Part 32: Flames of the Blue: - Preparation

Chapter 14: Flames on the Blue



We have buyable Wards now, which are decent to have a unit be invulnerable to magic attacks. Inferior to spamming Rescue Staves though for EXP, though. The price is outrageous in comparison.



Let's begin the next mission.





Somehow our troubles feel a lifetime away out here.

Yet in truth, we're headed straight toward them... I should be grateful the Plegians delivered us this fleet, as promised. But it's my first time on a vessel, and my legs... I never fancied myself a sea captain.

This is my first voyage as well.

In my time, all ships were destroyed. Smashed to pieces, along with their ports.

Lucina... Something I've been meaning to ask... After you stopped Emm's assassination... Why didn't you stay with us?

I felt I had no other choice. I could not risk altering history any more than necessary. I sought only to divert events that directly led to Grima's return.

Hey, so wait—what about the guys who tried to kill Chrom in the gardens? What would've happened if you didn't save him?

He would have been gravely wounded. And those wounds would have played a part in the tragedies to come.

Whoa! Good thing you changed things, huh?

If indeed they have changed... The river of time always favors its original course. Take the exalt's death... I stalled it, yes, but in the end I was not able to prevent it.

...You did what you could.

I was so certain it was over.

That I'd saved the world. But time simply found another way back to its course. Perhaps the task is simply too great... Perhaps if I'd done something differently? I replay events in my head, over and over...

Don't. You did your best. And you saved me, after all.

You're kind, Father. But nothing is certain... Another could take your life. Time could find a way...

...Do you know how I die?

Only rumors... I was told you fell in a great battle, fought to sway your destiny.

...And that you were murdered—betrayed by someone dear to you.





Robin? What is it?

M-my head... I don't... F-forgive me. I'm fine.

......

After your murder and Grima's return, I took the name Marth and fought back. I prayed to the Hero-King for a small part of the strength he used to save the world. But I need this subterfuge no longer. I choose to fight as Lucina now. The name that reminds me of the strength in the man and woman who chose it.

A strength shared by the woman who bears it.

*Time passes*



Your tone tells me this is not good news.

Their troops vastly outnumber ours. Our vessels are half-full, at best. But every Valmese ship is packed from stem to stern with soldiers.

If we attempt to board them in a straight fight, we'll be slaughtered.

We've little choice but to try anyway. Plegia had no men to spare, but they were generous with other supplies...including oil. Perhaps a clever tactician could find a use for that.

Hmm... Perhaps she could.

If we can put their ships to flame, they'd have nowhere to escape to. We could—

You could roast us all like hams! Are you truly so eager to die, woman?!

Do you have a better idea, oaf?! ...The problem is we have no catapults. Hmm... How to get the lit oil on their decks without our own ships getting caught in the blaze?

Hmm... Unless we WANT our ships caught in the blaze...

Why in the gods' names would... Well, I know better than to question Robin. Especially not when she has that look in her eyes.

Gods save us from what she's cooked up this time—let's just hope it's not us!

Chrom, I have an idea.

Those words from your mouth are music to my ears, Robin.

But for my plan to work we'll need to disrupt their chain of command... Our strongest team would need to board their lead ship and kill their general. As our best captain I'd have you head the squad, but you ARE the prince, so...

Yes, I AM the prince, so no one can order me NOT to go. I will lead the assault!

Then this plan truly stands a chance.

Heh... So much has changed since we found you that day, lying in the open field... Hard to believe you determine the fate of our entire army now...our entire people. Destiny has a strange way.

...No, Chrom. Not destiny.

What?

We're not pawns of some scripted fate. I believe we're more. Much more.

How do you mean?

There's something between us all. Something that keeps us together... Like...invisible ties, connecting us. Giving us strength... WE forged these ties. WE strengthen them. If we preserve them, or break them, it will be by our choices, not some "destiny"...

...Robin...

I think this salty air might have gone to your head, hah!

All right, all right—perhaps enough philosophy for one day... There are still details to discuss.

Indeed there are! And preparations to be made! Oh, and, Robin... If we are all bound by these invisible ties, I thank the gods it's with you.

......

Now then, everyone! Look lively! We have work to do!



A bit cramped here with some Peg Knights to swoop in for sneak attacks, but on the whole much weaker than Paralogue 12.



Said Peg Knights are probably the toughest enemies, and they're weaklings compared to the Risen last mission. Ignatius is an interesting name, but otherwise not that threatening.



Voting time. Characters already in: Chrom, Anna, Henry, Morgan.

Choose 9 characters to come here with a twist: The character voted among the 9 with the lowest stats (excluding Olivia) will be given ALL the stat boosters. So if you want Vaike to be huge, you have to vote for him. Prove his tenure.

Vote HERE. Voting will end in about less than a day. Stats are updated on the 2nd post.