at the sword on his waist. "It was also the same day I got the Keyblade. The only way to stop a world from falling is to seal the entrance to its heart. Of course, we don't have to worry since I can sense the Keyhole is sealed, but that's why I briefly panicked when I saw those Heartless Risen. And why me and Kairi's journey will never technically be over."
Chrom looks over Sora carefully, weighing his words heavily in his mind. Then, finally, he raises a hand and pinches the ridge on his nose. "I see. That is certainly a heavyweight you bear." He glances toward the entrance to the tent, eyes heavy. "This is a threat the other Shepherds need to know. But the question remains, how are they appearing? You said that they can be 'controlled, does that mean that someone you know is here?" Sora places a hand to his chin before humming thoughtfully.
"Well, there are only two people I know off who are still at large can control them. Maleficent and Pete. Maleficent is an old enemy and is technically one of the people who sent the Heartless to consume my home. Pete is her lieutenant, but he's not smart enough to tie his own shoes." Chrom chuckles at the comment, the tension in the air dissipating briefly. "But they could also be in league with anyone. All Maleficent has to do, is show them the Heartless and strengthen their Darkness to allow them control over them, and she gains an enforcer."
"In that case, then if she is here, then she will most likely be in Plegia." Chrom shakes his head weary before standing up. "Thank you for telling me this, Sora. Hopefully, we can nip the Heartless problem in the bub once Plegia has been dealt with." Sora nods at him before gaining a look of concern.
"Are you okay, Chrom? You look like you can fall over at any moment." Chrom blinks his eyes a few times before putting on a tiered smile.
"It's nothing, Sora, but thank you for asking." He leaves the tent alone, as Sora just stares at the exit, concerned.
Roxas is standing by himself, a target nailed to a nearby tree. He takes a breath before pulling up Oathkeep and drawing the string back. An arrow of light materialises as his eyes narrow before letting the arrow fly, striking the centre of the target. He lets the breath out before rolling his shoulders. Having to use a bow and sword instead of two swords was still a work in progress, but he was glad at the improvement in his aiming skills.
"Impressive," Lon'qu comments from the side; his eyes are analysing Roxas intently. The Myrmidon moves across the field towards him.
"Lon'qu," Roxas replies to him. "I'm surprised you were watching me."
"I came here more than to watch." He pulls out two wooden swords before throwing one towards Roxas. "I wish to see your skills with a sword." Roxas looks at him, surprised. "Don't think I've seen the sword at your hip. Show me it is more than decoration." Lon'qu's declaration strikes a chord with Roxas.
A chance to spar with a warrior of Lon'qu's skill would be foolish to pass up, not to mention keeping his sword skills free of rust. Hardening his eyes, he grabs the training sword from the ground before readying himself, holding his bow in his left hand. Lon'qu raises an eyebrow before reading his stance, grasping his wooden blade in both hands while parallel to the earth. A slight wind blows across the grass before the two charge at each other, Roxas using his bow as a makeshift shield while swinging the practice blade in his right.
Lon'qu eases the pressure on his blade, forcing Roxas forward before swinging a kick at him. Roxas blocks with his bow but loses its grip as it falls to the ground some distance away. With Lon'qu putting pressure on him, he can't concentrate on resummoning his weapon to him. So, he changes tactics, grasping the wooden sword in both hands before trading blows again. Lon'qu is impressed by the sudden change and increase in speed from the young warrior but continues to bid his time, watching his opponent. Eventually, he sees a weakness in Roxas's guard. Striking fast and low, he hits the blade from his hands before leaving his inches away from his neck.
"You're skills are impressive. You're use of using your bow as an impromptu shield was interesting." Lon'qu comments before withdrawing his blade. Roxas sighs before rubbing his neck.
"In all honesty, I work better with two blades." His comment caches the Myrmidon by surprise as he glances at the bow lying on the grass. "Bet ever since I came here, I had to give up one of my swords for a bow. I have been adjusting since, and it's not been easy." He sighs tiredly before moving to pick up Oathkeep, a slight frown on his face.
"Then, why do you keep a hold of it?" Roxas turns to look at him, surprise on his face. "Why do you hold onto that white bow and black sword?" Roxas gazes at the two in question before staring at the sky.
"Because they are important to my brother." He looks towards Lon'qu, eyes filled with steel. "Oathkeep is what represents his bond with Kairi, his girlfriend, while Oblivi represents his bond with Riku, a person he views as his brother in all but blood. That's why I use them. Not only to show that those bonds are as strong as ever but because they also matter to me. Those bonds are what defined me, and I will always be there to protect them." Lon'qu gazes at him, eyes narrow as he strokes his chin. Finally, he nods at him before turning to leave.
"In that case, don't neglect your swordplay if you want to keep those bonds strong." He says before leaving him alone. Watching him go, Roxas looks to the blade on his hip before pulling it from its sheath. He gazes at the black and purple edge, his gaze far before narrowing in determination, turning it towards a target of straw and striking at it.
Lissa walks through the camp, humming a minor tune to herself until she hears Sully yelling at Kellam of all people. Shaking her head in amusement, she turns around to walk to the mess tent before catching a glimpse of Naminé by herself, drawing in her sketchpad. Tilting her head in wonder, Lissa walks up to her fellow cleric before settling next to her. "What are you drawing?" her question surprises the blond, who yelps before slamming her book shut. She turns to look at Lissa.
"L-Lissa? Don't sneak up on me like that…I thought you were Roxas." She says while calming her rapidly beating heart. Lissa snickers at the poor blond before her eyes falls upon the book again. Naminé follows her gaze before sighing lightly. "You want to see what I am drawing?" Lissa rapidly nods her head in anticipation. Sighing retiringly, Naminé opens her book up. Lissa stares agape at the first picture, a simple picture of Sora fighting side by side with Robin as the latter is letting a thunder spell fly, but in great detail to rival that of a painting. The following pictures were no slouches. Sumia is in flight with Virion firing arrows from behind, Kellam head bashing into a Risen as Vaike jumps from above, Miriel firing balls of fire ask Roxas lets several arrows fly.
Then there were the peaceful ones. Sora and Kairi are napping under a tree, Vaike and Roxas arm wrestling, Sully sparring with Sumia, Frederick clearing tree branches and Stahl sparing with Chrom. "These are amazing, Naminé," Lissa says to the blushing blond. "I wonder who you would do with paint." Naminé briefly chuckles before turning the page to her current drawing, currently unfinished. It was of her, Roxas, Sora and Kairi in their current attire, but outlines were drawn for several more. "What got you into drawing in the first place?" Lissa asks curiously. Naminé's brow furrows before she sadly sighs.
"It was something I did when I was in captivity…." Lissa stares at her in shock. "I'm not sure if Sora and Kairi told you, but at one point in time, we were separated when we were fourteen. While Roxas was brainwashed into fighting for our kidnappers, I was trapped in a cage like a bird. The only thing I could do was draw." She turns to look at Lissa, her eyes heavy and sad. "It was my only comfort during those torturous days until Sora rescued me. But even after that, drawing was all I could do."
"And that's why you took up the staff? To make yourself useful?" Lissa asks. Receiving a nod in reply, Lissa smiles sadly. "I know that feeling you have. You know how Chrom has that mark on his shoulder?" Naminé nods again. "Well, our big sister, Emmeryn, has it too, on her forehead. But…" her gaze falls to her feet. "I don't… All these years and my mark never materialised. It made me doubt myself if I AM part of the family… The only comfort I had were my siblings constantly reassuring me, but I still felt pathetic. That's why I decided no more crying!" she jumps to her feet before gesturing to her staff. "So I picked up a staff and became a cleric, joined the Shepherds and be more proactive in helping. It's why you picked up the staff, too, right? To actively help and not stand around being helpless?" Naminé stares at her wide-eyed before she slowly begins to chuckle to herself, a few tears flowing from her eyes before recompiling herself.
"You're right. No more being helpless. I chose to come here to stand by Roxas and the other side, and I intend to keep that vow. No more separation." Lissa nods happily at her before grabbing her hand.
"Alright, now let's go find your boyfriend and others and get ready to go on patrol!" Lissa proclaims as Naminé blushes up a storm, even if she wasn't wrong, it was still embarrassing for it to be said out loud!
Kellam is busy minding his own business near the stables. Once again, people seem to forget about his presence, but it is a usual occurrence for the knight. "Kellam? Hey, Kellam!" a voice suddenly calls out behind him, startling him. He turns around to see Sully looking around the stable for him, despite standing in plain view, right in front of her.
"...Yes?" he asks quietly, catching the cavaliers attention. Her gaze falls upon him, but one filled with anger, making the already timid knight feel even smaller than he usually feels.
"I've got a bone to pick with you, pip-squeak!" She strolls up to the knight before pointing a finger at him accusingly. "Chrom tells me that in our last battle, you were secretly watching my back! I gave you a pass back at the Feroxi Arena, but not this time!" The knight backs up slowly from the seething cavalier.
"Um, I wasn't trying to keep it a secret, Sully. I was just fighting alongside—" Kellam tries to speak, but Sully smacks his shoulder.
"Well, knock it the hell off! I'M the one who does the protectin' around here, got it?! I don't need some tiny man in a huge suit of armour watching me."
"B-b-but..." he shrinks even more into his armour than thought possible, Sully's wrath intimidating him even more. She pulls her hand back before placing both hands on her hips, her eyes narrowing at him even more.
"You think I need extra protection? That it? You think I'm frail and weak? You think you can be my gallant knight in shiny, oversized armour?" Kellam suddenly stands straight, a look of anger on his face at the accusation.
"I wasn't giving you special treatment, honest! I just like protecting people!" he exclaims to the cavalier. She huffs at him before spinning around and walking out of the tent.
"I'll say this once, pip-squeak: don't ever pull that crap again!" She spins around and looks at him with daggers in her eyes. "Are we clear now? Words sank in? 'Cause if we are, I'm done. I've got better things to do than yell at you, tin man." Kellam meekly nods at her before she leaves the knight in the tent, not even bothering to hear his reply.
"O-of course you do! I mean... Um, well, bye." He awkwardly waves before heaving a big sigh, turning back to tend to the horses around him.
Walking around the centre of camp, Sumia is heading towards the armoury tent to return a practise spear after sparing with Frederick. At the same time, she has a message from Robin to deliver to Chrom, who was just exiting the Mess tent with a weary look. "Oh! There you are!" she calls to him. Chrom looks at her and gives a tiered smile.
"Hello, Sumia. Did you need something?" Sumia glances worriedly at him. He sounds exhausted. She shakes her head before giving her reply, stating that Robin is looking for him. Chrom nods at her, saying that Robin is hosting the strategy meeting with Frederick and Kairi. "Poor Robin does love to... AAAAAAARGH!" his rambling is brought to a halt as he trips and falls on his face. Sumia's eyes widen before she rushes to his side.
"Chrom! Are you all right?!" Sumia asks as she helps Chrom up while brushing him down. Chrom nods before glancing behind him, an embarrassed look plastered upon him.
"Y-yes, I'm fine." He looks down at the culprit, poking its head out of the grass just behind him. "I just tripped on a pebble. Gods, how embarrassing." Sumia glances at him before noticing just how tired his eyes were. Her gaze hardens before staring at him resolutely.
"It's because you're so exhausted! You've been working too hard lately."
Chrom chuckles to himself. "Funny, Sora pointed out the same things, but I'm fine, Sumia. And besides, we're all tired. Such endless fighting and marching wears on everyone." He begins walking towards the central tent with Sumia. He places a gentle hand on his arm.
"Chrom, you've no need to don a brave face for my sake. You carry twice the burden of anyone. So it's only natural you're exhausted." He smiles kindly at Sumia before stating that he has to be, for an army looks to their commander for strength, and the moment he loses it, they lose it. "It must be hard for you..."
"I'll...be fine. And please, don't speak of this conversation to anyone. All right?" Chrom replies in a mock tone, causing Sumia to comedically jump to attention with a salute before he motions her to stand down with a laugh. "Ha ha! At ease, Sumia. And stop worrying so much! It'll take more than a few battles to bring this soldier to his knees."
Sumia pouts at Chrom while crossing her arms. "I know! You're the greatest warrior that I've ever..." she stops midsentence as her eyes widen, a small smile forming on her lips. "Huh. I just realized something." Chrom asks her what it is as she replies that it's the first secret they shared, much to the prince's bafflement. What was significant about it? "Don't worry. My lips are sealed tighter than a bear trap." Her eyes gaze around the camp until she sees his tent just a few steps away, while a plan forms in her head. "...So long as you promise to take a nap before the strategy meeting!"
"...What?" Chrom asks numbly, confused and taken aback by the sudden request from the Pegasus knight. Sumia replies that she would let the others know that he was delayed, not ashamed of blackmailing her superior. Not that Chrom denied a nap sounded nice. With that, Sumia set off to the meeting tent, wishing Chrom pleasant dreams before vanishing. He shakes his head fondly. "That girl has a strange knack for getting her way..." he mumbles to himself before walking towards his tent, weariness seeping with every step. A nap sounded better every second.
Swinging his axe around on the unfortunate trees around him, Vaike busies himself, training for the next fight. After the more recent bout with the Risen yesterday, with Sora and his friends breaking off to fight some with a strange emblem, he had been pushing himself more. Finally, swinging his axe one more time, he cuts a tree in half, sending it crashing to the ground.
"Ah, Vaike." He turns around to see Miriel approaching him, arms crossed. Wiping some sweat from his forehead, he grins at her, resting his axe on his shoulder.
"Heya, Miriel! So did you watch me fight or what?"
"Indeed. I observed that your battle shouts enhanced the effectiveness of your blows." She places a finger on her chin as she walks around Vaike inquisitively. "Often, the foe would briefly let down his guard, granting you a momentary opening. I had not realized the impact war cries could have on the psychology of an enemy."
"Yeah, yeah. But what about me? What about the Vaike?" He asks impatiently, Miriels constant meandering not helping. Hearing his plea, or so he thinks, she turns to look at him thoroughly.
"I observed the details of your moves, but not from the perspective of the foe. Perhaps an analogy would be helpful here..." she holds a finger up. "So if we were to assume that you are a planet, and the enemy is the sun—" she begins her explanation until the frantic waving from Vaike interrupts her.
"Hey, wait, I wanna be the sun!" he exclaims to her, catching her by surprise at the sudden proclamation.
"But the sun does not travel around planets. Rather, planets spin around the sun. Or so it was postulated in my mother's book. But, unfortunately, it has yet to be proven..."
Vaike looks at her like she has grown a second head. "You sure it's not your head spinnin'? I don't see this ground going anyplace." Miriel sighs sadly as she places a hand over her eyes.
"Alas, we cannot sense this motion, making the theory intuitively difficult."
Vaike looks to her sympathetically before nodding and deciding to go along with the trail of thought. "All right, sure. The ground's spinnin'. Just like when I swing my weapon, yeah?" Miriel's eyes light up, eager to explain her findings to Vaike and thankful for the change in topic.
"Yes. That generates the centripetal force we discussed the other day." She goes into more detail about her findings, which unfortunately go over Vaike's head, even if he finds it enjoyable. "I'm glad we had this conversation. It has helped clarify my thoughts on the subject. Would you mind terribly if we continued our discussions? For research purposes?"
"You mean chat as friends? Er, well, sure. After all, we have so much in... uh, common?" Vaike replies with an outstretched hand, to which Miriel returns. A sudden call from Chrom catches their attention, alerting them that they are marching again, back home.
If you guys like these Bonding Chapter let me know.