Disclaimer - I don't own Fire Emblem. All of its properties belong to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.
Chapter 30
All night long I was restless. It's probably because I have no idea how I'm going into this. I knew I was meeting with Lucina today and spent the evening tossing and turning over what I was going to say. I have no doubt she's more boiled than a potato right now. Why shouldn't she be? Hopefully that matter can be solved with some expert pleading. What I'm really nervous about is comparing what we now know and what may come of it. The last time we spoke, things didn't fall quite into place like I wanted.
I stare at the top of my right hand, the brand clearly visible in my mind's eye under all the layers hiding it. Stupid thing. What's up with you? Why appear on me? Did Letum and the others do some dark ritual or something while I was out to make it appear? That's creepy to think about. But why does that not seem right. I mean, what about what Lucina said with the bruising before a mark appears? That would mean I was getting it before they even came. But that's impossible! Unless these freaks did something before I was even abducted. They did find me in another dimension after all. Who knows how long they were camping out, watching and waiting?
Ah, great. Way to give yourself the heebie-jeebies Robin. Still, all that aside, this thing appeared and I'm stuck here playing my evil doppelganger from another dimension. Joy of joys.
I'm so lost in thought it barely registers when the guard stops at the entrance of a tiny alcove in the east gardens. There's about four throughout the area that provide privacy for the court when they desire some protection in the open air from inquiring eyes and ears. From here, I can see where I was just yesterday. I can also see the tree where I tackled Lissa and gave her the punishment she so duly deserved. Revenge is sweet sometimes.
My escort politely gestures to the entrance and the guest waiting beyond it. I had half expected one of Lucina's 'siblings' to take me to her but apparently there's a service being held for Maribelle's family today. I'm not familiar with Ylissean funeral rites but I know that if they're anything like my world's, Emmeryn and the others will be too busy in mourning to do anything else today. That works in my favor because I need to talk to Lucina without interruptions if possible.
The guard alerts me of her rounds in the garden should I need to look for her with further questions. I thank her and wait until she's well out of earshot before mustering up my courage. My stomach is fluttering with nerves because I have no idea what to expect. Screaming? Yelling? Cursing?
"Marth?" I call out hesitantly as I step tentatively through the arch. I then switch to a loud whisper. "Lucina? It's me. You here?"
A few stray leaves from the overhanging tree crunch under my heels. The small space hides little and I immediately see her in the far corner. Even with her back turned to me I can see the slight changes she's gone through since coming here. Her masculine persona has been discarded for her real gender, allowing her hair to hang freely. Though her style of clothing is almost the same, the material is softer and free of travel worn fringes. What surprises me most is the lack of one distinct feature at her side. The sword in the scabbard at her belt is not Falchion. Is she hiding it? I would. Nothing is more suspicious than two of the same holy sword in one place. Try explaining that!
Her upright form stiffens under my call. Lucina's arms unfold from across her chest and settle to her sides, her one coming to a rest on the hilt of her weapon. The simple gesture is far from unusual. Almost every sword-wielder I know does it by instinct. Today, it irks me for some reason.
Lucina turns agonizingly slow. What paranoia begins to tickle my mind grows even more when the sharp, icy blue of her eyes cut into me. It's hard not to notice the tightening of her grasp on the sword or the way her other fist closes and holds together. It's even harder not to feel the estranged aura filling the void between us. When she speaks, it's with a frighteningly low and calm tone.
"Robin."
The initial rush of relief I felt on seeing her dissipates. It was a bit too much to hope for a friendly reunion, but I wasn't expecting it to be this cold. This is gonna to be fun. Still, attitude or not, my feelings aren't so easily swayed. My gaze rovers over her body looking for anything to panic about. Two arms and two legs. All her fingers are intact. She's still got the same nose and ears on her head. No scars either that I can see.
"You're okay." The last of my worries has been wiped away. I should have known better. This girl is strong. Probably stronger than her own father at this point. I doubt one priest could cause her a lick of harm after staring down Grima face to face.
Lucina's reply is not nearly as heartfelt as mine. "As are you," she states with little emotion.
I can't help but flinch back. It's not like I expected tears of joy or anything, but her response is just so apathetic. It kind of hurts.
I was planning on keeping this discussion as lighthearted as possible despite the serious things we would be discussing, but I can't even keep it civil at this rate. She's really pissed off. Did Emmeryn or one of the others say something or do something? How bad are things? I'm now actually afraid to ask so I chicken out and continue the shallow banter I began with.
"How's the others?" I try again with forced interest. "I figured Owain is alright from the reports but I haven't heard of the others."
Lucina doesn't leave her end of the alcove but she does walk along the length of it. "They fair well. My cousin and Nah have recovered fully. Laurent, however, remains outside the walls as I ordered him to. I need eyes beyond the castle and he will serve that purpose now that I remain unable to leave here."
"Why?" I instantly regret asking that stupid question as soon as it slips out. How much of an idiot am I to ask that?
Lucina is frozen to the spot, her head snapping to me with an incredulous look. Her voice raises just slightly, that faint trace of sarcasm in her rearing up again. "Why, you ask? I do wonder Robin. Perhaps you could explain that to me."
I bite down hard on my tongue, pride nosing diving as I bow my head in annoyance with myself. "Probably because I'm moron and I don't know how to keep my mouth shut."
"Hm." It's a grunt of disbelief and disapproval. Lucina's stern glare and my wilting form gives a rather twisted reversal of roles with the chastising adult and guilty child swapped between us.
I rub two fingers over bridge of my nose mentally preparing for the damage control I'm about to lay down. "Look, Lucina. I know that things are bad. I made a big mess for you and I'm sorry. It was an accident I swear."
My apology does nothing for her. In fact, it seems to make things worse. She steps away from the far end and starts to stalk around me in a semi circle. There's a dangerous edge to her voice and I start to tense up in reaction to her advancing aggression. "An accident? Is that how it is?"
Her actions are confusing me. I don't understand what wavelength she's surfing but it's a hostile one. This is not even remotely friendly anymore. She's starting to weird me out. "What do you mean? What else would it be?"
"I wonder," she murmurs with feigned wondering. I watch her eyes drift to her sword and my battle senses start tingling.
I pull up my guard and recoil back from her. "What is wrong with you?" I finally snap.
"Did you bring the roster with? The Einherjar?" she responds, ignoring my remark.
This only riles me up more. Against my better judgment, I step forward and cock my head in confusion. "Lucina!"
"Yes or no," she insists sternly.
Her stubborn, bratty attitude is grating, but I'll play along for now in the name of keeping the peace. I'm suppose to be the adult after all. I pat the side of my coat creating a solid thump as I brush against the book. The cards lay safely inside while my book of notes hangs on the other side. Carrying both tomes is weighing down the front of my jacket by I had to pilfer them out unseen somehow.
"Good. I would like to see it." She extends a single hand forward, eyes trained on me.
"Why, it's not like you can read it," I point out.
"Regardless, I still wish to see."
"Fine," I grumble warily. I approach her with the same caution she gave me earlier. I almost throw the book at her trying to keep space between us. Jeez, how did things get to be so awkward today? Did I do something worse than I thought? Seriously Lucina, this isn't like you.
The princess opens the book by the back cover and holds it sideways so the pages flutter by. It stops up where Marth and Caeda's cards lie wedged in the spine like hidden bookmarks. For the first time today there's a glimpse of something positive on her face when she sees the Einherjar tucked away inside. I hear a slight sigh of relief before she shuts it again, the hardened look returning.
"Follow after me." She walks briskly past and straight out the archway, my protest dying on the wind. What has climbed up her butt and died? Seriously. Kid, you are pushing all the wrong buttons today. I have half a mind to walk away given how crappy things are right now. I'm still a little leery but this needs to get done. I want answers and Princess Frosty here is the only one who can probably help figure them out.
An aggravated moan follows after me as I dash off. She hasn't even waited for me, her form already far ahead. I have to jog to catch up with her and follow in her testy silence as we go toward the training grounds. Her mystery destination becomes more apparent when she makes for the familiar break in the wall. When we arrive, she gestures for me to go first through the hole.
"This is still open? I'm surprised they haven't closed this by now," I remark out loud as I grasp the edge to help wedge myself through the tiny opening. Lucina doesn't answer and waits for me to clear half way before following after. I do my best to avoid the spider webs newly erected since we last stomped through. I catch my foot on a root at the exit and end up wiggling futilely against my trapped ankle. I snake one arm around the exit and use all my body strength to pull myself free. I hear the satisfying snap of my snare break and the rest of me slides out onto the dusty ground outside the castle wall.
"Well that went better last time," I cough into my hand. Rising to my feet, I brush the pebbles off and step forward to make room for her to get out. There's a strange tingle in my limbs and I feel a cool rush of wind ascend from my toes to the top of my head. Magic?
Underneath my feet veins of green and white burst to life and quickly come together, runes flashing around the summon circle I stepped into. It blinks once and I feel the spell start to flow. I panic and try to hop away from it. I don't go far, my back slamming into something hard. Turning around, I see nothing. When I place my hand forward, I feel an icy chill that's nearly solid. The more I press my hand forward, the harder and colder it gets. Checking the edges of the rune I stand on, I find the other three the same way. I'm trapped in.
"Oh, this is bad. This is very bad. Lucina! We have a problem!" I panic, hoping desperately for her aid.
My mind quickly whirls through Miriel's lessons. I process everything quickly. There's an arcane foundation here with lots of wind magic woven through the command ruins. There's traces of white magic in the lines creating a hybrid spell pattern I haven't seen before. I can feel the power stemming from a crystal buried into the one corner as opposed to the natural current like most arcane work does. Whoever did this has fused two schools and created a makeshift barrier spell. That's pretty awesome. I just wish I wasn't stuck in it.
"Son of a..." I kick the wind wall once more in frustration and settle back, emotions in flux. Who would do this? Why? Did someone know we were coming this way? Crap! Lucina! I have to warn her! I turn just in time to see her emerge completely from the inside.
"Lucina! Don't move! There's a trap set up here!"
When she looks forward, she appears only mildly surprised at my predicament. She's also not making any effort to help. My panic is fading away to something more sharp and severe. Lucina moves her focus from the spell to me. Something in her calm veneer cracks and leaks from under the facade she's carrying. Whatever it is that's bothering her, it's not stronger than the one dominating her thoughts. Her control returns and she tears herself away from me, instead walking over and bending down to observe the runes closer.
"A barrier spell. That's surprising. I assumed that too difficult a tactic to pursue."
I stare at her, mouth opening wide in shock. Did she just say...?
"Your genius never fails," she adds with a shake of her head, hand tracing the border along the ground.
"It was of no trouble once I ascertained the miscreant variable. I made the erroneous assumption of relying on several of Grand Master Eldrich's theories to use as a basis for the control element. His musings were not only incorrect, but also unstable. His assistant's notes were far more accurate, yet wholly disregarded. Another tragic case of a master overshadowing a far more brilliant peer."
I nearly jump when a second voice responds to her. I whirl around to find a young man seated under the shade only a few feet from us. He sets aside the book in his lap and caps the quill into the ink pot for holding. Emerging from the dark, I see the tall figure is clothed in travel wear most mages take for field work or expeditions. The robes are rolled up from the heat exposing his wiry, tanned limbs. One of them rises to adjust a pair glasses resting on a pointed nose under slightly disheveled blonde hair. The gesture is too familiar and the features that go with it even more so. That's-!
"Laurent, your disguise!" Lucina instantly chastises as she rises to her feet, gesturing to his face.
He closes both eyes and offers a sad shake of his head. "Gone upon the wind I fear. An impromptu facade will have to be acquired at another time. You must forgive me if I found your safety to be of more importance than retreating to purchase a new hat in town."
Laurent looks incredibly like Miriel. It's scary. But there's a few things here and there that aren't her. The hair for one is blonde. If we're still going by the game's rules, that narrows down the list of fathers incredibly. And with the slightly darker skin shade and broader shoulders...OH GOD.
VAIKE?
"Be that as it may, I can't have you putting your own existence in jeopardy. If you are seen and they figure out..."
Laurent raises both eyebrows. "I believe we have passed that point. If I must guess based upon our guest's reaction, I can hypothesize she has somewhat deduced my parentage already."
"All the same," she trails off.
"I am aware of your fears Lucina and appreciate the concern. I must dispute them however. Even if Lady Robin or some other figure does know, the chances of this interfering in my birth are minimal. Based upon the accounts of both my mother and father, the probability of my conception occurring according to plan at this rate and time is ninety-five percent assured."
Lucina makes to say something and then decides against it. The disturbed expression on her face says it all. Too much info.
"I hate to break up the reunion...," I reply with the last bit of restraint I have. My anger peaks and I slam my hand into the wall. "...But will someone please explain to me what in the hells is going on here!"
They both stare at my entrapped form and then to each other. Lucina nods and picks the roster up from the ground. Flipping through it, she pulls one from the inside. "It will all be explained shortly," she answers tersely.
"How about now?" I demand.
She ignores me again and holds the card out between to fingers. Closing both eyes, she straightens up and speaks out loud with reverence and power. "Marth, wise king of Akaneia and forefather of my line, I summon you to our plane in need of your wisdom and guidance."
The bizarre suction of power I felt that day in the library happens again. The familiar sensation tingles my insides as I feel the card form, drawing from me and everything around it. The ball of light expands and soon Marth's familiar form shapes from it. He doesn't look any different than before. Still kingly, still very blue. Standing side by side, the profiles of both ancestor and descendant look almost too similar. Marth's got hella strong genes.
Beside us, Lucina's nerdy compatriot seems to be utterly beside himself. He watches in euphoric fascination, eyes trained dangerously on the duo. He starts mumbling to himself about the runes and falls into a debate all to himself about magic laws I have yet to comprehend.
As for me? I'm still fuming from every last fiber in my body as to what this is all about. It's one thing to give me flak for stupid decision making. It's another to lure me outside and trap me in a homemade prison cell! Rude much?
"How many moons and suns have set since I have last heard that voice call." Marth's eyes open and settle on his great-great-a million times over granddaughter. He looks pleasantly surprised to see her, offering the sort of warm smile one does to a familiar face after a reunion. "Well met, Lucina."
Lucina, lost in the spectacle, gather her wits and bows low. There's nothing but awe in her address to the fabled hero. "I...Lord Marth. There's no greater honor than having you here once more."
"Indeed. I know not how long it has been but the time has been great since we spoke face to face as allies."
"That's pushing it right now," I snap angrily from my lean against the invisible wall.
Marth grows very concerned upon taking in my form. It's strange, but I can almost feel his confusion in my mind. He focuses intently on me and then his fair features fall into a deep frown. "They've imprisoned you?"
Oh look, he can read my mind. That's new. Can he get me out though? That'd be great.
"Ah, perhaps things are not as I had expected."
"Join the club," I hiss throwing Lucina a vicious look.
"It is a wonder what sort of predicament I am called into each time I am summoned," he says uneasily while looking between the three of us.
"I am hoping the last." Lucina responds seriously. She walks before him, ignoring the stink eye I give her the whole way. "There is a grave matter at hand that only you can solve and I ask your aid in it."
The hero's gaze flickers to me "If I am able. You are not the true wielder and thus, my actions are limited. Though this you already know."
The earlier antagonistic attitude comes back and I feel dread pool up inside of me. I take a step back, voice strained. "You aren't seriously thinking of doing what I think you are."
Marth's sixth sense picks up on my distress and he regards Lucina with more caution. "She cannot. She does not have the command authority to harm the primary wielder of my card. Even if she were, it would go against my code as a warrior. An Einherjar will not act outside of the moral ideals they upheld as a living soul. "
"I do not ask that," Lucina protests a tad too eagerly. "What I ask is for validation. Things have gone poorly since you were last called on. What may be in our midst now is an impostor to the name Robin. What I need to know is whether or not my fears are unfounded."
"What?" I wail in shock, startling Laurent beside me. He gathers himself up and steps away from me.
"You believe your tactician has fallen," Marth comments gravely, mirroring the rage in my mind. "You suspect her of a fallacy I was not witness to."
"Not just any. She is suspect of the worst kind. My gravest of enemies."
"Are you shitting me right now?!" That's what this is about? Where on God's green earth did she get this stupid idea again? We cleared this up I thought!
Lucina continues speaking undeterred by my words. "As one of her summons, you are the only one here with direct insight into her mind and heart. If you can verify who and what she is, all my fears will be put to rest."
"Such a thing is possible?" Laurent muses out loud. "These Einherjar are bonded so tightly through spirit they can share such insight with each other?"
Lucina nods. "It just like I explained to you. These cards are bound to her soul. Lord Marth can verify whether or not she is who she claims to be."
Oh, not only did she have Laurent help her set this up, she's also telling him about these things now. She gets bitchy with me about accidentally spilling information and then she goes and freely feeds it out to him?
"God damn it. I can't believe you," I mutter darkly, disappointment and betrayal fueling my sulking pout.
For the first time, Lucina visibly reacts. She flinches under my words, her shoulders raising slightly. "Please Lord Marth, just do this."
Marth regards us all like a father observing feuding children. He walks to my side with a great sigh. "I cannot say I approve of any of these actions but I feel your fears and can only hope for a proper resolution by doing as you ask."
I would think the magic between us would cause some sort of disturbance but Marth doesn't seem bothered at all by it. He tries to offer up a comforting smile to ease my emotions but I find it hard to under the circumstances. Raising his hand, Marth presses it forward and closes his eyes. I watch a faint glow encase his hand.
The tie that anchors my magic to him deepen. It's a strange tug against my mind that grows more taut under the surge I feel. Something presses against the front of my brain and I grow instantly serene. This otherworldly sense of wisdom and peace wraps around me. It's not invasive or unwanted. I can't explain the sensation of being wrapped up in emotion. It's soothing and calming. Is this Marth's aura? Am I feeling the same way he feels me?
This is strangely intimate. Waaay too nice feeling.
Oo, here's a thought. I wonder if other Einherjar can connect this way. If so, I wonder if Marth and Caeda do. I mean they've been stuffed together in a book for forever. That's a lot of time not in their physical forms. Given how nice it feels, I wonder if they ever connect and-
The feeling in my mind instantly flairs warmer and Marth's face twitches. "Please refrain from such ignoble thoughts Robin."
I blanch. "Oh! Gods, I am so sorry! I won't think about your wife anymore, I promise."
Lucina lets out a stifled gasp from beside us. Oops.
Marth finishes shortly after. I'm judging the prognosis is good based on the fact he isn't running away or bursting into flames from touching Grima essence. He turns to the waiting duo and smiles. "She is as she claims to be. Robin's essence remains as it always has."
Thank God.
"There is...something there though that I cannot place. It is odd. It is though she is fuller. I cannot describe it."
"An enigmatic response," Laurent ponders. "A clearer explanation would be appreciated."
"I apologize, but I cannot. Matters such as that are beyond my ken. Katarina or Merric may provide better insight with their knowledge into the metaphysical. I am but a simple warrior."
Laurent repeats the names in the same state of reverence Lucina did Marth's. Both were premier spell casters in their time so it's no doubt he's excited at the mention of their names.
Lucina is far less enthused. She stares long and hard at me as if disbelieving his words. "I see."
Lucina approaches the front so we stand face to face. She's barely an inch under me so our gaze is nigh even. She stares deeply into my eyes, searching for something.
"So you really are Robin." The sentence is forced and unsure, like she still can't believe it.
I snort hotly. "Nope you were right all along. I'm an impostor. I'm actually the tooth fairy here to reimburse you with a silver for each tooth I knock out of your skull for pulling this stunt on me!"
"That's definitely you," she deadpans. Her facial expression turns to shock a second later."If that is truth then...what does this all mean?"
She steps away, lost in thought. Lucina waves her hand in a circle toward her mage companion. "Laurent, release the spell."
He nods. While he begins to undo the rune workings, the princess steps to her ancestor's side. She looks positively devastated when she speaks. "I...apologize Lord Marth. I must ask you to retire again for the time being. However, with things as they are, I fear it may be soon that we will be calling for your aid in battle."
He looks between all of us and then to the horizon. "Ah, a shame. Another spin of fate's wheel then? There is more beneath this surface than is seen."
"More than you can imagine," she grimly states.
"If the threat has somehow brought the likes of you together once more under a single allegiance, I will not protest. It gladdens my heart to see old alliances together again."
"That remains to be seen!" I snipe from my confines.
"Mm." The flux of energy begins to dim as he starts to fade from existence once more. "I will return to my sleep then. I hope for a more positive atmosphere when I awaken once more."
The lord retreats back into a ball of light, forming into his card self once more. The card hovers briefly in the air allowing Lucina to take hold of it once again. As she grasps it close, she mutters dimly. "As do I."
With the spell now undone, I take my first step out as a freed woman. Lucina returns the Einherjar to the book, addressing our final friend in doing so.
"Laurent. Will you give us a moment?"
He hastily rises, fingers already itching to make for his ink and quill on the far side of the clearing."Of course. I shall take my repose beyond the hedge there should you require me."
"Thank you," she responds quietly.
Awkward, dead silence. That's the only way I can describe it. Marth's mental cool down helped stem the urge to shake her silly but not enough to erase all of it. My burning gaze turns on the girl before me. I stare and stare and wish that she could get a telepathic taste of exactly what I'm feeling right now. Did she even think as to what would happen to our relationship in doing this? Lucina...God...what happened?
I pull my head away and bite down on my thumb trying to stop the urge to scream and yell at her. I look to the tiny pebbles collecting by my boot and then the tiny strands of grass poking up to sway in the breeze. The spring wind is now turning warm with the encroaching summer season and the quick blusters here and there do little to cool down my burning skin.
"You..." It's almost an accusation. I can hear all the unspoken things she wants to say. You were suppose to be fake. You were suppose to be bad. You were suppose to be Grima.
The roster in her hands shifts over and over in a never-ending circle. Her words tumble out unbidden in a frantic jumble. "It was necessary what I did. I had to. There was no choice. With the state of things as they are, I had to act. I could not leave that doubt unchecked. If but one thing is left unsure, it can prove to be a fatal error. There is no room for such a mistake to be made. Not now of all times."
Is she trying to justify this to me, or herself.
I think on her words and her actions. I somehow find the strength to keep my voice at an even level but that's with great restraint. "You couldn't have asked me to do this? I would have agreed right away to it."
She huffs in a way that makes it sound as if she were speaking with an idiot. "There was too much risk in that. Had you been as I thought you were, I could have ruined everything. Either you could have escaped away before the meeting or, worse yet, you would simply have thrown aside the facade and attacked. I had to be sure and that meant doing things in an underhanded fashion with no assurances in putting myself or anyone else at risk."
I stare at the lifeless marks in the sand and the crystal now devoid of life energy. Simple things that ensnared me and caused this whole mess. "All of this because you thought I was Grima? How? I thought..."
There isn't anger anymore. It's ebbed away, the flames dying into tiny embers. The feeling left behind is now cold and numb. I'm frustrated. I'm upset and hurt. This whole thing is ridiculous but there's some stupid tiny node in the back of my mind that is preventing me lashing out like I should because in all fairness, she's just a kid. She's also burdened and haunted with paranoia. Why should she trust someone she's met all of three times.
What I don't get is why.
"What did I do wrong?" I finally manage to brave out.
She lifts her head just barely, head tipping just enough for her to see me from the corner of her eye.
"I am trying here Lucina. Desperately. I want to work with you to solve this." My voice betrays me and quakes in emotion. "I need you if I want to get out of this alive. I'm throwing myself in life and limb for you and your family's sake. But I can't keep doing that when you go pulling stunts like this! What in hells could I have done to make you think I'm the bad guy?"
"Tell me something. Please! I don't what else to think."
The burn of betrayal weighs heavy in my chest, constricting my lungs and making it hard to breathe. I know Lucina has been through time line after time line of horrific events. I understand that I was suspicious at first and that allying with me is a gamble. But I would have thought the everything I did that night for her family and our friends would have at least solidified some sort of proof that I am not a part of Captain Freakface and his carnival of rejects.
I grasp for anything trying to find an answer. "Is this about what I leaked? You think I did this on purpose? That I intentionally fed the information or something to stir up trouble? Gods, Lucina, I swear. It was an accident. Why would I do something like that when it's only going to hurt myself. I-"
"This isn't just about that!" she finally snaps. She whips her head at me, eyes alive with emotion.
"Then tell me what it is!"
"You don't understand," she protests hotly in denial. Up until this point I've only known Lucina to be serious and calculated. A little feisty at times, but always in control. Right now, she's starting to rattle. Whatever is on her mind, it's got her shaken and it's taking every ounce in her to restrain it. I just wish I knew what it was. "It was necessary that I made sure you were as you said you were. What occurred between my father and your past is but a small piece in a larger picture I had to make clear."
Lucina pauses. She raises her right hand and stares at the top of it. "I always had my fears about you since the beginning. So much uncertainty in your appearance, especially after everything that happened." Her gaze tears away from her own hand to mine. "Too many things seemed too perfect for coincidence. The fact that you have survived so long being as under skilled as you proclaimed to be is perplexing."
"My strongest stat happens to be luck," I respond back dryly, that damnable hand slowing sliding from view behind my back. With it out of sight, her penetrating gaze lifts back to my face.
"Luck? It could be. However, I find such a thing rather hard to believe in when both fate and the machinations of the human mind have proven a more likely candidate."
"It's not just what you said to my father. What of my aunt? I warned you of the dangers of stepping outside the time line's events. Yet you go to the Exalt and warn her of forthcoming events preventing her from setting out to the eastern castle like she should be right now. Instead she bides her time here on your suggestions."
"I was just trying to help. I-"
She cuts her hand through the air to silence me. "It doesn't stop there! How can you deny the events of the night the assassins stormed the castle. Even you cannot ignore what occurred!"
Is she serious? I step back, offended at the very notion. "I can because I know myself and I'm pretty sure I cleared up everything he said. That priest is out of his mind. I'm me! We went over this already. Twice. This should be behind us. But for some reason you keep letting it fester inside of you to cause these stupid fears to sneak in and screw up everything we're working for."
Her voice rises. "How does none of this not bother you? You claim so vehemently that you are disjointed from all of this and yet not one bit of what happened that night seems to phase you."
"Don't you dare even think that," I argue, voice quivering. "It is bothering me. All of this bothers me! I went through some pretty traumatic things and barely clawed my way out of it."
She riles up, getting closer. "If that is truth, what of that priest's words? What of your arm?"
"More drivel from a psychopath with his priorities mixed up." I raise my left arm and pull at the sleeve. "As for this, I'm not going to let a few burn marks take me down. Not anymore anyway."
"Not that one. The other arm."
I raise the right and stare. "Burns are burns Lucina. It doesn't matter what arm it's on."
"Burns? That's not what I..." She watches me, long and hard. Lucina is concentrating, looking for breaks in my resolve for the smallest sign of a lie. "You didn't see it? Feel it?"
I stare clueless at her. I felt a lot of things that night. Pain mostly. She'll need to be more specific than that. "Lucina, what are you on about now? Just spit it out already."
She steps back, all attempts to hold her emotion gone. There's nothing but pure horror there behind her hand. "Gods. You don't know."
My intuition strikes again. Doom is back. Only when I'm with her it seems. What is it this time?
Lucina's lets the roster fall. Her left hand slowly inches to her right hand. She presses three fingers to the top and then lets it trail up the length of her arm. "When the Grimleal's spell touched you, it reacted."
"You brand, Robin. The mark of Grima activated."
A metaphorical sledgehammer slams into my diaphragm rendering me breathless. I swallow hard, blinking rapidly as I process the alien words.
Mark. Grima. Activate.
T-this isn't a joke. She's serious. Lucina is...
"I've only seen it react once before like that," she admits. "Right before Grima revealed herself last cycle."
My world spins in confusion and disbelief. I raise my hand and stare blankly at the material. This brand came to life? It works? How can...? But I'm not...
"That's why I had to know Robin. If you are as you proclaimed to be, that shouldn't have happened. That mark should never have grown!"
I sink down into the grass as my legs give out from shock. I can't wrap my head around the thought. It's foreign. How? I look back up once more at Lucina hoping dearly and desperately that she'll break into some sick laughter and proclaim this some weird version of her world's April Fool's Day.
"Tell me this is another test." The princess only returns my hopeful look with an expression confirming only the worst.
She's telling the truth. I don't know what she saw or what it did, but she means it. The Grimleal did do something to me after all. Oh God, does this mean I could be utterly at their mercy? Validar could...No.
No, no, no. No.
I bury my face in my hands.
"Fuck."
The silence is stifling. I can hear my heart beating in my head. Tell me this isn't true.
"Fuck!" I grit out between teeth even louder. "Just how...why?"
"This wasn't suppose to happen," Lucina murmurs. "I was so sure of things after that occurred. All we had to do was prove who you were. I could have ended it all right there. I'd never again have to worry about you."
Her gloves creases together as she balls them tightly together. "Never again," she declares hoarsely. Her admission is both sickening and desperate. She was practically begging Naga that I was really the bad guy so her misery could end.
The air is growing heavier with the sun still at its highest point. Bugs buzz around us and a frog croaks hidden in the grass, reminding us the life still goes on while we sit here in our cocoons of silence. If only I could curl up and shed this skin, the brand along with it.
"Your plan's stupid. Even if I was Grima, you'd have done nothing," I finally mutter. It's a juvenile whine that slips out of me. "You need Falchion for starters to even harm the dragon."
Is that an arrogant sniff I heard. I peek up and see her retreat to a stone outcropping nearby. She reaches in, only to pull out a familiar weapon.
"Oh," I hum lamely.
Lucina returns, arms cradling the weapon like a child. "I left it in Laurent's care whilst I remained in the castle. It was to protect our identities."
I cluck my tongue, impressed. "Smart. Doesn't change things though. The blade needs to be blessed first. You have to do the Awakening ritual."
"You know of that?" The princess quickly recovers from her mild shock. "Of course you do. The stories."
I nod.
She breathes deeply, holding the sword before her. "You are correct, a glaring issue I am aware of. Falchion can still harm you though. I saw that much when you handled it. Another point I found strange as it's never before presented such an adverse reaction to an unworthy handler. But, I digress. Had I done enough physical damage, it should have kept you incapacitated long enough to attempt such a thing and end things once and for all. Hypothetically anyway."
My stomach flips and I let out a flat chuckle. "That's rather twisted. Glad to know you have no issues with wrecking me up."
She actually flinches, looking pained at my comment. "Not you! The other you. Or yous? You know of what I speak."
I shrug. There's a long pensive pause before she continues. "I'm sorry."
When I don't respond, she moves forward just a tad. Lucina inches bit by bit. She finally ends up before me and slowly takes a seat so we're facing each other. The girl who always seemed to have something to say finally runs out. I think she's struggling with another apology. Who knows?
"Want to hear a joke?" I ask with a crooked smile.
"No."
"What did Grima say to the host the first time they met?"
She blinks.
"Nothing, because Grima was too busy Robin her of her identity. Ha, ha! Get it? "Robin" instead of robbing because that's my name and they sound alike and this trashy mark is actually taking my sanity because it means I'm truly and honestly the host for the god awful abomination despite not being from this world and that it breaks every last feasible thing I knew about myself."
I should breathe. God, that felt good to get out.
"Did you truly just make that joke?" she sighs.
"Joking keeps me sane."
I lean forward resting on both hands, my state pensive. "I should be fuming at you. Like, out of my mind. I was, before I mean. But now, I can't help but wonder if you reacted that way simply because you're just as fucking scared as I am."
"Not even that. Desperate. Thinking about what you went through up until now and then seeing it start happening again, I can't fault you for doing as you did. I sort of pity you in fact. I can't imagine living in such a state of constant paranoia and fear. Waiting and watching for the shadows to creep out and show that everything you trusted was a lie."
Lucina riles up, her pride and stubbornness taking offense to the bluntness of my words. "Don't you dare presume to know anything about me."
At this point, I'm pretty sure I know the truth of things. I just smile weakly and play it off. "Sure. Whatever."
She instantly deflates realizing that I meant no actual offense. "This won't happen again. I swear to you it won't. An Einherjar cannot lie. You are...you. Whatever happens now, I will not assume otherwise. To do so would be foolish on my part. The facts are what they are."
"Pop a keg open and celebrate. That's one thing confirmed."
I think she rolled her eyes. "It still leaves many more unchecked. Just what did Lord Marth mean about you? And what does the significance of your brand activating have?"
I lean back, pebbles and dirt crunching under my fingers as I fall on my weight. "It means I can be used as a backup host for Grima. If your original Robin has gone missing for good, I can easily fill that void. Validar and his cronies won't hesitate to lock me away as a spare if they ever find that fact out."
I rub my forehead. "I can't believe I just said that."
My mind wanders back to her words and I have to ask. "What happened to me exactly? What did you see when this mark started doing its thing?"
Lucina falls deeply into her memories. "I thought it was a trick at first. I was barely coherent on the floor. You interrupted his spell and were talking. He then set a spell on you and...my vision was blurry but I swore I saw the eyes burn to life."
"It was not until we were at the fountain that I saw the truth. Your skin had turned ashen and the mark had began to bleed it's magic into you. Your blood turned black and began to travel up your veins, continuing past where the edge of your sleeve ended." She touches the underside of her neck. "I could see it underneath your collar spreading upward."
"The others couldn't know the truth. When the healers came to you I told them it was the effects of a spell he cast, one I could not identify. What were they to dispute? You were assaulted by a Grimleal priest. It's only to be assumed this was a side effect of a malignant and vile curse. They tried to heal you but the only thing that seemed to reverse the effects was time and your own will."
Her grip on Falchion curls ever tighter as she pales. "I spent every night lying awake, fearing that I would hear Grima's roar fill the air again. But it did not. You awoke and I heard nothing. Not until my father came barging in asking what I knew of you. Then you go stepping outside of the events without a word of it to me even after what I said and I..."
"I..."
She looks up, resolute and determined. "I will not do this again Robin. I cannot. This is very well my last chance. If things end here, it could be over."
That's new. "When did the redo option suddenly disappear?"
Lucina huffs dramatically and glares. "Has nothing of what I said gotten through to you? There is no other you to reset things. If things go awry as they did before, we cannot reverse the course of things again."
"But you said Tiki-"
"Naga's daughter has been missing for over a month. Her hallowed shrine was desecrated and the grounds obliterated. It's a miracle any of her caretakers still live. If she still lives, there has been no sign of it yet."
The familiarity of the news hits me hard. I'm back in the barracks with Sully and Stahl gabbing to Sumia and Kellam about the same thing. "There was a rumor sometime ago but I didn't hear anything else of it. I completely forgot."
So Tiki could really have been killed? The daughter of the only god on our side right now? So no more resetting for real? This is it? No more continues? "Ah shit, we are so screwed right now."
Lucina tenses up. This is the most emotions I've seen come out of her. The desperation and conviction in her voice is heartbreaking. She has the zeal of a martyr and that scares me.
"This is why I did what I did. I do what I must because the future is at stake. Risks cannot be taken when the world is possibly on its last stand."
"Great. Awesome. Do what you have to. But don't lose yourself in the process of it Lucina. I don't know if you've noticed, but what you did today was seriously jacked up."
She freezes. The realization is there and she knows exactly what she's done. The hardness she's been wrapping herself up in to protect herself from the emotional backlash is coming out again. She's returning to her previous, steely self. "Understandable. I do not blame you for whatever you may feel from it. At the end of the day, I accept my actions and move forth with them. An alliance is all I dare ask for now. I do not expect friendship or camaraderie in the aftermath."
Oh gods. She's serious. Chrom, your kid's broken and I don't know how to fix her! Cheese on crackers! What do I do? Uh. Um. Panicking. Panicking. Man, what did my mom do when I my hormones were raging and I hated everything around me. She was supportive. I should do that.
I tentatively reach out one hand. My fingers curl back in hesitation and then I slowly let my hand rest on the side of her shoulder. The touch draw immediate attention and wariness. I hold up my other and try to calm her.
"Whoa, easy. I just, um, well. I was gonna but maybe I shouldn't. But you sort of need it so..."
"You're babbling."
"Yeah, sort of." I just flatly throw it out there. "Do you want a hug or something?"
"Excuse me?" she recoils in surprise.
I retract my hands, twisting it nervously in my lap. "I'm trying to help emotionally somehow but you're like a giant sized porcupine right now. I have no idea what I can do that won't leave me prickled by barbs, especially the large one in your lap."
She's wrinkles her nose and pulls back. "You want to hug me?"
"Yes." Wait. "No! I just meant you seemed like you need some support. It doesn't have to be that. Candy? Juice? A massage? I don't know. Just chill for a minute okay? Remember that you're human. I know I need to right now."
She readjusts the weapon in her lap. "You do know you would be breaking several court laws handling a royal princess that way."
I chuckle softly, eyes falling to her tower. "I'm aware. Your aunt's kindly warned me of that already."
"Why am I not surprised by that."
I gnarl my fingers like a witch and make a feint at her. "Why not? Clearly my Grima blood makes latching onto you Naga folk irresistible."
"Robin." Lucina swats my hand away and delivers a fierce look of disapproval.
"Too soon?" I inquire lamely, dropping both hands in surrender.
Her glare deepens. I smack my wrist in mock punishment. "Okay. Right. Bad timing Robin. Let's just change course then. We have, um, more important things to do, don't we? The roster perhaps?"
I fish into my coat, eyes glued to my inner lining as I try to wrestle it from the caught creases. "You, uh, still trust me enough for that, right?"
She looks away, frown deepening. "I have said so, have I not. You have been cleared of my doubts."
"Just making sure." The stubborn tome finally yanks out and I fumble with it through the air. I quickly yank it to my chest to prevent it from escaping. "Should you invite Laurent over? I picked up that he's rather in the loop now. Surprising."
Lucina's head turns to the direction he's made off to. "I suppose he is. I've rarely included anyone is these matters. All that's been said between us is usually lost when their memories reset. No one has ever truly known the truth. Laurent is the closest I've told because I have been forced to. Time is limited and my pool of resources slim. I must make use to the utmost of who I have at hand. It's a gamble but I need his insight more than ever before."
"That's high praise."
"Laurent is far more than what he may seem. He is among the strongest in our group. He's been here years before I and adapted seamlessly to the times. His attention to detail and ability to detach from the overall picture allows him to see things I cannot. In a mystery as great as this, I am grateful he is one of the few remaining at my side."
There's a soft warmth in her voice. A rare sliver of adoration for one of the few ties she has left to her past life. Without Laurent, Nah, and Owain, there's no proof of what she is or was except for the forces she's fighting. I'm glad they're still here to remind her of where and what she's still protecting.
"How much did you tell him?" I inquire.
"They all know you are aware of our mission and are the only current Shepherd of this generation allied with us. Because of the severity of the situation and what I had thought to be true, I...divulged a great deal to Laurent of what is truly occurring."
That's a bit of a shock. "He seems to be taking this well."
"Madame Miriel imparted a great amount of self-control upon her son during their lessons. Laurent was surprised, I am sure, but his nature compels him to question and seek truth as opposed to the opposite."
Lucina makes a strained look of discomfort. "Laurent has always had an unhealthy appetite for the abnormal. Mysterious monsters in our lake, stars that move and disappear in the sky, ghostly apparitions in old ruins...I forewarn you now, as someone claiming to have stepped from the Outrealms, he may have...questions."
I can't help but laugh, the first full bodied one all day. "Are you serious? Laurent's a nerd for urban myths and the supernatural."
"Studies in the abnormalities of space and time he so eloquently states."
I get this mental image of Miriel peeking into Laurent's bedroom one night asking what he's doing. He turns around from his telescope, tin foil hat illuminated by the moonlight. 'Science, Mother,' he declares before returning to dreams of tiny space men on the moon. Miriel buries her head in her hands and wonders where she went wrong.
The fits of laughter are much needed. I roll in the grass, hands over my stomach because I can't stop laughing over the wackiness of it.
"What is so humorous?" Lucina interjects, disturbed by my reaction.
"Nothing," I gasp through the remaining giggles. "Never mind. Here, just take the book while I get over this. You can borrow it for now until satisfied. I jotted down anything important I noted from the roster and my own memories into it."
I push the book over with my foot. Lucina picks it up and rifles through it with a curious expression. "That's impressive. And useful."
"Not much to do while on bed duty." Man, my sides hurt now. Ow.
"Anything of note?"
Another sharp laugh comes out. "Yeah. Your Robin had amazing insight into things, drew well, was smart in eight million different topics, and also went bat-shit insane somewhere along the way."
"You could offer up something I did not know?"
"Smart-alack." I pout. I gesture for her to keep flipping. "She ripped into a bunch of different pages, all near the back. Rambled all over them about different things. This one page-"
There's cracking in the brush. We both tense up, my companion going for her sword. The only person that comes into view is Laurent. I don't ease up because he looks worried as he walks briskly to us. "Lucina, a word if I may."
"What is it Laurent?"
"I apologize for the obtrusion but it may be wise to retire to the courtyard."
She snaps the book shut and rises to her feet. "What's happening?"
"I had taken a moment to wander and chanced upon the high ledge over there a curious sight. A retinue of knights is making their way through the castle gates. The flag they carry belongs to Fort Tyr."
"That's the name of the fortress we sent some of the Shepherds to. We were expecting them back any day. This must be them!" I babble excitedly.
Lucina doesn't look nearly as thrilled as I. "You're troubled. Something is wrong."
"A sad affirmation," he replies with the shake of his head. "It was not just the Shepherds and their escort. The entirety of the fort has come with them."
Lucina looks to the wall with eyes clouded in worry. "That's impossible. The Risen are no where near dangerous enough to force a retreat. Captain Leene's knight guard are near impenetrable."
Her eyes grow and she stops. "No," she whispers.
"Lucina?" I press.
She quickly advances to Laurent's side. She offers him Falchion to which he takes in his arms with great care. Her fingers linger along the scabbard with reluctance. It takes a moment for her to break away.
"Laurent, stay in the upper city limits for now. Keep an ear out for anything that may benefit us. Stay vigilant for anything suspicious or of concern and let me know if there are."
He seems hesitant to step away, a lingering confusion on his face. Ultimately, he opts to simply obey. "As you wish. "
"Most importantly, continue to keep yourself safe. We're the last hope they have."
"I unfortunately concur and extend the offer to you as well Lucina. We will not survive this without our leader. Step carefully. I will send word when I can." Laurent responds sincerely. He regards me with thoughtful contemplation, then merely nods in dismissal. Retreating to bushes again, the two of us are left alone.
"You have an idea?" I throw out.
"I have doubts it's the Risen that caused such a hasty recession. Something far more human I am afraid." She waves for me follow her. "Damnation! Will nothing go in our favor?"
Something human? I have one guess. "Plegia?"
"What else could it be? I just don't understand how." She picks the Roster off the ground and throws it to me before tucking away her copy.
"The army should not be here yet. We should still have time between events. Even if the failed assassination reached them quickly, Gangrel still needs time to assemble his forces. It's impossible to gather together an army that quickly!"
"Even more so, why has the position changed? History accounts for the army marching from the south. The fort is in the north."
I rush to catch up with her. "Maribelle's county is north and west of here and they got attacked recently. You think this is related?"
"It would cut the time needed to travel. Yet the question still remains as to how such a force gathered already. Robin, let's hurry back."
I catch her sleeve and pull her to a stop. "Lucina."
"Yes."
"For what it's worth, I'm glad you're using 'we'. We're in this together."
She looks forward, emotions dancing from one extreme to the other. Her face quickly turns and I catch a glimpse of the old Lucina, the hopeful princess who appeared in the first reset forever ago. "So it seems. It is a long time coming."
We rush back through the opening and burst around the castle toward the front. Half way there, Lucina and I quickly part as two knights push a large cart from both sides past us. A heavy tarp covers the tall box inside it. As it draws closer, I catch a rank odor and hear a low wheezing sound. As it passes before me, the cart shakes as the box trembles under the hidden strength of some unknown creature. The tarp flutters and I can see bars underneath the material. A cage?
"There's a Risen in there," Lucina comments in quiet horror. "Why?"
One of the knights flinches and steps away. His compatriot yells angrily at him to pick up the pace. The cargo has to get to the Shepherds' workshop. Ours? Strange. The only people who use that space is-
"Miriel!"
Lucina turns her head and casts me a questioning glance. I turn around and look to the battered knights suddenly putting all the pieces together. "Miriel went to the fort to experiment on Risen that were captured. This must be one of her specimens."
"How very like her."
"I wonder where they are? I hope they made it back. You don't think something happened, do you?"
"I pray not," she responds back striding forward with narrowed eyes. I follow in her wake. We finish rounding the side of the castle to the front courtyard. A crowd of people gather before the steps. Eldaran stands at the forefront addressing an unfamiliar woman in armor with her helmet tucked under her arm. Several knights are assembled behind her while others are dispersing to the barracks. All their armor looks battered and they bear cuts and bandages hastily applied all over. There are civilians too, ragged and torn from travel. Servants gather them together and guide them to the castle interior.
"That's a full fort alright," I remark in awe. The two officials are talking heatedly but I can't make out a single thing they're saying. I take a step forward intent on getting a better ear to things."Let's get closer."
Her footsteps don't follow. "I shouldn't."
I shift around part way to look back. "Why?"
"It isn't wise to have me seen in front of such a large crowd. I was only allowed to meet in the gardens because they are empty this time of day."
"Oh right. The whole sibling thing. I guess that wouldn't be wise for you to be in broad view until that gets settled." I give her a thumbs up. "Good call on that by the way. I mean, it sucks for them, but it's keeping the secret safe and you close to them at the same time."
"Blast it, that's right. The story!" She drags me around the corner again. "I did not even think to bring this up with my earlier thoughts as they were and...Let's not dwell on that again. It's over. Just, listen well and remember. I may not have another chance to tell you again for some time."
"Assuming from your interactions, you know a bit of our cover then. This is a story I practiced with my cousin should such a danger ever befall us. Owain and I are siblings. We were born to my grandfather's former Chon'sin interpreter in the port town of Pai'Xi."
That's odd. "Why Chon'sin? You don't look like it."
She hesitates, then continues. "Owain does. His heritage is quite obvious."
"Oh." Well, I guess that triple confirms it. Damn Lissa. You lucky girl. "Haven't they gone out to confirm you story? What if they find her and ask her?"
Lucina looks insulted. "I am aware Robin. I've done my research and covered every fact in this story. The ambassador has passed on several years before this. She had twins, a boy and girl who are now serving unknown in a court far south. History proves they will wed and remain there with their families having no interest in returning to their hometown. It is not hard for us to pass off as them with that foreknowledge in place."
Man, she is good. "Well, you've managed to explain the mark and your appearance."
"Yes, but there are many finer details that are for me only to worry of. What you need to focus on is this," she lectures quietly. "When my father attempted to discern our relationship, I had to use what little I had in the short time I could craft it. It is pushing the limits of belief, but I have placated him for now."
"This has to be good."
"You and I lived in Pai'Xi for a time. Your mother was a mercenary and you were apprenticed to one of the many bakeries there."
I wrinkle my nose in distaste. "Why a mercenary? That's not like her at all."
"I know you said she was a guard but such names are on record in their office. Your mother had to be something that would leave no trace, and a mercenary for hire would be just that. Now stop interrupting."
"Right," I grumble.
"You worked in the town and we crossed paths often in the bakery. We were amicable, despite the age difference. You were a friendly face and your mother did occasional favors for mine. You unfortunately opted to leave Pai'Xi with your mother when business and apprenticeship opportunities took you elsewhere. We remained apart until the night you first appeared in Ylisse. We were in the same field when the Risen attacked and worked together when you were separated."
"Your amnesia prevented you from recognizing me, though I knew you. It was a surprise, and even more so when I saw your travel companions. Family my brother and I were attempting to unite with."
I'm a little numb to the whole prospect of her dictating to me my own false life story. Still, there's questions on my mind. "Didn't you have to take into account other things? Didn't they see you appear at the same time as the Risen? How did you explain our meeting in the Arena?"
"My arrival was luckily unseen as both were too busy with Risen. As for the Arena, I was there meeting my brother to tell him what I knew. The Arena was simply a quick way to make money so that we could attempt to bribe our way into the Exalt's court for a meeting. It was by Naga's intervention that we met so quickly only a short time after."
"Providence, right. That works. But why did you choose to confront me?"
"I knew you and hoped to make you remember our history so that I could use you as a means to meet my family."
Well then. That's a story alright. More coincidences than one would think possible, but she covers all the main facts. "So that's it?"
"Told in far more detail. This is merely a summary for you as we have little time."
"It's just odd," I muse. "He believed you coming so out of the blue like that?"
"He did. It's hard to dispute intimate detailing between two people who have a history. After I told him about your expertise with the bizarrely foreign oboe, the lemonade experience, and your fear of men with red hair, big shoes, and squeaky noses, he found it hard to counter. No doubt he'll probably use those points as a way to prove my word if he interrogates you."
I freeze, heart stopping. Everything she said..."You used all the stuff I told in you Regna Ferox? All of it? I said those things purposely so you'd believe me because of how ridiculous and personal it was!"
"Exactly. And I in turn used it for the same cause the legitimatize my own story."
I press my hand against the side of my head having a great difficulty processing this. "You told the most powerful man in Ylisse I'm scared of clowns? Are you insane? You only told him the most embarrassing things about me!"
She shrugs. "A necessary evil. By exploiting my knowledge of your personal oddities, it proves we have a shared history."
Emmeryn, Lissa, and now Lucina? Cripes! "All the women in your family are evil. Evil, evil, evil!"
"It's at the expense of your reputation that we are not in as much trouble as we could be. You should be thankful."
"I am not going to respond to that," I say, shriveling up into myself out of sheer embarrassment. "So if Chrom asks me about this, I should remember and regurgitate it."
"Yes. And if you feel unsure of anything, for our sake, please don't say anything. Just explain you don't remember." She makes a face. "I can't believe I'm advising this."
"I can't believe you told him my darkest fear," I cry quietly.
"You should be more careful who you tell such things to then," she counters sternly. Noticing activity behind me, she points. "Look, the group is dispersing. You should see if there is someone you can question."
I silently agree and leave her for the group. I don't know any of the new knights and Eldaran's already gone with the captain. I search for any familiar signs of the Shepherds: Miriel's' red hair, Vaike's hulking body, or Ricken's tall hat. No luck. What I do catch is a familiar face near the front doors. Frederick's hanging back, still in a fancy set of white duds that makes it evident he came from the funerary arrangements. He doesn't look too happy with whatever went down here and is preoccupied with a guard. I stealthily sneak up behind him and wait for his guest to leave before pouncing.
"Boo," I proclaim when he turns to enter the castle.
The killjoy doesn't even react aside from the increasing then decreasing size of his eyes. "Robin? What, may I ask, brings you here?"
"I could ask the same," I shoot back while I appraise his outfit. "Shouldn't you be the with royal family right now?"
"I should, but I was warned of certain events that have transpired that I will be taking charge of until her Ladyship and the others have finished their meditation. I would not have them disturbed with this until all the facts are gathered. They have enough grief to shoulder at the moment."
I lean back looking mighty interested in his admission. "Is it that bad? It's not everyday a whole group of knights pops up banged and bruised on the front step."
"No, it isn't," he agrees, voice deep with apprehension.
"Frederick, what happened?"
"I suppose this will fall across your desk sooner than later," he states, winning over a struggle in his mind. "Perhaps it is fortuitous you did come along as you are. I am hesitant to push you after only a few day's release from healing but such is your job now."
I snap my fingers together. "Absolutely. A tactician never rests said...some...old guy once...in that one famous phrase or something."
"Quite." He replies dimly. "The news is grim I fear, but I would rather discuss it away from where others may hear. The matter is delicate."
Yep, army incoming. Fan-fricking-tastic. I grab his arm and drag him back with me. "Great I have the perfect place to discuss it. Someone else is just as curious."
His protests end as I drag him closer and he sees Lucina poke her head out in curiosity from her hiding place. She looks perturbed with my choice of action.
"Did you really just drag Sir Frederick all the way here."
"He has answers," I admit proudly.
Frederick regards her with a detached interest. He's clearly holding back because of who she is, but it's also because of that that he speaks with the same respect and formality he does the other royal siblings. I can't imagine how odd this must be for him.
"Lady Marth," he greets politely. He seems to linger in doubt, and then settles into a bow. "You are here as well. This is a surprise."
Lucina's foot fidgets in place, digging into the ground and betraying her nerves. "That I am. A shared walk between compatriots. We happened upon this scene and grew concerned."
"I see." He casts me a sidelong glance. "When I spoke of privacy Robin, I had meant the Shepherds' war table."
"Eh, close enough. I'm just concerned because they were carrying the flag from Fort Tyr. Isn't that where we sent some of the others?"
"You are correct on both accounts. Events have forced a retreat to our walls, all bodies included."
Ah crap. "Where are they? Are they okay?"
I can't help but internally scream with joy when he nods. "They live. It is because of Miriel, Vaike, and Ricken that this group managed to return to the capital. They are recounting the tale to Phila inside as we speak. I was to join them after hearing the detailing from Captain Leene."
"May I inquire as to why?" Lucina asks with almost perfect politeness. She's holding back her eagerness for an answer well.
"Ah." Frederick's not a man for indecision but he's clearly holding back right now. I don't know if it's because he's unsure what to say in front of Marth yet, or whether the actual news is just that bad.
"Frederick?" I say, hoping to push him forward.
The knight sighs in defeat, his voice strained. "Not six days hence on the western front marches an army. They have destroyed everything in their wake, be it a village or a simple farm. The men you see over yonder are all that remains of Fort Tyr."
I suck in air sharply. "That's lovely."
Lucina shifts uncomfortably and stares out past the walls. "Sir Frederick, do I dare ask under what banner this army marches?"
"I fear, Lady Marth, that you will not like the answer you hear."
Just rip the bandage off already! "Who?" I ask shakily.
"Plegia."
I throw my hands up, accepting the foul news. "Of course. Why stop with assassins? Send a frickin' army why don't you!"
Frederick hushes me with a stern glare. "I ask you lower your voice. We are expecting both pegasi scouts returning from the their post on the plains as well as the ones the Exalt has just sent. As soon as they arrive, it will validate once and for all what we're up against. Until then, undue panic need not be spread."
"This day just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?" I groan.
The panic may be abated for now, but in a few hours time it will be a whole new story. And for me, this just got a whole lot grimmer. I've just inherited a severe weakness and now a whole army is marching this way with people who can possibly exploit it. My life is awesome right now.
I have to wonder where this is going now. Unless Emmeryn makes a break for the eastern castle like the plot originally said, the next fight is going to go down in a very different way. How much of this is my fault I wonder? And how much of it is to do with the external forces working around us. There's so much I going on I have no insight into. I can only guess at this point and adapt.
Adapt, yeah. I stare down at my hand and grimace. I'm adapting all right, in all the wrong ways. I thought I was invulnerable but this...this has opened up a whole new box of troubles and I don't know a bloody thing I can do about it.
This is the first time I'm really feeling the weight of Robin's lineage. Let me tell you, it is not a nice feeling. Something tells me this burden is only going to get worse before it gets better.
Where's the nearest tavern? I really need to get plastered right now.
A/N: I'm not happy with this chapter. I just stopped after the fifth rewrite. I don't know what it is. Hmm. My writing capabilities seem to have checked out this month. Just...ugh. Where's my mojo gone? I think it ran off with Lucina's happiness. God, this poor kid is hanging by glue and broken dreams. If her interlude didn't give it away, she's definitely been through more than any person should have gone through. Jeez between her and Maribelle, I'm being really nasty lately.
Hey, new Fire Emblems though. Very cool. I can't wait to throw Nintendo more of my money. There's a lot of possibilities with both titles and I can't wait to hear more information in the future. What side to choose for the handheld I wonder? Anyway, I'm out. Take care y'all.
Review Responses –
Titan127 – Heh, Lissa can't really be anything else but a war cleric for me. She's just too cute not to be. With her over-sized ax and grumpy pout of concentration, she'd be the cutest murder machine around!
LovelyThorn – I don't think I've made a lot of the future couples obvious yet because it's really too soon in the plot to show them. Romantic attachments usually take some time to build up, with the exception of love-at-first-sight or already established bonds. Two are already a thing, two more are blossoming, and then there's the Chrom fan club. Have fun guessing the rest! As for Robin, that's pretty much been the plan all along. I'm just filling in the gaps between game chapters establishing why she and Chrom are the way they are. You aren't willing to die for someone without building up some history!
Fuuga GF – Ba-la-la-la-la-la-la. *finger waggle*
I love that movie. Big Hero 6 is a fantastic movie and one of my favorite animated ones in recent years. I hope we get a sequel someday! Anyway, thanks, I'll definitely keep on trucking!
Tom Lyon – Ha, ha!
…...
:I
I don't know. Should they? Hmm...
King Keith – I wouldn't be surprised if you got a Dragon Age feel from my writing. Bioware games are my video game oxygen and I'm pretty sure they changed everything I understood about video games and plot lines after playing both Origins and Baldur's Gate. Reactive worlds, choice, and player consequences are fascinating grounds to explore and pursue. There's a bit of that in here with the overall theme of Robin's choices ultimately changing the course of time, whether she is aware or not. The unaware bits are starting to show more clearly though aren't they?
As for what's up with Robin, maaaaaybe. Maaaaybe not. Seems to be one way though, doesn't it?
A Shadow's Lament – Yes, laughter and feels. That was the goal of the chapter. I was sweating bullets writing that speech but it seems to have come together. I shall celebrate with blueberry lemonade and consider another writing goal passed. Fat Penguin though, ha ha. I'll have to use that. The leg thing can legitimately be a weapon though? I just remember some old folk tale or something about that and used it as a basis. I, uh...that's hardcore. I'm not going to look at that the same way either. Wow.
But look there, do I dare say a certain A-rank line snuck in? Surprising or completely on purpose? What could that mean? *waggles eyebrows so hard they fly off into the sun*
Coolpool2 – Thanks! Don't worry, she's in it to win now. There's no more dallying or loafing around. Things are too personal and too dangerous for her to not fight anymore. Tactician-mode activate!
QwertysHuman – No, you're right. Probably not. Even if she did try, Lucina would advise against it. Is it hypocritical, sure. But people say stuff in the heat of the moment they may regret and not mean later. She was emotional and wanted to placate the situation for fear of the impending consequences. Of course once the problem passed, you bet when she was alone she cursed out loud and regretted her words. Such is human nature, flawed and terrible sometimes.
I don't understand my love for Sumia and Henry as a couple but it's pretty deep. I can never find stories for them and it's a darn shame. And yes, Gaius was looking out for Mirabelle or her family. Good catch. I have plans for the future kids but can say nothing more. To assuage your fears, if or when something does happen, Severa will be included. No doubts. She's a precious buttercup of tsun-tsun that must be protected.
Arthogawa – Ha ha, thank yourself and some of the other reviewers for the ending idea. It was a fitting bit of lightheartedness for the heaviness earlier on. It was nice to write.
Hey, who knows about Ginette now. Her presence is there to show she exists and is a visible player in the plot if things go in a certain direction. Whether that will happen now is circumspect due to several unnamed changes. The biggest influence begins with a capital "R".
Lovely theory. Excellent work! You found something in Chapter twelve alright. It's not what I meant, there is a far more obvious clue that happens somewhere in the later chapters. Actually, what happens in twelve is the precursor to the one I mentioned. Same vein, far more blunt and noticeable.
Liz – Hi! Thanks for taking the time comment! As I said before, it's always cool to hear from one of the stealthy readers! A Gerome fan? Excellent choice. His supports are among the best with the second gen. We'll have to see what happens with him, won't we? In the mean time, I hope I continue to do a good job with our current four.
Forgetful Dreamer – Awesome, thanks! Just doing my job. Lissa does tend to take the spotlight though. She's the greatest. I need to get Maribelle up again so the dynamic duo can reign terror on the Shepherds. The fun is only beginning.
Well, you did guess that right. Those villagers aren't coming back anytime soon. What I meant was something far more detrimental to the castle. Something smells pretty fishy about one of the characters there, didn't it? I happen to recall someone in the second interlude saying the same thing...wink wink. :)
Raiden312 – For a chapter about redemption, there was a lot of revenge in the end, wasn't there. Ha, ha. Lissa would be less naughty and more dead if she did a little push though! XD
Don't fret too much on character interactions! Reading all the supports in game can help set the voice in your mind before writing a specific character. And if certain ones seem too hard, start with the ones you feel more akin to. Once you're comfortable there, expand. Good luck!
Hero Of The Hazard – Emmeryn is probably the best speech maker around! Hence why I tore my hair out making the best speech I could for her, he he.
Oh my, we're shipping Ginette and Markus on first meeting. Nice. (Shh, don't tell anyone but I do too.)
Mr. Wobbly – Thanks! Speeches will always be the thorn in my toe when it comes to writing. So formal and eloquent...I, uh, am not sure how Lucina would react to that at this point, XD And holy cow, I forgot about Looking for Group! Richard's "Slaughter Your World" video was the rage back in the day. That's the good years with 8-bit theater and Order of the Stick. I should check in on those again and finish reading them!
Overlord Valkyrie – I actually refused to start this story without making a reason for why Robin ended up here. Thus the plot was born, horrible plot bunnies and all!
Thanks, glad the chapter did what I wanted it to. Only the best of speeches for the best Exalt around. They all did do well, didn't they. I felt proud writing the chapter at times just seeing how awesome they've become. It's far different playing the game and writing it.
All I'll say about Emmeryn's immediate future is that it's about to be dealt with. I'm sure the end of the chapter made that obvious. The next chapter in the game is probably going to be way different here...I'm sure that also answered where our famous Plegians villains are as well. As for Valm, it's doing it's thing for now. Tiki is still missing unfortunately. The rest will come with time, I'm afraid. I can't wait!
Zarelyn – Thank you! Yeah, there was mood whiplash everywhere. Seems like it was worth it though! Well, I can't say I didn't expect some reaction after writing that ending, ha ha. Ship away! The party yacht is only getting bigger per day!
faolae – Awesome! I spent two days on that stupid ceremony trying to invoke the right feels so it's nice the hard work paid off. Why so good at speeches indeed? I wish I pulled that off back in the day. I might have gotten more As than Bs, aha ha! Markus and Robin were my second favorite part outside of the ending just for those reasons. There's something so human about relating and understanding each others problems. The peace both found is fitting in the end.
HA! I have red flags hidden everywhere faolae. They all imply things. How bad are those things? Depends on what you piece together. You could be misinterpreting...or you could figure out the truth. I can't say yet I'm afraid.
timewastin – Lissa is too adorbs for life. Bless her character for existing because she can make the worst situation funny. XD
red lilies – Oh boy, don't get me started on Dragon Age 2. He rocketed himself into one of my top OTPs for that voice work. Fantastic actor all over though.
Trust me, the feeling is mutual. It's nice to breathe again. The past four chapters were a miniature experiment of sorts to address aspects of the avatar's character and an SI's reaction to the blunt reality of their predicament. It was a step outside my comfort zone toward darker subject matters but I felt the need to do it as that's the point of this whole fic. I'm glad to be back where it's lighter and more humorous again. Sorry if it felt off-putting at times, that's probably my fault as an author. The subject matter is very serious so I'd rather go all out than try to portray it as anything lighter than it was. Do tell where it seems like too many drama llamas are running around! I'll happily go back and edit parts that seem too soppy. I'm not aiming for melodramatic, but realistic. Point out my flaws and I'll be happy to reflect and edit them! : )
Gah, I don't want war to come either. I'd be happy just doing unconnected one-shots where everyone is happy and suffering the mishaps of everyday affairs. I'm so with you there. The inevitable heartbreak of war is going to suuuuuck. And regardless of whatever happens with Frederick and Emmeryn, I'm going to sink or swim with it. That's all I can say.