Conflicted Heart/Glowing Dim As An Ember
Takumi paced his room restlessly, not quite sure what to do with himself. The concert last night had made him realize his true feelings, but now he was unsure of how to proceed now.
Should.. should I tell her?
He looked down at the book in his hands, labeled "Make Her Fall For You in a Fortnight" and blushed. He'd managed to slip out of his room at night to get some.. "advice" on his current dilemma from the library. It was bad enough not being able to talk to an actual person about it since the only person he'd trust enough to open up about this happened to be the same person he was in love with.
I can't believe I'm resorting to reading cheesy romance books about this!
If anyone found out, he'd die of embarrassment right then and there.
"Okay.." he muttered, flipping open the book, eyes scanning the table of contents until one in particular caught his eye.
"How to Confess"… maybe I'll find what I need here! he thought, grinning as he found that section, deciding to try some out loud.
"D-do you like raisins? How do you feel about a date? Do you believe in love at first sight.. or should I walk by again? Hello, I'm a thief.. and I'm here to steal your heart?!"
Takumi's face flushed crimson as he tried to imagine himself saying these things to Robyn as he flipped furiously through the pages, each line making the prince more flustered than the last.
"I swear someone stole the stars from the skies and put them in your eyes.. Do you have a name o-or can I just call you m-mine.. Are you sure you're not tired? B-because you've been running through my mind all day.. W-what the hell are these?!"
Hi, how was heaven when you left it? it read. Let's commit the perfect crime: I'll steal your heart, you steal mine~
"ARGH NO!" he shouted in frustration. "What idiot would even use these?! This is something Felicia would probably write!"
"..Did you call my name milord?"
Felicia's voice outside his door made the prince's heart jump into his throat.
"W-what is it?"
"I've brought you some new clothes while your others are being repaired." she said, stepping inside.
Impulsively, Takumi hurled the book into the fire before she could see it.
"Good morning, milord!" she greeted cheerfully. "I'll just set these on your bed for you!"
"T-thank you." he replied, forcing an awkward smile.
Felicia's eyes widened when they fell on the fireplace.
"Oh no, Lord Takumi! One of your books fell in the fire!" she gasped. "Hold on, I'll get it out of there right away!"
"N-no, it's fine!" he exclaimed a little too loudly, causing the maid to frown.
"Um.. okay. As you wish. I'll leave you to change then!"
She hurried out of the room, leaving the prince leaning against the wall with a sigh of relief, glancing over at the now unrecognizable book as it burned in the fire. Right where it belonged.
I'm never doing that again..
Pushing the embarrassing event firmly from his mind, Takumi turned his attention to the clothing left on his bed. It was oddly reminiscent of his normal attire, but with much darker colors. The fur wrap was larger, falling down to his ankles when he put it on, a mix of black and grey. The coat sleeves were puffy, reminding him a bit of his usual kimono, but the chest was wide open in almost a heart shape, the undershirt a mix of black, blue, purple, and a touch of red.
Hoshidan attire is still superior.. he mused. But this could be fun to wear for a bit. I wonder if Robyn will like it..
Satisfied, he turned to exit his room to find the Summoner.
I can't believe one of the villagers had an orb at the festival! Robyn thought triumphantly as she headed up the Summoning Ruins.
The Order of Heroes was thriving, but it couldn't hurt to add another hero in their ranks. And still, there was the possibility of summoning Kiyoshi or Leafa.. The thought made her heart flutter in anticipation, and she forced herself to take a slow breath. There was no guarantee this summon would bring her cousin or sister, so there was no point in working herself up over it. She found since its transformation, her weapon remained in book form even when summoning. When she opened it and set the orb inside, the orb hovered above the pages, and when she fired, she used the same motion that Ricken used when casting his spells. The orb struck true at an accuracy that would have impressed Prince Takumi, locking itself into the stone with a brilliant flash. Robyn shielded her eyes, and when she squinted, she could make out a dark shake standing imposingly in front of her.
"Of all the places..!" an exasperated voice hissed, then the black and gold armored man turned and fixed her with a furious glare through dark red and amber eyes.
"You!" he spat, raising his tome. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"I mean you no harm." Robyn responded calmly, approaching him cautiously. "I summoned you here because we're in the middle of a great war. We need your help."
The man scowled, and if he'd take the nasty look off his face, Robyn imagined he'd look quite handsome.
"What, is your kingdom so incompetent that you can't fight your own battles?"
"Our enemy kingdom, Embla, attacks kingdoms from other worlds and forces them to fight for them, including yours. At least here our soldiers are here because they chose to fight. It's not our incompetence that makes us summon other heroes, but basic strategy. Our summons protect both our kingdom and there's." Robyn countered, knocking the scowl off his face momentarily.
"I.. suppose I can't argue with that." he concluded. "Consider me your ally for the time being. I am Leo, second prince of Nohr. I have some questions for you though."
Nohr.. that's the kingdom that fought Takumi's kingdom! The same as Laslow, Niles, Jakob, Flora, and Felicia! I wonder if they know each other..? Robyn thought as he peppered her with questions, something she was quite used to from new heroes.
The white walls of the Askrian castle towered over them. While previously intimidating, the castle walls now felt welcoming now, and as they approached, the door opened. Robyn's heart rose when a familiar figure with long silver hair stepped out, Fujin Yumi in hand. But to her surprise, his eyes narrowed coldly.
"You!" he hissed, eyes fixed on Leo.
"Yes, me." Leo growled disdainfully. "I didn't know Askr had pathetic Hoshidan princes in their ranks."
"And I didn't know Askr was capable of summoning arrogant jerks like yourself!" Takumi shot back.
The princes stared daggers at each other until Robyn was sure she could see sparks flying, Leo's tone dropping dangerously.
"As if someone as weak minded and incompetent as you could even be of any use to this army-"
"Don't ever speak to him like that!"
Both men turned in surprise to when Robyn spoke up, her voice shaking with barely suppressed rage as she marched over and put her arm around the Hoshidan prince, the surprise silencing him.
"I don't know why you got the impression that you could come in here and disrespect Askr's best archer, but if you think I'm going to stand by and put up with that, you're sourly mistaken. This is an army and a team, so act like it! We're not going to defeat Embla if we can't put our petty squabbles to rest! You're a prince representing your kingdom, not a child!"
The anger in Takumi's eyes had softened when she had put her arm around him, and even Leo backed off, grumbling
"I'm going to find this.. "Commander Anna" and "Prince Alfonse" myself!"
He stalked inside, the doors slamming behind him.
"Hey uh.."
Robyn started as Takumi hesitantly spoke up, pausing for a moment before finally blurting out.
"Thanks for uh.. for having my back." he mumbled. "No one's ever stood up for me like that. So.. thank you. If him or anyone ever gives you trouble, then I'll.. do the same."
"That's right." Robyn agreed softly. "We'll look after each other." Her eyes stole to the outfit he was wearing. "Is that new? It looks really nice on you!"
"Y-yeah.. my usual kimono is still being repaired. So I'm wearing this for now."
"It suits you. I like the dark colors.."
The small flush that appeared on the prince's face made her heart quicken as Takumi cleared his throat quickly.
"R-right.. I'm going to head for the archery range-"
"The queen is here!"
The sudden call made the pair's heads snapped up to see a blond haired woman with a massive cape approaching the castle, flanked my a handful of knights. Robyn exchanged a surprised glance with Takumi. While they'd heard about Henriette, they hadn't expected her to just show up at the castle. Rapid footsteps sounded behind them as Alfonse and Sharena hurried out to greet her.
"Mother, it's so good to see you!" Sharena cried, dashing over and throwing her arms around her neck.
As Henriette laughed softly and returned the embrace, Alfonse's eyebrows were knotting in concern.
"What brings you here, Mother?"
"Oh, what a lovely castle full of heroes you have!" she exclaimed in admiration before her eyes turned serious. "I came because I need you both to come with me back home. Your father wishes to speak with you."
"I thought Alfonse and his father weren't on speaking terms." Robyn whispered to Takumi, who nodded in agreement.
"..Something's happened." he observed, frowning deeply as Henriette insisted, and they gathered up a group of soldiers and set out.
The trio was happily catching up as they walked, not seeming to share the same strained relationship they shared with their father, when a loud rustling stopped them in their tracks. A large group of soldiers bearing the Emblian crest stepped seemingly out of thin air, surrounding them.
"Gods.. an invasion? But the scouts didn't report anything!" Chrom exclaimed.
Niles's face was devoid of its usual smirk, his lips pressed into a thin line as he hopped down beside them.
"You're not gonna believe this.. but these guys just showed up out of thin air. Something's wrong."
"What?!" Takumi exclaimed, tightening his grip on his bow. "T-that's impossible!"
"..It's very possible." a voice interrupted, the group of soldiers parting to reveal a masked man with dark blue hair.
His armor was silver and black, matching the sword that rested at his hip, the armor on his torso emitting an eerie glow. It was indeed their first meeting and yet..
Why does he feel so.. familiar? Robyn frowned.
"Who are you?" Alfonse demanded.
"..My name is Lif." the man regarded them coldly. "I'm here to destroy this world. Nothing more."
"Yo Masky, that's a little messed up don't'cha think?"
The group turned to look at Gaius, who didn't look afraid, just annoyed.
"I wouldn't speak so casually to me. After this fight, you'll be trembling before my blade." Lif retorted, but the thief simply smirked a bit, unfazed.
"Look, I get it. The world's sour sometimes. But that doesn't mean you get to destroy it just because you can't get the stick out of your arse. Get a clue buddy, or I'm gonna come rip it out myself."
"I'll help rip it out." Niles snickered, earning a collective groan from the group.
Rage sparked in Lif's gaze, but he didn't respond with words, but with actions as he raised his sword and the clearing exploded into battle.
"Stay behind me." Takumi ordered, stepping in front of Robyn and firing an arrow.
But to their astonishment, there was no blood when the arrow struck the soldier's chest.
Instead, they slumped to the ground, their shape slowly blurring until nothing remained.
"W-what?!" Takumi stammered in surprise, hazel eyes widening.
Similar shouts of surprise sounded from the other heroes when their attackers simply vanished upon defeat.
"What is going on?!" Sharena yelped. "Is this some kind of sick magic trick from Embla's mages?!"
"..I'm afraid it's much worse than that." Henriette responded, her expression grave as Alfonse managed to strike Lif down, and he too vanished.
The army quickly regrouped around the queen, waiting to hear her explanation.
"Unfortunately those soldiers are not from Embla, but from a place called Hel." she explained solemnly.
"Hey, that's where Niles is from!" Henry joked, earning an eye roll from the thief.
"Speak for yourself, Mr. I Wanna Die A Horrible Bloody Death. Sometimes, I wonder what else you do with those crows.."
"Be quiet and let her explain." Jakob snapped as he fixed the pair with a freezing glare as Henriette resumed her explanation.
"Those soldiers you were fighting were already dead." she explained sadly. "Emblian soldiers who fell in battle now fight for the realm of the dead. Those who pass on either go to a joyful place or descend to a realm of unending darkness known as Hel."
The more she explained, the more petrified poor Ricken was looking as the mage squeaked out
"S-so like.. ghosts?"
"Scared?" Leo taunted, a faint smirk on his face."I for one, happen to like the dark."
"So go back there then, Nerd." Gaius retorted, causing the Nohrian prince to bristle, and even Takumi started to chuckle. "No one wants to put up with a stuck up jerk like you anyways."
"That's quite enough!" Alfonse snapped. "We're supposed to be displaying a united front, not showing everyone how we fight amongst ourselves!"
They set off again, but Robyn noticed that Takumi was frowning deeply.
"Something wrong?" she asked him quietly.
"Nothing it's just.." Another pause. "I swear I've read that name before. In a book about Askr's history. It.. it said Lif was the first king of Askr."
Alfonse, who had been walking a few paces ahead, turned to nod in agreement.
"He formed a pact with the Divine Dragon Askr so he could open gates to other realms."
Takumi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, but there wasn't much time to ponder as a woman with a torn, cream colored cape and red and black armor abruptly appeared in front of them.
"I am Thrasir, general of the realm of the dead." she greeted coldly. "Also known as the Omnicidal Witch, here to kill you all."
"Well you certainly don't waste any time, do you?" Niles sneered. "I know you're excited to get down and dirty, but you need consent for that."
"..You'll be the first to die." Thrasir growled, then charged.
With Robyn's battle tactics and the strength of the heroes, the battle was as quick as the last, the other soldiers vanishing.
"Thrasir.. that was Embla's first emperor wasn't it?" Robyn mused, and Takumi nodded.
"A witch so powerful she could destroy an entire realm.. we're dealing with something serious here."
"Incoming foe approaching from the skies!" Caledori called from atop her pegasus.
"Ooo.. a woman." Niles hummed with a smirk, reminding them all of a certain incident in Muspell.
It was indeed a woman with long, dark silver hair and a black and white dress, riding atop a dark feathered pegasus. Her eyes were devoid of the coldness that their other enemies had carried, and were instead full of..
"Her eyes hold such deep sorrow.." Robyn murmured, Takumi's eyes narrowing as she landed amongst the other forces of the dead.
"I am Eir.. princess of the realm of the dead. Let us fight." she said flatly.
"You couldn't sound less enthusiastic if you tried." Niles cut in with a smirk. "Is it because I'm so handsome? We could go have some fun instead of you wanna ditch the fighting. It could be one on one if you know what I mean~"
Eir seemed completely unfazed by the comment and instead raised her hand in a signal. As Robyn shouted out orders to the heroes, she noticed how hesitant Eir's attacks were, even in battle, and she found herself frowning.
Surely a princess of the realm of the dead would be eager to kill us.. right..?
She could only watch in disbelief as Caledori knocked her off her mount with a well-aimed sweep of her lance. With the pained expression still on her face, the princess closed her eyes and mumbled
"..Okay. You can kill me now."
Alfonse and the others all exchanged reluctant glances while Ricken whispered
"She isn't even acting like a threat.. if we kill her, we might as well be murderers."
Alfonse, overhearing, nodded and lowered his blade.
"We have no intention of killing you. But we do have some questions for you, so we will be taking you prisoner."
The princess nodded, accepting her fate without complaint.
"We're doing to need to keep a close eye on her.." Takumi murmured, and Robyn shared his unease as she forced the memory of Takumi lying lifelessly in her arms out of her mind.
I won't lose Takumi again! Not like that! she thought determinedly.
A young woman sat at a table, her tied up brown hair falling down her back as the creature behind her combed through her hair with bony fingers. The woman's closed eyelids quivered in disgust, but she was unable to flinch away, no matter how much she wanted to.
"You did well to remove that pesky barrier." she cooed. "Now my forces are free to invade as they please. Soon.. all the living will be under my reign. You should be grateful. You'll be reunited with your son again."
The woman stiffened at her words, her eyes flying open in horror.
"No.. please.. spare my son!"
"Your son would have joined us already if that wretched girl hadn't interfered with my plans!" the creature snarled, grasping the woman by the throat in a fit of rage.
A strangled cry escaped the woman's lips as she struggled desperately to draw in air, her eyes wordlessly pleading with the cold eyed creature as she dragged the woman upright out of the chair.
"Oh.. but I suppose I should reward you for your usefulness.. shouldn't I?"
She flung the woman to the ground, the sound of gasping and coughing filling the air as the brown haired woman clutched at her neck.
"Very well.. I'll let your son live a little longer. Instead.."
The bony finger lifted up her chin, forcing the tear filled brown orbs to meet her own as she pressed her lips to her ear and hissed
"You can kill the Summoner.."
"The tomb's just up ahead." Niles reported, his expression grim.
They'd just gotten back from meeting Alfonse's father and were now on their way to Hel's tomb.
"Problem is, there's thousands of troops there." Gaius chimed in. "And it looks like they're heading for a town just south of here."
"What is everyone's obsession with attacking our towns? They aren't even a threat to them!" Ricken exclaimed in exasperation.
Robyn shared the sentiment. It was hard to stomach the fact that there were beings out there who would happily hurt innocents without a single trace of remorse. She noticed Eir was lingering close to her the whole time they walked, and when some of the soldiers walked on ahead, she stepped closer to murmur.
"Who.. are you?" she asked quietly.
"That's none of your concern!" Takumi snapped, stepping protectively in front of her.
The princess of the dead's eyes were not hostile, but oddly pained as she whispered
"Alfonse and Sharena feel so familiar to me.. But not you. I-I'm sorry.. I will not trouble you further. Pardon me.."
While they'd been talking to Eir, Alfonse, Sharena, and Anna had been discussing what to do in regards to the group of soldiers.
"If we try to fight them, that's straight suicide!" Ricken was protesting.
"B-but we can't abandon our townspeople either.." Sharena mumbled.
"Father's knights will be here soon.." Alfonse mused. "We could bait them for a bit until they get here."
"Sounds dangerous and bloody! Let's do it!" Henry cheered, earning some.. questionable glances from the rest of the group.
The heroes gathered around Robyn as she drew a quick map in the dirt with a stick.
"Takumi, I'm going to have you focus on their mages while Ricken-"
"Uhh.. hoodie? Sorry to interrupt and all but I don't suppose you've got a magical plan if they happen to surround us, do ya? Cause they're kinda doin' that." Gaius cut in.
"How did they do that so fast?! We hardly took our eyes off them!" Jakob exclaimed.
"Beats me!" Henry replied way too cheerfully. "I don't speak ghost, only crow! Oh, also I think we're trapped"
"We're well aware!" Chrom and Alfonse yelled at the same time.
"Everyone, form a circle!" Robyn ordered sharply. "Close range weapon users up front while distance attackers behind them. Flora and Felicia, use your icy winds to negate their spells and arrows. Fliers, work with the mages and archers to keep the skies clear. Lissa and Jakob, use healing staves as needed!"
The heroes quickly headed her commands. Despite being horribly outnumbered, the plan would buy them time. With distance attacks negated, the only alternatives would be to attack the Askrian soldiers at close quarters, and none of the Embla soldiers seemed to want to come into range of the Order of Heroes's furious defense. As the battle raged on, Robyn felt the strange tingling in her veins again, followed by the powerful urge to sing. It was the very same feeling she'd felt when she brought Takumi back to life.
What's wrong with me..?
A war cry interrupted her thoughts, and relief dazzled in Alfonse's eyes as Gustav and his knights joined the fray. The tides quickly turned and Thrasir called her troops to retreat.
"Thank you, Father! I thought we were dead for sure!" Sharena gasped.
Gustav gave her a disapproving glare, freezing the cheerful smile on her face as he turned to Alfonse.
"That was foolish and reckless, son!" he spat. "A king's duty is to his people, it's not playing war on the battlefield! You are heir to the throne, and if something happens to me, you are to take my place! Do you even have what it takes to be king?!"
"N-no Father.." Alfonse stammered. "There is still much I have to learn from you. I am not yet ready to be king."
As the pair conversed, Robyn felt Takumi tense up beside her, and glanced over to see him gripping his Fujin Yumi tightly, his hazel eyes narrowed in cold fury. He jumped when Robyn slipped her hand into his, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"What's wrong?" she whispered, feeling the Hoshidan's hand relax in her's.
"I just can't stand how he talks to his own son!" Takumi muttered back. "Sumeragi praised Ryoma and I for wanting to protect our country! I could never stand idle if Hoshido was in danger!"
"Neither would I." Robyn agreed quietly.
The way Gustav spoke to his children made her heart crack.
"If I had children.. I'd cherish them and treat them with love." she murmured.
Something in Takumi's gaze shifted, and a tenderness entered them as his gaze met her's, making her heart flutter as Gustav called the troops together to head back to Askr.
"We'll attack Hel tomorrow." he declared. "We'll force them back into the realm of the dead so we can get the barrier back up. Under no circumstance is anyone to approach Hel directly."
A chorus of agreement rose from the group, and Takumi gave her one last soft look, squeezing her hand gently before letting go and making their way back home.
Takumi slowly made his way down the candlelit hall, his hand brushing gently against the wall. He was so sure he'd been sleeping in his bed moments ago, so how did he find himself in the halls of the Askrian castle at this hour?
Maybe.. I was sleep walking?
Something was beckoning him, a strange tugging warmth urging him to the ballroom. A voice, gentle and beautiful drifted from the closed doors.
/t/ZT8UqV9UY/
"Dancing bears,
Painted wings..
Things I almost remember.."
Its Robyn! Takumi's heart skipped a beat at the realization. She's singing..
"And a song.. someone sings..
Once Upon a December.."
Takumi gently opened the ballroom door. The sound of Robyn's song was intoxicating. He needed to hear more. To be closer to it. Robyn was just ahead, her back to him as she stood in the middle of the ball room, singing to herself.
"Someone holds me safe and warm..
Horses prance through a silver storm!
Figures dancing gracefully,
Across my memory!"
The glow of the azalea flowers in her hair, the burning candles on the walls, and the streaks of moonlight only made Robyn look more ethereal as she began to replicate a slow, romantic dance in that very room. A dance made for two..
There were no words as she began to harmonize, spinning around the room as beads of silver light rose around her like fireflies, each beacon of light a faithful witness to the spectacle in front of him. Takumi felt his heart flutter as she turned towards them and their eyes met. There was no anger in her gaze that he'd been basically spying on her, only a serene calm as she beckoned him forward, her hand out stretched.
Spellbound, the Hoshidan prince took it, Robyn's melody filling the room as they began to dance. As they spun elegantly across the dance floor, Takumi found that while he's never danced like this with someone before, he felt he knew the dance by heart. The moon, the candles, and Robyn's azaleas were the only guiding light they needed. The prince looked deeply into Robyn's violet gaze as she continued to harmonize, and their dance became more intimately romantic as she sang.
"Someone holds me, safe and warm..
Horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory!"
He could feel her long pink hair brushing against his face, her sweet floral scent wreathing around him, reminding him of the same flowers Robyn had revived the first time he'd heard her sing. The room seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of them as they enjoyed their enchanting ballroom dance under the blanket of moonlight as the silver beads of light grew brighter and brighter.
"Far away,
Long ago!
Glowing dim as an ember.."
Round and round they spun, the throbbing emotions in her song leaving Takumi breathless, her gaze never leaving his as the silver beads fixed themselves upon her lovely pale skin, forming a breathtakingly beautiful silver gown that shimmered brightly even in the gloom.
"Things my heart,
Used to know!
Things it yearns to remember.."
The music, the atmosphere, and Robyn's voice were unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. There were a million questions filling his mind that he could have asked her in this moment, but his body was responding against his control as if by instinct as he moved effortlessly to her rhythm. Nothing else mattered but this moment, right here, right now. Their dance began to slow to a halt as Robyn's hand caressed Takumi's face gently, the last notes coming out as almost a whisper as she rested her forehead against his.
"And a song.. someone sings..
Once Upon a December.."
Takumi closed his eyes, leaning into her touch as the last notes rang out, then slowly ended. His eyes slowly fluttered open to meet hers. Robyn's eyes were so gentle and serene as she gazed back at him calmly, her beautiful hair shimmering gently as her flowers were lit by the faint lights, making her look like a goddess. Her hand lingered on his face, the soft touch sending butterflies erupting in his stomach.
"Robyn.." Takumi breathed out in a passionate whisper through half-lidded eyes.
He began to draw her closer, neither seeming unable to resist. He knew exactly what he wanted, and he needed it now. But just as his lips began to slowly brush against Robyn's, Takumi's eyes flew open and he sat up in his bed with a gasp.
A dream..?
Takumi's heart was pounding, and his face felt hot, his lips still tingling as he traced them lightly with his fingertips as the realization of what they'd nearly done in the dream hitting him like a wave. And yet the desire to still kiss Robyn burned so strongly, Takumi was left panting softly as he took a moment to collect himself and catch his breath.
The song, the dance, that silver dress and..
Takumi touched his lips briefly again, his mind racing. He had the strange feeling that the dream had meant something terribly important, but what could it have possibly meant?
"Mother's goal is to destroy all of Askr.. Alfonse will be the first to die.." Eir mumbled in a shaky whisper as they walked.
Robyn and Takumi both swapped puzzled looks through narrowed eyes, suspicion distracting her from the prince's odd behavior that morning. He'd been stealing glances at her all morning when he thought she wasn't looking, and when their eyes did meet, his face seemed just a little bit flushed. A sudden fog rose around them, and Alfonse called
"They're here!"
Unable to see where she was going, Robyn searched for Takumi, unable to locate him as confusion filled her.
Where is everyone..?
"..I'm so glad you came.."
Robyn whipped around to see a woman with long tied up brown hair and a familiar yellow sun tiara.
She's Hoshidan! Robyn realized with a jolt.
That was the very same crown that Takumi had put on his fan. The golden white and blue robes carried an air of familiarity.
No.. surely Hel wouldn't be so cruel?
"..M-Mikoto?" she tried hesitantly, and the woman's eyes widened.
"Takumi.. told you about me?"
A small smile graced Robyn's lips. Never in her life did she expect to be face to face with Takumi's late mother.
"He speaks highly of you all the time." she replied softly.
For some reason, pain flashed in her gaze.
"Why don't you come see him?" she pressed. "He still has bad dreams about your death-"
"I-I'm so sorry.." Mikoto whispered, and Robyn's unease only grew when she saw her hands were trembling, gripping her bow tightly. "Just know this pains me more than you could ever know. When I died, you became Takumi's source of comfort. This is a terrible way to repay you.."
No..
Robyn's heart sank as Mikoto shakily lifted the bow and pointed it at her.
"Hel's controlling you.. isn't she?" Robyn murmured.
"I'm sorry.. I can't fight her will.. She wants me to kill you so.. I have to.."
Robyn's hand trembled as it as it rested on her rapier, concealed at her hip. All she had to do was draw her blade and strike her down. But her hand refused to move any further. She could not bring herself to harm Takumi's mother as memories of the night she'd found him crying in the hallway flashed away though her mind. He'd cried so bitterly that night. Robyn refused to break Takumi's heart like that for a second time, even if it meant forfeiting her own life.
I'm sorry Takumi.. I love you. Please be safe without me.. she thought, shutting her eyes tightly.
There was a sudden rush of air as something flew past her, and her eyes flew open when she heard Mikoto utter a strangled gasp. A shimmering teal arrow was embedded in her stomach, staining her tunic scarlet as the yumi fell from her hands. There was only one person that arrow could belong to. Robyn turned quickly to see Takumi standing behind her, Fujin Yumi raised, his face cast in shadow.
Why.. why did you have to come save me..? Why did it have to be you?!
This was too cruel. Any one in the army, even Niles would have been a better choice than Mikoto's own son.
"M-mother.."
The name came out as a whimper as Mikoto crumpled to the ground.
"T..aku..mi.. is it really you?" she asked feebly. "Come.. closer.. my son.."
Her hand reached involuntarily for the yumi again, but she was too weak. And Robyn realized with a jolt that Takumi had dealt his mother a fatal blow.
Hesitantly, the prince made his way over slowly, Robyn following until they at last reached her, Takumi collapsing to his knees by his mother's side. He cradled her head gently in his lap, his hand reaching to grasp her hand softly. The prince's shoulders shook as the tears fell, his hazel eyes full of shame.
"M-mother I-I.."
"It's.. okay." Mikoto panted. "Hel was.. controlling me. I had no choice.. but to obey. I.. only wish.. we could have met again under different circumstances. But still.. I'm so happy to see you again.. so proud of who you've become.."
"I'm.. happy to see you too.." Takumi managed to say. "I'm sorry I failed to protect you.."
Mikoto gave a small shake of her head as her brown gaze met her son's glistening hazel ones.
"My sweet precious son.. it was never your fault. My death was inevitable. There was nothing you could have done."
Her chest heaved as she fought for breath.
"Save your strength.." he pleaded softly, but she shook her head again.
"Listen.. carefully Takumi.. Forces of the dead cannot die. Hel will use me over and over-"
"No!"
The words came tumbling out in between sobs.
"I-I won't kill you again! There has to be another way!"
Robyn's heart felt like it was cracking more and more with each tear that fell as Takumi turned a desperate gaze towards her.
"Please.. please sing!" he begged. "Free her from Hel. D-don't let her suffer like this.."
Reaching out to give Takumi's free hand a gentle squeeze, Robyn nodded. The dragon necklace around her neck began to emit a soft blue light as Robyn's voice filled the air, the lyrics coming to mind naturally as she poured out all her emotions.
"Far away,
Long ago!
Glowing dim as an ember.."
"Mm.."
A look of tranquility crossed Mikoto's face as the light began to seep into her skin.
"Things my heart used to know..
Things it yearns to remember.." Robyn sang as a long sigh escaped his mother's lips.
"Thank you.. You've freed me from Hel's curse. I can pass on to more peaceful places now.."
She began to dissolve into specks of light, a serene look on her face as she looked at Takumi's anguished face one last time.
"I'll be watching over you, my sweet beloved son." she murmured, her gaze flitting to Robyn. "Take care of my son for me."
"I will." Robyn promised fervently as Mikoto burst into fragments of light that descended into the skies.
"Please don't go!" Takumi cried, reaching out for the lights in one last attempt to hold his mother for just a little longer.
The grief stricken wail that tore from his throat as the last of the light faded broke her. Robyn's arms encircled the prince gently as she slowly turned him to face her.
"That's enough.. Time to rest." she soothed, drawing him close.
Takumi embraced her tightly, burying his face into her chest as sobs wracked his body.
"It's okay.. let it all out." Robyn whispered, rubbing his back in long, comforting strokes as she cradled him against her, letting him cry.
Letting him feel. Letting him hurt without fear of judgment, until at last the tears slowed.
"T-thank you.. for freeing her." he managed in a shaky whisper as Robyn nestled his head against her shoulder.
She pressed a gentle kiss to Takumi's forehead, saying more than words ever could as he slowly relaxed against her, closing his eyes. She rested her cheek on top of his head as he snuggled closer to her, seeking comfort from her warmth. They stayed like that for a long while.
Note from the Authoress:
So I know I had a surprise for this chapter originally, but after thinking over what I want to do with the next chapters, it made more sense to wait a bit for said surprise. Updates will be back on schedule for every other Sunday, and next chapter's going to be extra long with an extra big reveal, so stay tuned for that!!
~Robyn