Disclaimer - I don't own Fire Emblem. All of its properties belong to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.
Chapter 14
I startle from my slumber with a jolt.
I blink furiously and wipe the sleep from my eyes. There's a horrible crick in my neck and I try to stretch out my muscles as I uncurl from the chair I've been napping in.
Strong sunlight filters in through gauzy curtains. It reflects off the sterile walls, blinding me. There's a buzzing in my ears that won't go away and it's beginning to drive me insane. The chair underneath me hits the bottom moulding as I get to my feet.
Through the bleary haze of my mind, I remember I'm in a hospital. It's a small room with a single bed and tiny dresser next to it. The mounted television has gone to static. All around me are machines with purposes I couldn't even begin to imagine. All I can pick out is the IV stand next to me.
I try to remember why I'm here. There's a woman in the bed hooked up to all the contraptions. I see something blinking furiously and the buzzing grows louder as I approach her side. I shake my head as the fog lifts.
It's my mother.
She looks so pale and small lost among her sheets. It's amazing how much of the strong woman I knew melted away in her sickness. I can't even recognize her now.
What in God's name is making that sound? Is one of these things malfunctioning? I look over the machines and pay closer attention to the one blinking. The monitor is green and a single line travels the length of it. There's a blip in the corner that beeps erratically in warning.
It's a heart monitor.
"Mom?"
I press a hand to her chest. It isn't moving.
"Mom!"
Oh my God. No.
"Somebody! Doctor! I need a doctor in here!"
I rush for the door and throw it open, yelling for help as loud as I can.
I stumble into the hall, only the have everything shift around me. The colors blur and blot out, blinking into something new. The walls widen and pull away to form a whole room. Drab pieces of art decorate a room inhabited solely by a table and chair. A single box lies on the table, beckoning me to open it.
But my mother! I need to...
I need to get the bonds from the safety deposit box to pay for the funeral. It's the only way I can. My paychecks are barely paying off the hospital bills that are left over.
My sneakers scuff against the waxed floor as I approach the box. I can feel the tiny key in my hand. When did I get this? Oh, of course, I've had it all along. I couldn't get it out of storage without presenting it to the bank official.
Hands reach out and take the cool metal, pulling it toward me. The key slips in easily and twists, causing the lock to come undone with a click. The top lifts easily and exposes the contents inside. There are bundles of newspaper clippings, letters filled with memories, and other tokens of nostalgia. I gently push aside the velvet box encasing my mother's service medal and pull out the folder that supposedly carries important documents.
It bends open and reveals sheafs of paper neatly stacked inside. This is the first time I'm actually looking at this so I have no idea where these bonds are. I start flipping through the leafs passing by the sole remainders of identification that marked my mother's presence on this Earth: Her birth certificate, social security card, diplomas...
There's a lot of personal stuff too. Photos and the whatnot. Out of curiosity, I empty some of the envelopes and pick up the pictures. There are old yellowed Polaroids of her as a child and I can't help but smile at them. It's funny how much I look nothing like her. I guess all my genetics come from my dad. I wonder if there's anything in here on him. It's not that I care but...I can't help but feel curious now.
I flip through the years of my mother's life as I discard snap shots of her sixty odd years of life. I find it weird that there's not a single one of her with any man outside of those in her family. She must have seriously had some issues with my birth father to have even tossed all his photos. Unless they're elsewhere. There's only pictures of me and her in here from when I was a teenager. Maybe they are with my missing baby photos? Makes sense if he was in any of them.
Actually, there's a lot of stuff missing here about me. Didn't she say she kept all my files here as well as hers? I can't find my birth certificate or anything. The first thing I can find is my band camp certificate from when I was twelve. Weird. Why aren't they here? Those are kind of important. I should check her condo again tomorrow for them.
The door handle to the room jiggles but doesn't open cause I've locked it. A sharp rapping at the door follows. I start to walk over to the door, ready to let the other person inside. It must be-
The room dims and the furnitures rearranges itself as I walk forward. Everything closes in once more, condensing to a small kitchen and front room. Jules' collection of anime posters mix with the shrine in the corner she's dedicated to Lord of the Rings. The promotional cutout of one those dwarves watches me all creepy-like from the corner.
The door handle shakes and I roll my eyes.
It must be Antoine. I can't believe the stupid moron got kicked out of his house again. And calling me at three am no less! He's never been good with women, personal experience talking. He's damn lucky I'm rooming with his sister or I'd leave him out there and sneak out the back.
I pull my heavy coat tighter around me for protection from the cold outside. Blasted wind. My messenger bag hangs heavy at my hip, laden with my typical gear.
I throw a look back at the clock as the door squeaks open. Huh, guess I'm going to be late. Jules is gonna kill me.
"This is the last time Tony. I swear I'll-"
My heart shoots to my throat and I let out a sharp intake of breath. The person at the door isn't my ex.
The figure is a black silhouette against the moon behind them. They are taller than me my I can tell they are looking down upon me.
"Who...?" I sputter out as my hand creeps for the pepper spray in my pocket.
Even though their arms never move, I feel something wrap around my throat. The sensation is of unbearable cold. What is...?
"Found you," he purrs happily.
Someone else is there, next to the man, barely distinguishable in the shadows. Something in me wants to pull away. This person is bad. Very bad. I need to go! I try to scream but my throat is blocked.
"No more of your petty games. It's time to go home."
What? Who? NO!
Pain blossoms in my head. Everything is upside down.
I throw my hands out and twist around, the rest of my hanging body hitting cold floor. Something light flutters down over me. I roll over on my stomach, wincing as my brain rattles in my skull.
Where am I?
I push myself up on to my elbows and look around. Soft light illuminates the tiny room I inhabit. Walls of stone surround me on all sides and old-fashioned wooden furniture decorates the limited space available. There's a door with a lock before me and a simpler one on the left wall. I peer over my shoulder and see I'm right beneath a bed resting under the lone window.
There's a white sheet draped over me and I push it off as I pull myself into a sitting position. My throat feels raw and dry. All my muscles are stiff. I'm not sure if the pain in my head is worse than the uncomfortable soreness of my body.
The simple shift I'm in is airy and I hate it. Where are my clothes at?
I rub my face with both hands and try to piece together things. Last thing I remember was coming back from Feroxi lands. We were travelling and then...
Then I had that dream. But, it wasn't a dream. It was real. There was a Risen, no, two of them. They attacked me, us. Chrom, Lissa, and I. Those things were in our tents and then they...What were they doing? God, my head!
I blacked out, didn't I? Yeah, I fainted. God, that is so embarrassing. I hope everyone is okay though. Ugh, how long have I been out though. It feels like I've been asleep forever. Asleep and lost in a myriad of weird dreams.
I can't remember all of them. I just feel sort of drained and freaked out. Whatever I was dreaming was pretty bizarre. I do remember the last one though. Or the last three? It was like a dream within a dream within a dream. Dream-ception? Woah.
It was about...about my mom?
Yeah...Yeah! Something about my mother! Mom! I remember you! Your face and your voice! I remember! I remember you're-!
You're dead.
My stomach hollows out and I stare numbly at my hands. I-I don't feel like crying or screaming or anything. I just feel empty. Like, I know that this is already true and there's nothing to be done about it. I dreamt a memory then. One from not long ago. I-
...
Mom...So you're...
Damn it!
A swell of helplessness washes over me. My palm slams against the ground in frustration. I lean back against the support of the bed frame and close my eyes. I don't want to think that true but deep down something tells me it is. God bless it. What a horrible thing to remember now.
I run a hand through my hair. It feels gross. When was the last time I had a bath? In that same vein, how long have I been out?
You know, there was more to that dream. I dreamt of a bank and a box. The family's safety deposit box? I needed something but found something else missing. It was...gah, I can't remember! Stupid dreams! It was enough to make me worry though.
And then I opened another door and I was home again. It's like my memories were splicing into new ones. I think the last one was right before I blanked out. I was gonna leave for work but I was waiting for a friend. I went to open the door for him and someone else was there.
No, they were there. They were waiting for me. But why? Who? What did they mean by games? And what home? I already was home!
Was I...was I kidnapped? Who would want me? I'm nothing special!
I draw my knees into me and bury my head in them. I stay huddled like that for who knows how long, waiting for the feelings to pass. God, this just isn't my day. Week. However long I've been under. Just screw it. Screw everything. This is way too deep for me to even begin to sort out right now.
I really wish I had some vodka. And an aspirin. And a cherry pie.
The door squeaks open and I hear a feminine gasp. I lift my head to see a plump woman in a simple blue dress and cream-colored apron cover her mouth in surprise. She puts down the tray in her other hand and bustles over to me.
"Oh you poor thing! Did you awaken on the floor? Come, come, up we go now. That must have been a horrible shock," she chatters as she scoops me up off the floor. I allow her to help me back into the bed. It's surprisingly comfy for a medieval mattress.
She proceeds to pick up the discarded sheet and bunches it up in her arms. "Wait here, dear. I'll be right back with your healer."
"But-" I wince as the word cracks like sandpaper in my mouth.
The woman pats my hand. "I know you must be dreadfully confused but we'll explain shortly. Just let me get the healer first."
I nod numbly and watch her disappear back into the hall, pulling the door shut behind her. My fingers play with the bed cover as I wait impatiently for someone to appear. I throw a glance out the window and it overlooks a sheer drop. Beneath it sprawls a bustling cityscape bordered by a familiar wall. I'm in Ylisstol. So this must be the castle. That means I've been out at least a few days given how close to the capital we were. Yikes.
I hear the voices before the door even opens. The portly woman is the first to enter followed by another, much younger woman. The healer is taller and has broad shoulders under the simple tunic and white over coat. She's got really pretty blonde hair.
When she sees me sitting up in bed, she smiles softly and closes the door. She ducks into the adjoining room where I hear some things shift around. While she does so, the elder heads to the tray she had and picks it up again.
"I'll be back soon. The tea's gone cold," she calls out.
"Thank you Anneliese," I hear the healer quietly call from the other room. Seconds later, she emerges with some sort of staff. It's not as long as Lissa's, half that maybe. It's a simple cut, maybe made of Ash wood. Runes carved into the side run the length of it until it tapers into a single clear crystal at the end.
The healer pulls a chair from the corner of the room and puts it before my bed a respectable distance away. She sits down and offers me another warm smile. Despite having such soft features, her angular jaw line gives her an androgynous edge. If I had looked at her under a different light, I may of thought her a-
"A good morning to you Robin. You've been asleep for quite a bit of time," she says in a deep voice. It's delicate and airy but definitely masculine.
My mouth opens in shock. "You're a man," I croak out bluntly.
The healer lets out a soft chuckle and looks no less offended by my horrified look. "Hm, seems it's happened again. How droll." He leans forward and gives a friendly tilt of the head. "My name is Libra. I am the primary healer that's been placed in charge of your recovery since you've arrived." He pauses. "And yes, I happen to be a man. This humble servant of Naga is at your dispense."
Libra?! Holy crap! That's awesome! Dude, I wasn't expecting to see you until sometime deep in Plegia! Talk about being lucky! Didn't expect you to look that feminine though. I figured that was just the anime stereotype playing it up for a story angle. You could rival Olivia in beauty looks.
"I have no doubt you have some questions?" he continues on.
I nod.
"Understandable. If I may, I would like to check your health while explaining."
I let out a sound of agreement and he scoots in closer. Libra closes his eyes and a relaxed expression falls over his features. He whispers something that sounds akin to a prayer under his breath as his hand travels up and down the length of the staff. The top begins to glow with a tiny light.
"If anything ever makes you feel uncomfortable, please tell me," he urges as he raises his unoccupied hand. He starts at the end of my arm closest to him. Libra hovers just inches over my skin. I can feel a soft warmth emanating from them. The tense constrictions in my muscles slowly start to uncoil and I can feel the familiar giddiness of healing magic spread through me. It's making me drowsy.
"I do suppose I should start at the beginning then, yes? It seems during an ambush on your return trip you collapsed. Despite attempts to resuscitate you, you remained unable to awaken. A rather hasty return was made with you by horseback where we received you at the castle."
He switches to my other arm. I feel so gooey inside with all this healing magic going through me.
Libra looks a tad more serious as he continues on. "I do not wish for you to be alarmed but, by virtue alone, I cannot hold the truth to myself. You have been asleep for one week."
I make this strangled sound of surprise as the fuzzy haze is broken. One week! What the hell? I suppose that explains the sore joints and throat but, seriously! One week?
Libra's hand pauses at my shoulder and I see the light grow slightly stronger. As it does so, a particular knot of pain in my shoulder begins to melt away. "It is suprising, I understand. Allow me to explain further. You see, upon your arrival one of the senior healers took note of a rather anomalous condition within you. She noticed a strong presence of magic in your system creating irregularities in your body. A magic tied strongly to the darker arts."
"Meaning?"
"A very strong hex had been cast upon you. One meant to render you into a deep comatose state until the counter sigil could be woven to break the hold."
"A hex? When would I have-?"
The Risen. Son of a...That thing must have cursed me. Some of the Risen types were magic casters so it isn't outside the realm of possibility. Why didn't I succumb to it beforehand? Maybe because I woke up, breaking its incantation? When I saw it that second time I felt real ill and then collapsed. It must have jinxed me then.
When I find that piece of shit I swear I'll make it regret ever messing with me. Too bad his little friend is dead cause I'd love to have given that thing a piece of my mind as well.
Oh.
Oh FRICK!
"The second one!" I gasp in horror. If the creeper in my room cast a spell on me then the other one in Chrom's tent probably did the same!
Libra looks startled as I grab ahold of his arm. If I didn't look pale already from the curse I must now from fear. "The thing that cursed me. There was another one!"
He sets aside his staff and places his free hand over mine, gently grasping it in reassurance. "Robin, calm yourself. There is nothing here to harm you now."
"No! That's not...Where's Chrom and Lissa? Are they alright? You have to check them!" I tell him insistently. I force the words out even though my throat hurts. My mind is abuzz with horrific thoughts of what might have befallen them as well. "The thing that cursed me, well, there was two of them. One was in their tent and I spooked it but it was in there for who know how long and...You need to see if they're okay!"
Realization dawns on Libra's face and I'm surprised to see a smile appear. "Robin," Libra gently, but firmly, states,"they are well."
"But they-" I break into a dry cough and quickly turn away to cover my mouth. The force of the coughs causes my ribs to hurt. Libra applies a gently rubbing motion to my back until I finish.
"I hope Anneliese returns with that tea soon," he says worriedly to himself. As my fits subsides, he once again reaches for his staff and helps me sit upright again. "Allow me to ease the soreness."
As he works his magic, so to say, he gives me a reassuring smile. "You have nothing to fear in regards to our Prince and Princess. If anything, they have you to thank for that. Whatever dark intent meant to be conjured upon them was interrupted by your timely appearance that eve."
"I did what now?" Wow, this healing magic is the best. I feel like I'm tripping on morphine.
"When it was discovered that you had contracted a curse, those like myself who specialize in countering and nullifying the strongest of ailments to the body were called in. After the ordeal was recounted for us, my cohort decided it be best to examine the Prince and Princess as a precaution given their immediate exposure to the demon. There were faint traces of dark magic within their system, but nothing that could cause damage. It was purged easily."
"We received a report later from one of your fellow Shepherds that surveyed the scene the following morning. There were remnants of dark runes and a summoning circle in both tent spaces. While yours was undisturbed, the one discovered under the other tent's remains was not only incomplete, but also destroyed in the alleged tussle you created."
I sit there dumbly processing the words. They're okay? Holy sweet blessed Naga. Thank you for that. I was seriously scared for a minute.
"They're okay," I repeat out loud, just to let it really sink in.
"Yes, they are. All in thanks to your appearance. Had you not intervened, I fear things would have been very grave for them."
I look up in hesitant curiosity. "How?"
The light from the staff goes out and Libra exhales softly. He withdraws the miniature staff and sets it in his lap. "I believe we are finished. How do you feel?"
"Like a million bucks," I reply. He gives me a quizzical look and I shake my head. "I'm feeling much better. Thanks."
"That's good. I sensed no disturbances in your body's natural harmony so I can calmly say you have been purged of any lingering dark essence. All you need now is some rest to regain your natural strength."
"Actually, I could really use some food. And a bath. And better clothes."
Libra chuckles in amusement and stands. He retreats to the adjoining room with the staff. "Another day of broth and soft food is all I can promise for now, I'm afraid." Well, piss. "We'll start you on something hardier tomorrow."
I can hear things thump about as he moves in the room. "I would think you would like to speak with your friends before anything. They are very worried about you."
The very notion causes me to recoil in horror. Did this man not see my current state? I'm greasy haired, haven't washed in days, and am wearing a half-inch of cotton that's doing little to keep me warm. Or decent.
"I can abide by your decision on food but I staunchly refuse to budge on my last two demands. I will not see anyone until I get cleaned up," I protest.
Libra peers out from the doorway with a concerned look. "I would not have you straining yourself just yet. It is best you simply rest a day more."
"I will jump from this window if you let anyone in here while I look as I do now."
"I-" Libra stares me down and his resolve begins to melt. "See not the want of cleanliness as a sign of vanity, but as a sign of virtue," he quotes to himself with a sigh as he ducks back into the room. I have a feeling that's not so much for me to hear as it is him convincing himself to give into my stubborn request. "I will see what I can do," he calls out.
I do a tiny fist pump and settle back against the wall. Score!
The door creaks open again and the woman known as Anneliese steps in. "Finally back! Forgive me for the wait but that dreadful wyvern down in the kitchens would not budge. All I ask for is a pot of boiling water and she decides to give me lip about it." The tray slams on top of the dresser and I see the lid of the kettle bounce. "She tells me to wait while I have a patient in need. I've never seen such a stubborn heifer in all my years."
"Anneliese, your temper," Libra quietly warns.
"Aye, aye, I know, Love," she huffs as she pours some tea into a cup. "It's a wonder we come from the same stock. My mother bore thirteen children from her womb and Naga blessed each of us with her patience and piety. All except that sod in the kitchens. Grima must have gotten ahold of that one, let me tell you," she adds while wagging the sugar spoon in the air. She hands me the cup with a quick smile. "Make sure you blow on that. It's hotter than a Plegian desert on Midsummer's day."
"If you'd be so kind," Libra interrupts,"I would have another request on behalf of our patient here."
"Oh, of course! What is it?" she inquires.
"Would you be able to locate some bathing supplies for the room?"
The woman throws me a knowing look and nods her head approvingly. "Of course Libra. Poor thing probably feels like she crawled out of the pegasus stalls. Considering the line of nice young men waiting to meet her, I'm not surprised."
Libra simply gives her an agreeable laugh in response that clearly screams "I am not going to talk about this further." Anneliese gets the picture and winks at me before bustling back to the door. "I'll be back soon with some things. Shall I procure some clothing bit more appropriate for company as well?"
"Yes," I bluntly call out before Libra could protest.
Anneliese lets out a boisterous laugh before slipping out. Thank goodness for her. At least she understands how mortifying it is to be sitting here in a week's worth of grime. I've no doubt that they may have dabbed me up once and a while with a cloth or something but that's nothing compared to a full-blown bath.
Libra exits and walks back over to the bedside. He still doesn't look wholly convinced about the arrangement. "I would like you to listen to me carefully Robin. You may be feeling sprightly thanks to the healing magic but you must remember that you have just awoken. Do not push yourself beyond a simple pacing. I would not have you collapse right after recovering."
"I promise. Seriously, this is gonna be the best medicine I could ask for."
"Mm," he sounds in mild agreement. "I do believe I should report on your apparent recovery to some respected parties eagerly awaiting news of you. I will not be gone long. Before I go though, is there anything else you need of me? Any questions you have?"
Normally I would have said bath first, questions later, but there is one I still have. Actually, one that's gone unanswered. "Yeah, actually I do."
"Yes?"
"I noticed that you didn't answer my earlier question. You immediately changed the topic when I asked what kind of spell was being conjured on Chrom and Lissa. Why?"
Libra closes his eyes and looks away. "I would not have you worry. It should only matter that they are safe."
"I appreciate the concern Libra, but I'd feel better knowing," I persist.
I can see the battle he's having in his mind over whether or not he should say something. "I suppose you will find out one way or the other. I would prefer to have waited but..." Libra walks back over to the chair and rests a hand on the corner of it. He looks somberly down at me.
"The runes were old and the sigil from another era. Such a thing had only been seen in archived spell tomes chronicling a long forgotten branch of dark magic. From what your scholar friend in the Shepherds had translated, it was..." Libra pauses, looking disturbed by the very thoughts he's speaking. "It was a death spell. Not just any however. It had been reworked to cause great infliction upon those bearing the holy blood of Naga herself."
It takes a second for the severity of his words to sink in. This Risen tried to use a spell from an extinct branch of magic with alterations to it specifically for Chrom and Lissa. So not only did this thing show a higher level of intelligence than anything we fought before, it actually was able to identify the two of them and use advanced magic to try to assassinate them.
"Well shit."
Libra flinches lightly at my wording. "Quite. For the time being, please try not to dwell on it for the sake of your health. It's a distressing realization but there are specialists being gathered as we speak to investigate the matter. Both the Prince and Princess are unharmed, all in part to you. Take solace in that and know that you are safe within the confines of Ylisstol's walls."
"Uh huh," I reply lamely. I should have kept my mouth shut.
Libra pushes the chair back into its proper place and offers me a light nod of the head. "Anneliese will be back soon, I imagine. Enjoy your tea and try to think of the good that has come of your night instead of the ill. By Naga's will, you have all come out whole and alive. There is no greater blessing that could have been asked for from such a dark event."
I do as he says and reach for the cup, taking a quick sip. It's got a pepperminty aftertaste and is really soothing on my throat. "I'll do that," I reply with forced cheer. "Ah, wait a minute!"
Libra stops before the entry way and looks back. "Yes?"
"I never said thanks. You broke me out of that spell so the least I can do is express my gratitude. I'm not knowledgable at all about curses or dark magic but I can only assume it's hard to work. I owe it to you that I can be sitting up awake and talking right now. So thank you, truly."
Libra really does have a spetacular smile. It's probably the best feature about him. So when he dips his head to the side and close his eyes, giving that soft grin of his, I feel like I really am safe here. Whatever dark things are bumping around in the night out there are of no worry to me while I'm in this castle. It's a comforting feeling.
"You are most welcome Robin, though no thanks need be given. I am merely doing what is expected of any of Naga's children."
Anneliese's voice echoes from the hall and Libra opens the door wider while stepping back, allowing her to move through the threshold. She walks in with a young man behind her. He carries a large tub in his arms and has to twist around and readjust the thing to fit both them through the frame. With a loud grunt, he plops the tub on the middle of the floor.
"Thank you, son," Anneliese responds sweetly as she pats him on a muscular forearm. "I'll see you back down in the supply room shortly."
The man gives her an affectionate harumph and then lumbers out of the room. She watches him with motherly affection before depositing the basket of goods down next to it. "Such a good boy. Takes after his father, he does. I couldn't ask for better."
"I must be off to inform the others of Robin's change of condition. May I ask you to take over from here?" Libra asks.
Anneliese shooes him while she starts removing some soap from the basket. "Of course. Off you go Libra. The young lady will need her privacy after all."
Libra departs with a last farewell leaving me with Anneliese. She quickly empties the basket of the assortment of toiletries. She picks up the bundle of cloth and walks over to me to hand it over. "I hope this will be a better fit for you. There should also be a towel there and some soap on the side. Are you feeling strong enough or would you prefer some help."
"Uh, no thanks. I think I can manage."
Anneliese laughs. "Easy there, love. I understand. I thought it only best to ask. Don't strain yourself though or I will never hear the end of it. Now, let me fill this up for you."
She disappears into the adjoining room where I hear the squeak of a pump and then the rush of water. Anneliese makes several trips back and forth with a bucket before she calls it quits at half full. She wipes her brow and lets the bucket drop to the floor with a clatter. "Well then, that's that I suppose. I will let you alone to your business. Remember, don't push yourself and if you need anything, I'll be right on the other side of this door."
She departs and I'm left to myself again. I know she said not to push it but I practically dive into that tub. Medieval life has taught me to value personal hygeine on whole new levels. Baths are the greatest luxury I could ever ask for. Nothing raises my morale more than a good soak, especially when I'm sitting on seven days worth of dirt.
My God, what is this stuff? I've never smelled anything so good! It's like confetti cake mixed with unicorn tears and a dash of baby laughter. My hair smells majestic!
I bask for who knows how long and feel utterly refreshed when I finally roll out. Libra's healing magic may have done wonders for my aches but this bath has certainly soothed my soul. 'Cleanliness is next to godliness,' someone once said. Aint't that the truth.
It feels weird when I pull on the clothes Anneliese gave me. After wearing 'Robin's' clothes for so long, it's odd not to be in them. I'm so used to looking like her that I feel like I've jumped skins again. In fact, I almost feel like my old self again. I'm the Robin I was before I came here, the one without a mark and a legacy. Unfortunately the sleeves that I have aren't long enough to completely hide my hand the way the old coat did. To improvise, I poke around the supply room and find a set of bandages to wrap over the mark. I'll just lie about it if anyone asks.
While I wrap my hand, my eyes are drawn to a mirror on the wall. It's take a moment for me to process that I'm looking at my own reflection. I don't just look, I mean I look. Is that really me?
I draw closer and stare at the woman on the other side. The profile is familiar. The slope of my cheeks, the bridge of my nose, the size of my eyes...Everything is as it was. My hair's grown a tad longer but nothing else is different. So why do I feel like something is off.
Maybe it's all in my mind. Or maybe it's my overall air. I somehow look worn. Tired. I poke both corners of my mouth and try to form a smile. Even that doesn't look as bright as it once was. This ordeal has certainly changed me. I guess after seeing death first hand, getting stabbed, and then getting hexed into a coma will do that to you. Sheesh, I've been here how long already?
I, uh, I wonder if that's carried over to my world. Has time flowed the same here as it does there? If so, everyone probably thinks I'm dead. Who is everyone though? Now that I know my mom is...gone, what's left back there?
I have a friend, a best one even. Julliet is the sister I never had. No doubt she's probably out of her mind with worry. She got a younger sister I get along with and a brother. Yeah, I dreamt of him last night. We dated, didn't we. God, that's a stupid move. Why would I ever have done that? That's breaking friend code right there. Still, I think we all manage to get along, right?
I try to think harder but there's not much else I can muster up. My inner circle doesn't seem to be very memorable outside of those few faces. Still, there are people who would have been looking for me. People who I care very much for and vice versa.
My head leans forward and rests against the mirror glass. I really want to go home. The thought passes through my head once a day at least. I miss being me.
But, the more days I stay here, the harder it feels to want to get away. I've forged friendships here as well and have this responsibility now even though it's unwanted. If I walk away from this, what ramifications could this have to the Shepherds? To Lucina?
My eyes flicker to the mark on my hand.
What could this mean for me?
That dream I had caused me to remember something. Someone was in my world and they came to me. They found me and I have a great suspicion that they brought me here as well. What I don't understand is why or how or who.
Did something happen before that night? I don't...well, there was my hand.
I roll my right hand over and look at the bandages hiding the mark of Grima. I had that funny bruise on my hand in the same spot that appeared only shortly before this. It couldn't have something to do with this, right? I mean it couldn't have been...
Gah, don't be stupid Robin! It's not like the mark could just show up on you one day! Grima doesn't exist! It's impossible for that to even happen!
I just don't know anymore. I think I need to try and sort this all out. What I should do is find some paper and lay out everything I know. Organize it all and then sit down with Lucina and collect what she knows. Maybe once we have both sides of the story we can start picking out a pattern. It's all I can think of for now.
I push away and exit the tiny room. I tidy up what I can for Anneliese and then sit back on the bed to wait for her or Libra to appear again. I rest both arms on the windowsill and then prop my head up to watch the world below. The people are tiny ants and move about oblivious to everything but their own lives. Once upon a time I used to be like them. Not a care in the world besides my tiny bakery and trying to decide what to make for dinner. I almost wish things were still like that.
A part of me is glad it hasn't though. For all the pain and nightmares I've been through, there's been some good in this. This whole thing has been ethereal. I'm not talking about the fact that I've landed smack dab in a video game I so happen to love. It's not that shallow anymore.
The experiences I've had here have been just as equally valuable to me as a person. Miriel was right that night when she told me that every step I've taken here has changed me. I am different from who I was before. This place has forced me to see things. I've found my weaknesses and had to reevaluate myself as a human being. I've learned how to defend myself and understand my limits. Most importantly, I've learned how I rely on others to live and what I must do to return that responsiblity in equal share.
I can't say what I can expect will happen in the future or what I'll do if there ever comes a day where I get the choice to go home or not. I'm not the Robin I was before and I will probably still be a different one all together in the future from what I am now. Uncertainty is the name of the game now and I just have to accept it.
If there's one thing that I do want to emulate from the other Robin, it's this: I need to think. I need to strategize. I need to plan.
Every new step in this crazy plot is unveiling more dangerous twists with each day. This is no longer about me getting home. My very existence is threatened now. I have to rip out the problem from its very roots.
No more doubts. No more hesitations.
It's time I lived up to Robin's legacy and showed them what a tactician is really made of.
A/N: Woah, sorry about the delay guys. I'm getting trained for a promotion so my hours are a little crazy at work. I've been typing this whole thing out on my Kindle between breaks so forgive any horrible errors. It has a very picky spellcheck system so I'm combing out errors still, sadly. I had a bad bout of writer's block as well. The good news is I have other chapters started. Inspired by this horrible heat, I even dabbled with a Summer Scramble chapter. Finally glad I pushed this one out though. A new arc is unfolding and the plot is evolving. So too is Robin as a character and I wanted to show how her experiences have changed her. I know it's not as action packed as the last chapter but it has some clues as well as good insight into her mindset and ambitions now. Anyway, thanks for your continued interest and I'll see you next chapter (hopefully sooner!).
Review Responses -
Nahmouse - I hope that's a good confused! A strong mystery is always about leaving the readers guessing and unaware of the next twist. And you better keep those arms and legs in because you're all in for a bumpy ride!
Luciz - Invisi-Risen. I like that. That's catchy! Glad you like the ominous tone. Things are certainly getting set up for the storm brewing on the horizon.
Guest - You're very welcome! I love knowing what my readers are thinking. I just wish my job would allow me time to respond quicker! As for you concern, goodness no! They'd never be paired just for that sole reason! Despite Lon'qu having clear hereditary roots from the Chon'sin dynasts, I think he identifies himself foremost as a Feroxi. If he and Say'ri are to ever meet and converse, it will be for far more than that. Perhaps one admires the other's fighting style? Maybe Lon'qu sees a ghost of Ke'ri in the princess and is drawn to her. There's so much potential there so believe me when I say it will be more than them simply getting together cause they are both Chon'sin. Of course that's if it even happens! I'm only collecting ideas because I like to occasionally involve reader input. I appreciate your question and hope that eases your fear!
LeonPianta - Miriel/slang OTP Ha Ha! Glad you enjoyed it. I wanted to give her a defining moment as both a character and a mentor. Yes, those Risen are bad news. Also rude. It's impolite to wake others from their sleep! Oh ho, Lon'qu/Gregor you say? Don't tempt me. XD
A Shadow's Lament - I'm so excited you like the Miriel part! I thought that the defining moment of the chapter so I was seriously hoping it made an impression. I'm even more pleased you enjoyed the magic portion :) I have a deep appreciation for all cultures and religions. I think they all draw from each other on many levels and have influenced each other throughout the ages to where we are now. I love weaving that into worlds and have tried to do so with this fic. Regna Ferox is tied to Nordic/Northern Germanic traits, Ylisse is a bit Celtic with the Middle Age feel of knights and chivalry, Roseanne embodies aspects of Gaul, etc.
I certainly hope those Risen aren't working with Morgan otherwise he's developed a bit of an Oedipus Complex from the way the one treated her!
Jenna Riedell - Thank you! It was meant to be a heavy chapter so I hope you got it all :) Miriel is a wonderfully complex character to write. Her very role itself is so contradictory. She's a mage and yet also a scientist and scholar, two fields that tend to clash when presented together. With all her quirks, I figured she would be both a perfect foil and a good mentor for Robin. She's been a pleasure to write.
I love your ideas. Don't be surprised if one of them may come true ;)
timewastin - Aw, thank you! This is a character driven story so the interactions are certainly among the most important things to get down! Good thinking about the Wellspring of Truth. I'm surprised no one mentioned it yet. I've definitely contemplated all the paralogues and DLC so don't be surprised if it shows up!
Mark-Kris Robin - Thanks for the double review! Sorry to hear about your user name. That is definitely a difference in characters! Great song choice for the chapter. I reread it myself while it played and I dug it. I think I'll add it to my playlist for when I write. And yes, creepy Risen are creepy!
Kokyou Konran - Hello! Thank you for the review! It's always nice to hear from a new voice! I definitely plan to have some more scenes with Robin and Lon'qu. She's due for him as well as a few other characters which I'll hopefully get in during this little down time she has before Plegia does their thing. Sorry about causing the heebie jeebies. Risen always seemed spooky to me so I really want to emphasize the wrongness of their appearances. Also I just love writing horror! Thanks again for your interest!
BrowncoatJedi - I had a heart attack when I first started reading your review. I was like, "Oh no! What's wrong with the chapter?" Then I read the rest of it and sighed in relief. Goodness, thank you for the favorite though! Outside of the Arena chapter, the last one was my favorite to write. I figured Robin's unique vocal distinctions would entice Miriel's curiosity enough to keep a log of them. Given her rather bizarre way of socializing, it only seemed natural Miriel would try to make her friend feel better in the only way Miriel could. The unfortunate true story behind this is that I used those myself when younger in all seriousness. My friend's favorite greeting was "Waz up homie g-skillet." I still don't know to this day what we were saying. Thank you again for the kind words and I'll definitely keep an eye on my "its" and "it's."